MYOGLOBIN IN PELAGIC SMALL CETACEANS

摘要: Although myoglobin (Mb) is considered to contribute significantly the oxygen and diving capacity of marine mammals, few data are available for cetaceans. Cetacean by-catch in tuna driftnet fisheries Sulu Sea, Philippines, afforded opportunity examine Mb content distribution, determine muscle mass composition, Fraser's (Lagenodelphis hosei) spinner (Stenella longirostris) dolphins a pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata). Age was estimated by body length determination. Stomach contents were analyzed presence or absence milk solid foods. It hypothesized (a) that concentration ([Mb]) would be higher than other small cetaceans because known mesopelagic distribution their prey, (b) [Mb] vary among different muscles according function during diving, (c) increase with age development. The results as follows. (1) Myoglobin concentrations longissimus adult (6.8-7.2 g 100 g-1 muscle) (5-6 an immature (5.7 those reported previously (2) varied types but not calves; adults, swimming had did non-swimming muscles, contained 82-86 % total Mb, constituted 75-80 mass. (3) increased size 3-4 times greater adults calves. high measured primary locomotory these pelagic consistent foraging behaviour suggest also deep-diving species. epaxial, hypaxial abdominal groups support functions suggested anatomical studies. As species, development probably parallels capacity.