Hybridization in the wild between Tursiops truncatus (Montagu 1821) and Delphinus delphis (Linnaeus 1758)

PLoS One. 2019 Apr 16;14(4):e0215020. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215020. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

A case of intergeneric hybridization in the wild between a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and a short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), considered members of 'vulnerable' and 'endangered' subpopulations in the Mediterranean, respectively, by the International Union of Conservation of Nature is described in this paper. The birth of the hybrid was registered in the Bay of Algeciras (southern Spain) in August 2016, and the animal has been tracked on frequent trips aboard dolphin-watching platforms. This unique occurrence is the result of an apparent ongoing interaction (10 years) between a female bottlenose dolphin and common dolphins. The calf has a robust body with length similar to Tursiops, while its lateral striping and coloration are typical of Delphinus. It displays the common dolphin's 'criss-cross' pattern. However, the thoracic patch is lighter than in D. delphis and its dorsal area is light grey, with a 'V' shape under the dorsal fin. This paper also provides a comprehensive mini-review of hybridizations of T. truncatus with other species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bottle-Nosed Dolphin / genetics
  • Bottle-Nosed Dolphin / physiology*
  • Chimera / genetics*
  • Common Dolphins / genetics
  • Common Dolphins / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hybridization, Genetic*
  • Male

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the University of Seville providing salary to the author JCG-G and Research foundation of University of Seville (project FIUS18/0014) providing salaries to LO-P, supporting with logistics, material and management. RE as Honorary collaborator of the department of Zoology (University of Seville). Dolphin Adventure provided payed personnel [LH, RE, EM] and research platforms. The funding organisations did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the 'authors contributions' sections.