Amazon river dolphin

Also known as Inia geoffrensis, boto, pink river dolphin

species of mammal

AI overview

The Amazon river dolphin is a mammal that lives in South American rivers, making it one of the few dolphin species adapted to freshwater environments rather than oceans. It matters because it serves as an indicator of the health of Amazon river ecosystems and represents an important part of the region's unique biodiversity.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Endangered

Amazon river dolphin

Species

PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderCetartiodactyla
FamilyIniidae

Habitatfreshwater

Observations1,028

Maximum longevity: 31.3 years (captivity) Observations: It is estimated that these animals can live up to 30 years in the wild (http://www.demogr.mpg.de/longevityrecords), but maybe longer. One captive specimen lived 31.3 years (Richard Weigl 2005).

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: Inia.jpg

Show 6 more facts

taxon name: Inia geoffrensis
Commons category: Inia geoffrensis
Commons gallery: Inia geoffrensis
taxon common name: toliña del amazones
gestation period: 1
short name: I. geoffrensis

Sources (3)

via Wikidata · CC0

~32 min read

Article

The Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as the boto, bufeo or pink river dolphin, is a species of toothed whale endemic to South America and is classified in the family Iniidae. Three subspecies are currently recognized: I. g. geoffrensis (Amazon river dolphin), I. g. boliviensis (Bolivian river dolphin) and I. g. humboldtiana (Orinoco river dolphin). The position of the Araguaian river dolphin (I. araguaiaensis) within the clade is still unclear. The three subspecies are distributed in the Amazon basin, the upper Madeira River in Bolivia, and the Orinoco basin, respectively.

The Amazon river dolphin is the largest species of river dolphin, with many adult males reaching 185 kilograms (408 lb) in weight, and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) in length. Adults acquire a pink color, more prominent in males, giving it its nickname "pink river dolphin". Sexual dimorphism is very evident, with males measuring 16% longer and weighing 55% more than females. Like other toothed whales, they have a melon, an organ that is used for bio sonar. The dorsal fin, although short in height, is regarded as long, and the pectoral fins are also large. The fin size, unfused vertebrae, and its relative size allow for improved maneuverability when navigating flooded forests and capturing prey.