Everything about The Tucuxi totally explained
The
Tucuxi (
Sotalia fluviatilis) is a
dolphin found both in the rivers of the
Amazon Basin and in the coastal waters to the north and east of
South America. The word "tucuxi" (pronounced too-koo-shi) is derived from the
Tupi language word
tuchuchi-ana and has now been adopted as the species' common name. Despite being found in similar geographic locations to 'true'
river dolphins such as the
Boto, the Tucuxi isn't closely related to them genetically. Instead it's classed in the
oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). Physically the species, particularly the marine variety, resembles the
Bottlenose Dolphin. However, it isn't related closely enough, and is given its own
genus,
Sotalia.
Description
The Tucuxi is frequently described (see three references below) as looking similar to the Bottlenose Dolphin. However it's typically smaller, in particular the riverine ecotype (150cm) which is smaller than its marine counterpart (up to 210cm). The dolphin is coloured light to bluish grey on its back and sides. The ventral region is much lighter, often pinkish in the riverine ecotype and a lighter gray in the marine. The
dorsal fin is typically slightly hooked, particularly so amongst the riverine groups. The beak is well-defined and of moderate length.
Distribution
The marine Tucuxi is found close to estuaries, inlets and other protected shallow water areas around the east to north South America coast. It has been reported as far south as Southern
Brazil and north as far as
Nicaragua. One report exists of the animal reaching
Honduras.
The riverine Tucuxi exists along much the length of the
Amazon River and many of its tributaries, and is found in
Peru, south-east
Colombia, eastern
Ecuador. Plenty of examples have been seen in the
Orinoco River further north, though it isn't clear whether these are riverine or lost marine individuals.
Behaviour
Both marine and freshwater exist in small groups of about 10-15 individuals, occasionally up to 30 in marine environments and swim in tight-knit groups, suggesting a highly developed social structure. Tucuxis are quite active and may jump clear of the water (a behavior known as Breaching), somersault, spy-hop or tail-splash. They are unlikely however to approach boats.
Tucuxis have been observed to feed with other river dolphins. They feed on a wide variety of fish. Studies of growth layers suggest that the species can live up to 30 (marine) to 35 (river) years.
Conservation
The Tucuxi is endemic to the regions described above and, although no precise estimates of population are available, it's common. Possible natural predators are the
Orca and
Bull Shark. Such predation hasn't been observed. A significant human problem are fishing nets. Reliable figures don't exist on the number of Tucuxis accidentally killed each year due to entanglements. Another major problem in some areas is boating and tourism. Small fishing boats sometimes collide with the Tucuxi dolphins which are not fast enough to swim out of danger in time to avoid these collision. Deliberate hunting in the Amazon Basin, for food or for use as shark bait at sea, has also been reported. Pollution, in particular
mercury poisoning of
water due to
gold-mining, is a particular concern for this species, which exists only close to shore.
Tucuxis are observed not to maintain good health and attitude in captive environments. A few Tucuxis remain in captivity in European aquaria.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Tucuxi'.
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