![]() ![]() ![]() It grows up to 2.7 m (8. ‘Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Degeneration in Stranded Pygmy ( Kogia breviceps) and Dwarf ( Kogia sima) Sperm Whales.’ Aquatic Mammals. 2007, 33(2): 214-222. Physical Characteristics: The dwarf sperm whale is the smallest species commonly known as a whale. Reference: Bossart GD, Hensley G, Goldstein JD, Kroell K, Manire CA, Defran RH, Reif JS. Please contact Dr Stephens should you have any questions. This blog was written by Dr Nahiid Stephens. MUCRU and Dr Stephens would like to thank DPaW and in particular DWO Chris Phillips for their efforts to allow us this rare opportunity to study this individual.įor more information about Murdoch University’s Marine Mammal Health Project, click HERE. Orange material from C1/C2 stomach compartments – presumed crustacean exoskeleton (photo courtesy of Murdoch University PhD candidate Elitza Germanov).įurther histopathological investigation continues, including detailed examination of the heart to rule out cardiomyopathy and myocardial degeneration as a potential cause of stranding, as has been reported in Kogia sima and Kogia breviceps (latter = Pygmy Sperm Whale) from the coastal US Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico (Bossart et al 2007). C1 and C2 stomachs also contained numerous squid beaks and otoliths, indicating recent feeding fragments of translucent orange material that broke up easily with gentle handling were also present (Image 2), they are believed to be semi-digested portions of crustacean exoskeletons. These giant mammals must hold their breath for up to 90 minutes on such dives. ![]() nematodes was present however no overt cause of stranding was identified on gross post-mortem examination. Sperm whales are known to dive as deep as 3,280 feet in search of squid to eat. Changes present within the reproductive tract confirmed the individual to be a sexually mature adult female a small amount of milk was present in the mammary glands, and so it may have been separated prior to stranding from a dependent juvenile/calf. Morphometric measurements and a genetics sample (to confirm species and characterise any regional genetic differences) were taken the individual was in good to excellent body condition. This was a very valuable opportunity – relatively little is known about this species and most existing information comes from the study of stranded individuals. Wildlife Officer Phillips very kindly transported the carcase to Murdoch University, where a post-mortem examination was carried out on 1st April by veterinary pathologist Dr Nahiid Stephens. The sperm whale has even developed a position to protect itself from attackers, the so-called marguerite formation: heads together and tails facing outwards. Taken in the field immediately following euthanasia (photo courtesy: DPaW DWO Chris Phillips). Dwarf sperm whale stranded in Jurien Bay, Western Australia. ![]()
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