by 7 people |
Inia Geoffrensis
In the world of dolphins, there are several species, shapes and colours to take place in the Ocean and Rivers. Some of these forms of dolphins are more rare than others, but are able to take their rightful place among the water dwellers.
One of the more rare species is the Amazon River Pink Dolphin, also known as the Boto. (Scientific name: Inia Geoffrensis)
The way of living with this dolphin, as well as the legends that it has left behind is what distinguishes it from other types of dolphins.
(Images under GNU license)
One of the more rare species is the Amazon River Pink Dolphin, also known as the Boto. (Scientific name: Inia Geoffrensis)
The way of living with this dolphin, as well as the legends that it has left behind is what distinguishes it from other types of dolphins.
(Images under GNU license)
Facts about Pink Dolphins
The Facts and the MythsThe Pink Dolphin is one that is known specifically because of where it dwells. This species is found in the Amazon River and the Orinoco River in South America.
Unlike most other dolphins, The Pink Dolphin does not live in the ocean, but instead is known because it remains in these rivers. It is one of only four species of dolphins that only lives in fresh water, setting them apart from other species by this alone.
Despite myths and legends in the Amazon, the Pink Dolphin is now known to be one of the smartest animals, specifically in the area of aquatic life.
When monitoring the behaviour of the Pink Dolphin, they were found to have a capacity of brain power that was 40% larger than humans, which shows their distinguishing features with how they live.
In the Amazon...
there are myths about this dolphin and it's powers. The Boto, in these legends, is said to turn from man to dolphin, known as an encantado, or shape shifter. From this myth were dolphins that would find young women that were on the shore and impregnate them. It is said that this is the way that it is because of the similarities between certain body parts of the Boto and humans. From this, other superstitions have continued to arise in the area about the nature and the power of the Pink Dolphin.
What do Pink Dolphins Eat?
Pink Dolphin Feeding
The Pink Dolphin is known as a predator of smaller fish that are in the Amazon area. Most likely, you will see a Boto catching turtles, crabs, catfish and crustaceans.
The way that Pink Dolphins are able to survive off of these hard shelled animals is through their teeth. All of their teeth are very sharp, which allows them to catch and keep their prey. The Pink Dolphin has about 30 teeth, all which are in the front, and all which allow them to have their supper through other river life.
When Pink Dolphins are feeding, they will not eat alone. While they travel alone through the river, once they find a school of fish that seems like a good meal, they will call other dolphins with a specific sound, which will let them know that there is food for everyone to eat.
The Pink Dolphin is known as a predator of smaller fish that are in the Amazon area. Most likely, you will see a Boto catching turtles, crabs, catfish and crustaceans.
The way that Pink Dolphins are able to survive off of these hard shelled animals is through their teeth. All of their teeth are very sharp, which allows them to catch and keep their prey. The Pink Dolphin has about 30 teeth, all which are in the front, and all which allow them to have their supper through other river life.
When Pink Dolphins are feeding, they will not eat alone. While they travel alone through the river, once they find a school of fish that seems like a good meal, they will call other dolphins with a specific sound, which will let them know that there is food for everyone to eat.
How do Pink Dolphins Reproduce?
Pink Dolphin Reproduction
The reproductive system of the Pink Dolphin is one that differs from other types of aquatic life because of the close attachments from the babies. Pink dolphins will take a longer time to mature sexually, and only move to this point when they are at their full body length. There is a mating season, as well as rituals that are held by the dolphins at the end of the summer and include specific sounds that are made.
A dolphin becomes pregnant through the baby being grown for 9 - 12 months inside the womb of the mother. Once the baby dolphin, or calf, is born, it will stay attached to it's mother for an average of 3 years, only leaving once it does not need to feel protected and can find a group of dolphins that are of similar age to it. Out of this time frame, an average of one and a half years will be used for nursing off of the mother.
The reproductive system of the Pink Dolphin is one that differs from other types of aquatic life because of the close attachments from the babies. Pink dolphins will take a longer time to mature sexually, and only move to this point when they are at their full body length. There is a mating season, as well as rituals that are held by the dolphins at the end of the summer and include specific sounds that are made.
A dolphin becomes pregnant through the baby being grown for 9 - 12 months inside the womb of the mother. Once the baby dolphin, or calf, is born, it will stay attached to it's mother for an average of 3 years, only leaving once it does not need to feel protected and can find a group of dolphins that are of similar age to it. Out of this time frame, an average of one and a half years will be used for nursing off of the mother.
Pink Dolphin Habitat
The habitat of Amazon River Pink Dolphin is limited to the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, shown in the picture above.
Pink Dolphin Anatomy
Boto Anatomy
The large distinction of the Pink Dolphin is that it is a brighter color pink. This is because of the water area that the dolphins are in. The fresh water causes them to be this lighter color, and gives them the distinct features. Most of them will grow to be an average of 10 feet, with the males being slightly larger.
Another difference in the features with this dolphin is the formation of it's vertebrae. This allows it to turn it's head up to 180 degrees. The formation of this; however, has also caused the dolphin to have a hump on it's back, instead of a fin, unlike other dolphins have.
Conclusion
The difference that the Pink Dolphin has is one that has caused it to be a distinct species in the wild. Through the habitat that it has chosen, as well as the ways in which it is able to live, have all allowed it to become a noticeable animal.
The large distinction of the Pink Dolphin is that it is a brighter color pink. This is because of the water area that the dolphins are in. The fresh water causes them to be this lighter color, and gives them the distinct features. Most of them will grow to be an average of 10 feet, with the males being slightly larger.
Another difference in the features with this dolphin is the formation of it's vertebrae. This allows it to turn it's head up to 180 degrees. The formation of this; however, has also caused the dolphin to have a hump on it's back, instead of a fin, unlike other dolphins have.
Conclusion
The difference that the Pink Dolphin has is one that has caused it to be a distinct species in the wild. Through the habitat that it has chosen, as well as the ways in which it is able to live, have all allowed it to become a noticeable animal.
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Reader Feedback
aj2008 wrote...
I did not know anything about pink dolphins until I landed on this lens.
Posted May 10, 2009
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DOran wrote
I like cheese.
Posted April 08, 2009
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AWESOME DOLPHIN wrote
GRAY DOLPHINS
Posted April 04, 2009
__anton__ wrote...
Dolphins are wonderful creatures and I have heard that they are very intelligent. I would love to see some swimming in the wild someday, can you imagine actually swimming with them, that would be an unforgettable event!
Posted March 14, 2009
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