Amazon Pink River Dolphin

Pink Amazon River Dolphin

Amazon river dolphins have low, ridge-like dorsal fins on their backs. They have long slender snouts, plump bodies , and “cheeks” with sensory whiskers, as well as, bulbous foreheads. They reach up to 2.8 meters in length and 180 kilograms in weight , making them the largest of the six river dolphin species.  The Amazon river dolphins are also pink due to a combination of genetics, diet, and environmental factors. Young dolphins start grey and get pinker with age. Dolphins use a blow hole to breathe. They close it when diving and open at the surface for air.

The pink river dolphins live in freshwater habitats in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. You will find them in the deltas, Inland river systems, streams, flooded Forrests and submerged grasslands. They are located in the following South American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. 

River dolphins are active and social animals that spend their days feeding, traveling, socializing and resting. Dolphins live in pods. Most pods contain anywhere from 2-30 dolphins.  They socialize, play and hunt together. They also use clicks, whistles, and body language to communicate and navigate. When playing, river dolphins interact with turtles snakes and fish. They throw sticks and pull grass underwater. When resting, dolphins are often motionless at the surface of the water, but they may also swim very slowly and steadily to the surface.  

After a long rest, the dolphins typically feed in the early morning or late afternoon. Amazon river dolphins eat fish, shrimp, crabs and turtles. They hunt by using echolocation to navigate in the murky waters of the Amazon River, emitting high pitched clicks and listening for echoes. They have a unique set of teeth, including molars, which help them crush and chew their food. When swallowed, they regurgitate the indigestible parts like bones and spines.

Pink river dolphins have a wide range of prey. As for predators, this dolphin has few. Amazon river Dolphins are apex predators in their environment, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. Their few natural predators include: Jaguars, anacondas, caimans and humans. Jaguars, as well as caimans and anacondas have been known to prey on sick or smaller and younger dolphins.  Humans activities such as fishing, habitat destruction, pollution and dam construction pose the biggest threats to the pink river dolphins.