Euphrosyne Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen)Author(s): Patrick SmiddySource: The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Vol. 23, No. 4 (Oct., 1989), p. 159Published by: Irish Naturalists' Journal Ltd.Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25539433 .

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Ir. Nat. J. Vol. 23 No. 4 1989 159

In none of the strandings listed above was the cause of death apparent but one individual bore

evidence of incidental capture in a fishing net.

Although apparently common around Britain and Ireland, only nine strandings (16 individuals) were recorded in Ireland prior to 1972 (CEO'R) and only four strandings (six individuals) since then. The large number reported here is therefore remarkable.

We would like to acknowledge the help of Mr D. Osborne in obtaining specimens.

Department of Zoology, University College, Cork SIMON BERROW

Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co Cork PATRICK SMIDDY

COMMON DOLPHIN DELPHINUS DELPHIS L.

Individual common dolphins were found stranded at the Cunnigar, Dungarvan Bay, Co Waterford

(X2789) on 16 November 1988; Ballybranagan Strand, Co Cork (W9161) about 22 January 1989; and Knockadoon Head, Co Cork (X0870) on 14 June 1989. The Dungarvan dolphin was badly decomposed and measured about 2.0m. It had 43 teeth in the left lower jaw. The Ballybranagan dolphin was fresh when stranded and the diagnostic markings were plain but no measurements were

taken. The Knockadoon dolphin was in fairly good condition with most of the skin still intact showing the colour pattern. It had 45 teeth in the top right jaw. It was a male and measured about 2.3m. In the

case of the first and last mentioned dolphins the characteristic deep palatal grooves were noted. I am

grateful to Ken Preston for providing me with information on the Ballybranagan dolphin.

Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co Cork PATRICK SMIDDY

On 13-14 March 1989 I inspected the carcass of a small dolphin at high-tide mark on a rocky beach east of Spiddal, Co Galway (Ml422). It had apparently been washed up in a storm a few days

previously. It was about 2.14m long and had sustained minor damage to the flukes and back fin, and to

the beak, which was at least 9cm in length. The teeth were conical and about 3-3.5mm at the alveolus,

and although a few were missing, it was apparent that there were at least 40 in each half of each jaw.

Using Fraser (F. C. 1976 British whales, dolphins and porpoises. BM(NH), London), this combination of characters is sufficient to identify the animal as either a Stenella sp or D. delphis. It

was readily distinguished as the latter from the pair of deep groves in the palate, when this was

removed and cleaned.

In colour the animal was a fairly uniform grey-black, quite lacking the normal characteristic

spectacular marking. However the colours soon fade after death and another * black' specimen is

described in Dorman (J. 1987 Ir, Nat. J. 22: 360).

I am indebted to Mr Dara Connlon for bringing the animal to my attention.

Department of Zoology, University College, Galway J. S. FAIRLEY

EUPHROSYNE DOLPHIN STENELLA COERULEOALBA (MEYEN)

In early March 1989 a dolphin was reported to me as having been stranded at Knockadoon Head,

Co Cork about two weeks before (about mid February). However, when I checked the area it was

nowhere to be found. Then on 28 April less than 1km from the original site, I found the skull of a

dolphin with some flesh still attached. The remainder of the carcase could not be found and it was

obviously stranded for some considerable time.

I compared it with the skulls of other dolphin species in my possession and with photographs of that of a euphrosyne dolphin (Smiddy 1986 Ir. Nat. J. 22: 167) and it fitted the latter in every respect.

After referring to Duguy and Robineau (1973 Ann. Soc. Sci. Nat. Charante-Marit. suppl. 93pp.) I

identified it as euphrosyne dolphin. The tip of the beak was badly damaged but even allowing for this it would have had about 35 teeth on each side. It lacked the deep palatal grooves of Delphinus delphis L. and the premaxillaries were not fused. The skull has been deposited in the University College

Musuem, Cork, Reg. No. UCC 5.89.

Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co Cork PATRICK SMIDDY

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