Biological observation on a dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera accutorostrata), caught in southern Brazilian waters, with a new record of prey for the species

Abstract

In the late austral spring, a 3.43m long immature male dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera accutorostrata) was accidentally caught in a gillnet set in waters 143m deep, close to the continental slope off southern Brazil. A brief description of the specimen, including external measurements, colour patterns, reproductive status and skull measurements, is presented. The stomach was full of the euphausiid, Euphausia similis, and was heavily infested by anisakid nematode parasites. Euphausia similis is reported for the first time as a prey species for dwarf minke whales.