New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts
DIET AND FEEDING HABITS OF THE SPERM WHALE (PHYSETER CATODON L.) IN THE COOK STRAIT REGION OF NEW ZEALAND
D. E. Gaskin
M. W. Cawthorn
Fisheries Research Division, Marine Department, Wellington,
Abstract
Stomachs of 151 sperm whales were examined at the Tory Channel whaling station in 1963 and 1964. In nine stomachs examined quantitatively there was a 1.69:1 ratio of squid to fish by weight. Some gastroliths were found. The weight of fresh food varied from 12.70 to 105 kg.
Two samples of lower mandibles from squids totalling 2,118 specimens were separated into 11 types and subtypes with the help of a previously published key by M. R. Clarke. These types have been designated: Ai, Aii, Aiii; Bi, Bii, Biii; and C, D, E, F, and G. Some beaks (2.36% of the total) could not be grouped into these categories.
Onychoteuthid squid made up the bulk of the stomach contents by number and weight. The following squid were identified:
Nototodarus sloanei, Histioteuthis cookiana, Architeuthis sp., and
Moroteuthis sp. The most common fish in the stomachs were:
Polypriori oxygeneios (groper),
Genypterus blacodes (ling),
Hoplostethus sp., an unidentified eel, and
Jordanidia solandri (southern kingfish). Other species recorded included
Zeus faber (John Dory),
Koinga kirki (spined dogfish),
Myctophus humboldti (lantern fish),
Echinorhinus cooki, and
Echinorhinus sp. or
Dalatias sp. Quantitative estimates suggested that commercial species of fish were usually less than 32% of the contents by weight.
The feeding habits are discussed.
N.Z. Jl mar. Freshwat. Res. 2: 156-79
Received for publication, 11 November 1966
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1047K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
This year's abstracts |
Journal home page |
All abstracts |
Publishing home page
