engleski

Preliminary growth rate and body lengths of the bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) from the Adriatic Sea

The age of a sample of 20 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (12 females, 7 males and one of unknown sex) was determined by counting the growth layer groups (GLGs) formed in the dentine. Preliminary growth rates for the bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea were established using the Gompertz equation and the Fishery Science Application Program. The growth curve derived was found to be similar to that of other Tursiops populations. Growth parameters, age of physical maturity and body length of a newborn specimen were also calculated. The preliminary data collected represent the first information on stranded dolphins found in the Croatian part of the Adriatic.

bottlenose dolphin; Tursiops truncatus; age determination; growth layer groups; growth rate; Adriatic Sea

nije evidentirano