A note on stomach contents of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Icelandic waters

Authors

  • Jóhann Sigurjónsson Marine Research Institute, PO Box 1390, 121 Reykjavik
  • Anton Galan Marine Research Institute, PO Box 1390, 121 Reykjavik
  • Gísli A Víkingsson Marine Research Institute, PO Box 1390, 121 Reykjavik

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2973

Keywords:

minke whales, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, diet, stomach contents, prey

Abstract

There is limited available information on food habits of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in coastal Iceland. Sixty-eight minke whales were examined for stomach contents; 51.5% contained fish only, 22.1 % krill (Euphausiacea) only, 25.0% fish and krill together, and one animal (l.5%) had no food remains in the stomach. The fish species identified were capelin (Mallotus villosus), sandeel (Ammodytidae), cod (Gadus morhua) and herring (Clupea harengus). Two species of krill were identified; Thysanoessa raschii and Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Sandeel was the dominant prey species in the western and southwestern areas, while capelin and krill were more frequently found in animals sampled in North Iceland.

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Published

2000-05-29

How to Cite

Sigurjónsson, J., Galan, A., & Víkingsson, G. A. (2000). A note on stomach contents of minke whales (<i>Balaenoptera acutorostrata</i>) in Icelandic waters. NAMMCO Scientific Publications, 2, 82–90. https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2973

Issue

Vol. 2: Minke whales, harp and hooded seals: Major predators in the North Atlantic Ecosystem

Section

Articles