Abstract

DEGRATI, Mariana et al. New record of a stranded sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and a review of strandings along the continental Argentine coast. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2011, vol.18, n.2, pp.307-313. ISSN 0327-9383.

We present a new record of sperm whale with notes on diet, age determination and a review of strandings along the continental Argentine coast. A complete necropsy was made in the field, and morphometric data were taken. The specimen stranded was a mature male of 64+ years old. This is the oldest specimen determined for a sperm whale in the Southwest Atlantic coast. In the stomach contents a total of 302 cephalopod lower beaks were recovered. Cestodes were present in the blubber but parasites were not found in stomach and intestine contents.

Keywords : Age determination; Continental Argentine coast; Sperm whale; Stranding.

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