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    Pontoporiidae – La Plata dolphin

    The smallest of the river dolphins and the only one that swims in saltwater oceans

    La Plata dolphins are under 2m (6.6ft) in length and weigh less than 50kg (110 pounds). They are found in the estuaries and shallow waters along the southeast coast of South America. La Plata dolphins live in small pods of 4-6 individuals. These unique cetaceans also have the longest beaks (snout) and are equipped with 242 teeth!

    They hunt together by swimming in a circle around their prey before catching the tiny fish, crustaceans, and squid with their fantastic beaks. La Plata dolphins swim slowly and quietly, only raising their heads above the surface just enough to breathe. As a result, they are rarely seen, earning the nickname ‘ghost dolphin.’