External features of the dusky dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828) from Peruvian waters
Van Waerebeek, K. (1993). External features of the dusky dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828) from Peruvian waters. Estud. Oceanol. 12: 37-53
In: Estudios Oceanológicos. Universidad de Antofagasta. Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas: Antofagasta. ISSN 0071-173X; e-ISSN 0719-0824, more
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| Keywords |
Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
colouration, external morphology, dusky dolphin, population, Southeast Pacific. |
| Abstract |
Individual, sexual and developmental variation is quantified in the external morphology and colouration of the dusky dolphin Lagenorhynchus obscurus from Peruvian coastal waters. No significant difference in body length between sexes is found (p = 0.09) and, generally, little sexual dimorphism is present. However, males have a more anteriorly positioned genital slit and anus and their dorsal fin is more curved, has a broader base and a greater surface area than females. Although the dorsal fin apparently serves as a secondary sexual character, the use of it for sexing free-ranging dusky dolphins is discouraged because of high overlap in values. Relative growth in 25 body measurements is characterized for both sexes by multiplicative regression equations. The colouration patterns of the dorsal fin, flank patch, thoracic field, flipper stripe and possibly (X2, p = 0.08) the eye patch, are independent of maturity status. Flipper blaze and lower lip patch are less pigmented in juveniles than in adults. No sexual dimorphism is found in the colour pattern. The existence of a discrete “Fitzroy” colour form can not be confirmed from available data. Various cases of anomalous, piebald pigmentation are described, probably equivalent to so-calles partial albinism. Adult dusky dolphins from both SW Africa and New Zealand are 8-10 cm shorter than Peruvian specimens, supporting conclusions of separate populations from a recent skull variability study. |
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