What kind of dolphin is the Amazon river dolphin?

The Amazon river dolphin is a species of river dolphin that belongs to the genus Inia.

They are freshwater dolphins found only in the Amazon River basin. They are known as 'pink dolphins' or 'pink river dolphins' due to their pink coloration. They are also called 'boto' in the local language. Unlike other dolphins, they have flexible necks that can move from side to side. This adaptation is thought to have evolved to help them navigate the murky waters of the Amazon River, where tree roots and aquatic plants create a complex underwater environment. They also have smaller eyes and poorer eyesight compared to other dolphins, likely because they have evolved to rely on echolocation rather than vision to find prey in murky water. They have a long beak, a rounded head, and a stocky build. They are often solitary, but sometimes form small groups of a few to a dozen individuals.

What do Amazon river dolphins eat?

Amazon river dolphins are carnivores, primarily feeding on fish, such as piranhas and catfish, as well as crabs and turtles.

They use their sharp teeth to catch prey. They sometimes hunt alone, but often they hunt in groups, herding and encircling their prey. They also use echolocation to find prey, emitting sound waves to understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey. This ability allows them to hunt effectively even in the murky waters of the Amazon River.

[Quiz!] Why are Amazon river dolphins pink?

Amazon river dolphins are born gray, but as they grow older, their skin turns pink.

This is because the blood vessels beneath their skin become visible. Mature males, in particular, become a vibrant pink color. There is also a theory that they can change their skin color depending on the water temperature and their mood. The pink coloration may be a form of camouflage in the murky waters of the Amazon River.

[Quiz!] Is the Amazon river dolphin a mermaid?

There is a legend in the Amazon River basin about a 'boto,' or Amazon river dolphin, that shapeshifts into a human male to seduce women.

According to the legend, the 'boto' wears a hat to conceal the blowhole on its head. It transforms into a handsome man, lures young women to the river, and impregnates them. This legend may have originated from the Amazon river dolphin's friendly and curious nature towards humans.

[Quiz!] Are Amazon river dolphins endangered?

The Amazon river dolphin is listed as 'Vulnerable' (VU) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

Their numbers have been declining in recent years. The main reasons for this decline are human activities:

・Water pollution: The water quality of the Amazon River is deteriorating due to mining, agriculture, and sewage.

・Bycatch: They can be caught accidentally in fishing nets.

・Dam construction: Many dams have been built on the Amazon River, fragmenting their habitat.

・Hunting: They are hunted for their meat, oil, and teeth in some areas.

To protect Amazon river dolphins, we need to reduce water pollution, minimize bycatch, regulate dam construction, and ban hunting. It's also important for us to learn about the plight of the Amazon river dolphin and consider what we can do to help.