Status: | Species: | Common Name: | Last Update: |
---|---|---|---|
Offline | Inia geoffrensis | Boto | ----- |
The Family Iniidae consists of river dolphins, primarily found in freshwater systems of South America, such as the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. The most well-known member is the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), often called the boto. Members of this family have adaptations for life in murky, freshwater habitats, including long, slender beaks, flexible necks, and echolocation for navigating and hunting fish. They are generally solitary or found in small groups and play an important role as apex freshwater predators, helping maintain balanced aquatic ecosystems. Iniids are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and human activities.