The Nutrition of Acclination vs. Newly Captured Tursiopstruncatus
M. B. Cates; J. P. Schroeder
Two groups of Tursiops truncatus-one in captivity for over six
years and the other captured in the Mississippi Sound and transported to Hawaii in April
1984-were monitored monthly for weight changes and daily for food consumption and caloric
intake. During this time, at least three major diet changes occurred, due to unavailability of
specific fish species and to poor quality of some of the substituted species. Chemical analysis
and gross energy measurements were performed on all lots of fish. Similarities were noted
between the two groups as reflected in weight change patterns and caloric requirements. It
appears that newly captured animals, even after a long-distance transport, permanent change of
environment and several diet changes, adapt readily, showing almost identical nutritional
responses as the established group of animals.