Lutra 59(1-2)_Bekker et al_2016

Supposedly lost syntype of the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis (Lesson, 1828)) traced back at the Ghent University Museum

Van Breda (1829) published the first extensive description of the rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis (Lesson, 1828). The whereabouts of the skull of the dolphin that Van Breda depicted, remained unknown. In the collection of the Ghent University Museum, skulls of three rough-toothed dolphins are present, without information on the locality or date of collection. The positions of the foramina in dorsal view of one of these skulls (MDV50426) perfectly match those in the depicted skull in Van Breda’s publication. Beyond reasonable doubt, this is the specimen described in Van Breda (1829) as Delphinus bredanensis Lesson, 1828. There are two syntypes referred to in the taxon Steno bredanensis Lesson (1828). The first is the animal later depicted in Van Breda (1829). The second is a specimen from Brest (Brittany, France), however no parts of this specimen seem to be available anymore. Therefore, the rediscovery of the skull MDV50426 is important.