Known for its unique and fascinating characteristics, exhibits a remarkable ability to swim upside down, a behavior believed to enhance its vision. This adaptation is particularly advantageous as their chubby cheeks pose a hindrance to downward visibility when they swim upright.
With a distinctive long and plump body, the Amazon river dolphin displays varying coloration throughout its life stages. Newborns sport a dark grey tint, transitioning to light grey in adolescence and eventually turning pink in adulthood due to repeated abrasion of the skin surface. They possess long, thin snouts housing up to 140 teeth, and instead of a dorsal fin, a noticeable ridge adorns their back.
In addition to their unique physical traits, Amazon river dolphins are known for their playful nature. They engage in activities such as playing with logs, pulling at underwater grass, and interacting with turtles and other aquatic animals. Despite their playful demeanor, they are not picky eaters, boasting the most diverse diet among toothed whales, consisting of 53 different fish species. This adaptability and playful behavior contribute to the Amazon River dolphin’s intriguing and multifaceted existence in the aquatic ecosystems of the Amazon River.
Distribution
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
VenezuelaDid you know?
- They can swim upside down to promote better vision, as their chubby cheeks are an obstacle to seeing downward when they are upright.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
