Rough-Toothed Dolphins (Steno bredanensis) Catch Diskfishes while Interacting with Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Abrolhos Bank Breeding Ground, Southwest Atlantic

Abstract: We provide a summary of interactions between humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) observed during a long-term study conducted at the Abrolhos Bank off Brazil, with additional notes on the behaviour of both cetacean species. One dolphin caught and likely preyed on a diskfish (Echeneidae) while interacting with the whales, these latter displaying avoidance behaviour. This encounter may be regarded as a negative interaction with short-term and nonlethal impacts on the whales. In addition, we present evidence that the sharksucker (Echeneis naucrates) is preyed on by the rough-toothed dolphin while interacting with the whales.

Key Words: humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis, remora, Echeneis naucrates, interspecific interaction, feeding behaviour, sharksucker

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1578/AM.30.2.2004.327

Page Numbers: 327-329

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