Here are some facts about the Amazon River Dolphin.
- The Amazon River Dolphin is a freshwater dolphin.
- They are only found in the water of the Amazon River, the Orinoco River and the Araguaia River.
- An Amazon River Dolphin is also often referred to as a Pink River Dolphin, a Boto or a Bufeo.
- They can grow up to lengths of more than 2.5 metres.
- The dolphins vary in colour. Some are gray and some are pink.
- They eat a range of food, including: shrimp, piranha, crabs, small turtles and catfish.
- Amazon River legends describe how some of the dolphins are shape-shifters and can leave the river in human form. Other traditional tales say that dolphins can give you nightmares if you stare into their eyes.
- It is thought that the Amazon River Dolphin population is in decline, but there is not enough accurate data yet to say this with certainty.
- They have few natural predators, but have reportedly been killed by jaguars, caimans and anacondas.
- The dolphins use echolocation to find their prey in the muddy and murky river water.
- They don’t have a dorsal fin, instead they have a humped back.
What next? Discover some facts about the Amazon River.
