Baleen whale stranding in Sasihitlu beach of Karnataka

摘要

A baleen whale was found stranded (Nud13°03.643', E 74°46.737') on 13.9.13 in the Sasihitluudbeach of Karnataka (Fig.1). Ceteaceans are splitudbetween two main groups - Odontoceti (toothedudwhales) and Mysticeti (baleen whales). Differentudgroups of marine mammals have different feedingudecologies. Mysticetes (baleen whales) feed onudshoaling fishes and small invertebrates. Baleenudwhales are batch feeders, taking in large amountudof prey and filtering them from the waters. Theyudtake huge quantity of water with the aid of theirudexpandable throat.