Photo catalog of Tursiops aduncus at the coasts of Sea of Japan in Yamaguchi and Shimane Prefectures.

Abstract

We created a photographic identification catalog of 10 Tursiops sp., sighted at Tsunoshima-island, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in March 2013. On the basis of morphology of beak and dorsal fin, they are thought to be Tursiops aduncus(Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin). After that, we reconfirmed eight individuals at off Kawajiri, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture in April 2013. Additionally, some individuals were also refound at the north coasts of Yamaguchi and Shimane prefectures from July 2006 to April 2015. These sightings suggest that identical groups of T. aduncus have inhabited waters around Yamaguchi and Shimane prefectures in certain period. As there is little information of bottlenose dolphins in Yamaguchi and Shimane prefectures, we will continue to obtain sighting data and individual information to clarify their seasonal distribution and life history.