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A multiple gestation in a Delphinus delphis stranded on the north-western Spanish coast

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 1999

Angel F. González
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Eduardo Cabello 6, E-36208 Vigo, Spain
Alfredo López
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Eduardo Cabello 6, E-36208 Vigo, Spain
Pedro Benavente
Affiliation:
CEMMA-CES, Apartado 100, E-36980 O Grove, Spain

Abstract

The present study is the first record of twinning in Delphinus delphis. The first foetus was a female of 72 cm total length which had a curved caudal area. This animal was located in the left uterine horn, very close to the genital aperture. The second foetus was a male of 46 cm total length and its external morphology was deformed. It was located in the uterus and the nose was shorter than the female foetus. Documented incidences of twinning in cetaceans are rare.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 1999 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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