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Age estimation of marine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) in south-eastern Brazil

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2003

M.C. de O. Santos
Affiliation:
Projeto Atlantis/LabMar, Departamento de Ecologia Geral, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 05508-900
S. Rosso
Affiliation:
Projeto Atlantis/LabMar, Departamento de Ecologia Geral, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 05508-900
R.M.A. Ramos
Affiliation:
Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos, RJ, Brazil, 28015-620

Abstract

This study reports the age estimation of marine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis) found dead along the south-east coast of Brazil (24°40′S–25°30′S). The investigated specimens were collected from August 1995 to December 1998. Ages were estimated through the number of Growth Layer Groups (GLGs) from decalcified and stained thin sections of teeth. A total of 36 individuals was investigated. Estimated ages of marine tucuxis varied from zero to 29 years. The growth curve was attained from a modification of the von Bertalanffy equation applied to body length and age data. It was possible to estimate the total length of 97·8 cm in newborns, physical maturity was attained at seven years of age, and an asymptotic length of 179·8 cm.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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