Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London (1908)

Abstract

(…) Once more I am indebted to the Director – Lieut.-Colonel F. W. Dawson – of the Trevandrum Museum for sketches and measurements of certain Cetaceans recently captured on the Travancore coast. These are represented by three specimens, referable to two species; they differ to a greater or less degree from the typical forms of all the Dolphins and Porpoises hitherto described from Indian waters, and from the world generally.

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The second species to which I have to refer on the present occasion is a representative of the Finless Porpoises, Neophocaena (Neomeris), taken by fishermen off Trevandrum in June last and purchased by the local museum. While agreeing in all general respects with the typical Neophocaena phocaenoides, this specimen (Pl. XLIV. fig. 2) differs by the circumstance that the purplish-red patches on the lips and throat are replaced by pale grey areas of corresponding shape; While there are likewise numerous irregularly disposed, narrow, lead-coloured streaks on the under surface of the lower jaw, not noticed in descriptions of the ordinary form. The general colour is uniform dark plumbeous, becoming gradually paler on the flanks and under-parts. (…)