Cetacean stranding and diet analyses in the North Aegean Sea (Greece)

摘要: Cetacean stranding reports in the North Aegean Sea were recorded since 1998 from Strimonikos Gulf Chalkidiki up to Alexandroupoli on Turkish border and a few northern islands. On site, specimens examined identify species, gender, approximate age and, when possible, cause for stranding. A total of 26 filled stomachs five cetacean species collected 2002 analysed: bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (N = 8), common Delphinus delphis harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena 5), striped Stenella coeruleoalba 4) Risso's Grampus griseus 1). From analysed it was found that fed mainly snake blenny Ophidion barbatum (34%), bogue Boops boops (22%) round sardinella Sardinella aurita (13%); (17%), picarels Spicara spp. (10%) Cocco's lantern fish Lobianchia gemellaris (9%); Gobidae (four-spotted goby Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus 41% black Gobius niger 37%) (7%); Myctophydae (Madeira Ceratoscopelus maderensis 51%), Pfeffer's enople squid Abraliopsis morisii (8%); dolphin exclusively Teuthidae (31%), umbrella Histioteuthis bonellii (30%) reverse jewel H. reversa (14%). The present work represents first attempt investigate diet level several cetaceans Greek waters stranded Mediterranean Sea.