Natura Croatica Issue number: Natura Croatica, Vol. 9 No.3

Preliminarna krivulja rasta i dužina tijela dobrih dupina Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) iz Jadranskog mora

Authors: Sandra Pribanić, Danijela Mioković, Darko Kovačić

Authors and affiliation

  • Sandra Pribanić Institute of Physiology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
  • Danijela Mioković Department for the marine research, »Ruđer Bošković« Institute, Rovinj, Croatia
  • Darko Kovačić Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, Trg kralja Petra Svačića bb, 44324 Jasenovac, Croatia

Abstract

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.

Keywords

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

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