Rare Killer Whale sighting in Lakshadweep

Zainul Abid, P M and Utthamapandian, U and Vishnu, C B and Durga, V and Anto, Alvin and Monolisha, S and Ratheesh Kumar, R (2024) Rare Killer Whale sighting in Lakshadweep. Marine Fisheries Information Service, Technical and Extension Series (260). p. 40. ISSN 0254-380X

Text MFIS_260_2024_Ratheesh Kumar.pdf Download (394kB)

Abstract

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are the apex marine predators distributed widely in open sea and coastal waters throughout the world’s oceans. During our marine mammal survey in Lakshadweep waters on 28th April, 2024, two killer whales were sighted at latitude 11.75361N and longitude 72.7475E (off Chetlat). Of the two orcas, one was larger with a length of about 7 m and the other one was of approximately 5 m. The depth of the sighting area was 1700 m and the closest distance from the shore was 4 nautical miles. The initial cue of sighting was the water spouts and a large dorsal fin observed approximately 300 m away from our research vessel. The height of water spouts from the expiration was nearly 2 m. The observed average blow interval was 44 seconds with a minimum interval of 7 seconds and maximum of 200 seconds. Upon close examination and photographic evidence, their unique body coloration of black and white patterns confirmed the species identification as a killer whale (Orcinus orca), from the family Delphinidae.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Killer Whale; Orcinus orca
Subjects:	Marine Mammals > Whales Marine Mammals Marine Fisheries > Conservation
Divisions:	CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Biodiversity, Environment and Management Division Subject Area > CMFRI > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Biodiversity, Environment and Management Division CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Biodiversity, Environment and Management Division Subject Area > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Biodiversity, Environment and Management Division
Depositing User:	Arun Surendran
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2024 05:46
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2024 05:46
URI:	http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/id/eprint/19031

Actions (login required)

View Item