Contents of the digestive tract of a false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) stranded in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Central East Atlantic)

Abstract

The digestive system contents of one male false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens stranded on the northeast coast of Gran Canaria in March 1996 were analysed. The stomach contained cephalopod beaks and parasitic nematodes and parasites comprised the bulk of the intestinal contents. At least six cephalopod species were present, the most important by number being Thysanoteuthis rhombus, Argonauta sp. and ommastrephids. Most of the cephalopod species represented inhabit the epipelagic zone.