Description of respiratory rhythm for white whales (<i>Delphinapterus leucas</i>) in captivity

Abstract

Parameters of external respiration are considered for white whales Delphinapterus leucas living in captivity on the observations in 2009-2012. Low respiration rate (on average 2.2 ± 0.3 breath per minute) and short apnea phase (no more than 1.7 minutes) were observed in the first days after the catch, but both parameters returned to normal values (3.0 ± 0.2 breath per minute, apnea up to 5.1 minutes) in the next 10-34 days. The respiration rate in the morning is higher in comparison with the evening. The respiration rate dependence on the whales motor activity, their age, and water temperature is discussed, as well.

Keywords

• белуха
• условия неволи
• частота дыхания
• дыхательная пауза
• двигательная активность