Variation of age and total length in Sotalia guianensis (Van B??n??den, 1864) (Cetacea, Delphinidae), on the coast of Esp?-rito Santo state, Brazil

摘要

Variations of age and total length of Sotalia guianensis from the state of Esp?-rito Santo, Brazil, were evaluated. Specimens were found stranded. Age and total length of 44 Guiana dolphins were assessed based on tooth analysis. Age varied between 0.5 year and 33 years (mean = 8.23 years). Most specimens were between zero and 6 years old (47%). Total length varied from 119 cm to 198 cm, with mean of 172.52 cm. Asymptotic length was reached at 185 cm and approximately 5-6 years of age. Mean total length and age were higher than in other regions of the distribution range of the species. Nevertheless, more studies have to be carried out to evaluate the morphological variations in S. guianensis populations in the study area and Brazil.