Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Observations on the whales Balaenoptera edeni B.musculus and Megaptera novaeangliae washed ashore along the Indian Coast with a note on their osteology.

Volume 34 Issue 1&2

R. S. Lal Mohan

Abstract

The Baleen whales Balaenoptera edeni, Balaenoptera musculus and the Megaptera novaeangliae have reported from the Indian Coast. The skull of a B. edeni washed ashore in Dhanuskodi Island in the Gulf of Mannar and that of Megaptera novaeangliae from the Malabar Coast were studied. The identity of B. edeni was confirmed based on the study of its nasal bones. Biological significance of the occurrence of whales washed ashore along the Indian Coast is also discussed.

Date : 31-10-1992