Ganges river dolphin

Also called 'susu', the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) can range from 2.3 up to 2.6 meters in length, and the distaff side is usually bigger than the male ones. Coloration are gray to black, but with a lighter shade present at the ventral part. Its tail fluke has an impressive width of 46 centimeters, end to end. Ganges River Dolphins have sloped foreheads and dorsal fins - which is not that obvious to the human eye.

Neck flexibility is something the Ganges River Dolphin does not have, and its eyesight is also bad. They are not capable of building images in their retinas. Still, this dolphin could detect light and go after prey via echolocation process. They are known to swim at any part of the day, and while at it, they ceaselessly produce sounds (they never get tired, in both the swimming and the noise-making).

Groups of three up to ten members have been seen in the past, but more often than not, "alone" is the apt word for the Ganges River Dolphin. Longevity is quite impressive, it is thought of by many researchers that it could reach 26 years, but that naturally, is the average.

These animals are primarily found in the India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangledesh in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Karnaphuli, and Hoogli river systems. In dry seasons, they are inclined to migrate, leaving places where the temperatures go up drastically. Not only the temperatures, but also the salinity of the water.

The Ganges River Dolphin consists mainly of fish and shrimps. According to IUCN, these dolphins are now 'vulnerable.

Interesting fact: Why are Ganges river dolphins called "susu"? Answer: this is very close to the sounds (sneeze-like) they produce when breathing.