Examination of the stomach contents from a Mediterranean sperm whale found south of Crete, Greece

Abstract

The stomach contents from a male sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, first located floating a short distance off the south coast of Crete were examined. The remains within the stomach consisted almost exclusively of cephalopod mandibles, or beaks, though other material was found including a piece of rigid plastic mesh. Of the beaks found, 1714 were upper beaks and 2178 were lower beaks, that were used to identify the species. A total of seven species was identified, all of which have been previously recorded in the eastern Mediterranean though are rarely caught by man. Of these Histioteuthis bonnellii was found to be the most important species in terms of both weight and numbers. Although it must be borne in mind that the whale may not have followed its normal feeding habits prior to its premature death, an important insight into its prey items can be revealed. This is the first documented account of the stomach contents of a sperm whale from the Mediterranean, and helps to complete a global record of sperm whale diets.