A specific display observed during agonistic behavior among captive Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was examined. The primary component of the display was an open-mouthed posture accompanied by violent vertical head motions and the emission of pulse-type vocalizations. Jaw-clap behavior produced during the display was quantified for use as an index of aggressive motivation. By aurally monitoring the animals' vocalizations it was found that the level of aggressive response between the participants of the interactions increased with the production and subsequent duration of burst-pulse sounds. The possibility of burstpulse sounds resulting in auditory or tactile discomfort when directed toward conspecifics is discussed.

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A total of 64 stranded cetaceans from the northeast USA and southeast Florida Gulf coastlines were sampled for bacteria during the period 1984 to 1990. Thirty-six individuals were dead when examined and 27 were alive but died shortly after stranding; one was released. Cultures were recovered from a variety of external and internal surfaces. Species of Vibrio were isolated from all Florida strandings; V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. damsela represented 35% of the total number of isolates (382). Vibrios were recovered from 10 individuals from the northeast; the 3 species above accounted for 17 % of the total (139) and were most common from strandings between May and September. Other bacteria which represented 2 5 " A of the total number of isolates in one or both areas included Edwardsiella tarda, A4organella/Proteus/Provjdencja spp., Pseudornonas putrefaciens, and other pseudomonads. Some geographical differences were noted.

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