Evidence of feeding by the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in mid-latitude waters of the western South Atlantic

摘要: The humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, is a highly migratory species distributed in all oceans of the world. It has been indicated that humpbacks do not normally feed while their tropical breeding grounds or during migration. Here we document first evidence recent feeding southern Brazil, mid-latitude area western South Atlantic Ocean. On 4 April 2002, carcass 7.27 m whale incidentally caught Rio Grande Sul, was collected. Investigation stomach contents revealed had ingested large amounts small shrimp Acetes americanus (Decapoda: Sergestidae), as well planktonic larvae unidentified Brachyura. Applying average swimming speed recorded for this on coast, and mean time passage food through digestive tract another balaenopterid, can estimate some 20.7 nautical miles off coast. This demonstrates productive waters south-eastern Brazilian coast may occasionally be used by whales an opportunistic zone, adds A. new prey whale. There other baleen also sometimes region.