The utility of microsatellites for managing captive Tursiops truncatus was
investigated. Specifically the level of genetic diversity among the loci ex
amined and their usefulness for resolving paternity was assessed. Overall a
relatively low level of genetic variation was found among captive dolphins
. In addition, a high percentage of common alleles was found among dolphins
belonging to different morphotypes (inshore versus offshore). The implicat
ions of these findings are discussed and suggestions are given for the use
of genetic markers in captive propagation programs for T. truncatus.