The diet of the minke whale in Greenland - A short review

Information on the diet of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Greenland waters is reviewed. The knowledge is based on reports by whale catchers in Greenland, supplemented by limited scientific studies of stomach contents. The available material indicates that capelin (Mallotus villosus) is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:NAMMCO Scientific Publications
Main Author: Pia Barner Neve
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 2000
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.7557/3.2974
https://doaj.org/article/dc727542749b48d28adfbb06ed17efa0
Description
Summary:Information on the diet of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Greenland waters is reviewed. The knowledge is based on reports by whale catchers in Greenland, supplemented by limited scientific studies of stomach contents. The available material indicates that capelin (Mallotus villosus) is the predominant prey item in Greenland waters, particularly in coastal areas. In offshore areas, sand eel (Ammodytes spp) is consumed rather frequently, and krill (euphausids) appears to play a certain role in some areas or periods.