Ecosystem Roles
Irrawaddy dolphins are top ecosystem predators, feeding on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. They are hosts for parasites including roundworms (Anisakis simplex), flukes (Braunina cordiformis), and tapeworms (Monorygma delphini). Healthy dolphin populations indicate a healthy marine ecosystem.
Ecosystem Impact: keystone species
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
- roundworms (Anisakis simplex)
- flukes (Braunina cordiformis)
- tapeworms (Monorygma delphini)
- Boran, J., A. Hoelzel, P. Evans. 2009. "Whales, porpoises and dolphins." (On-line). Accessed April 24, 2010 at http://www.service-board.de/ascobans_neu/files/ac16/AC16_31_OrderCetacea_SWF.pdf.
In the latest article
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Trusted
Orcaella brevirostris
Source information
©1995-2012, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
© The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
View source
Supplier:
Animal Diversity Web
Editor: Paul Detwiler, Mesa College of San Diego
Editor: Tanya Dewey, University of Michigan
Author: Melissa Koss, Mesa College
Author: Lucretia Mahan, Mesa College
Author: Sam Merrill, Mesa College
Koss, M.; L. Mahan and S. Merrill 2011. "Orcaella brevirostris" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 04, 2012 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Orcaella_brevirostris.html
Revisions
- 2012-05-08 08:51:25 UTC
- 2011-08-23 05:34:35 UTC
- 2011-08-22 07:10:18 UTC
