La Plata Dolphin [Pontoporia blainvillei]
Description
Also known as the Franciscana, the La Plata Dolphin is a species found in coastal Atlantic waters of southeastern South America. It is a small dolphin species, with adults ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 meters in length. It has a long, slender beak filled with numerous small, sharp teeth, and a flexible body. The species is grayish brown in color with lighter undersides. La Plata Dolphins are known for their elusive behavior and are considered one of the least understood of all the cetaceans. They are usually seen alone or in small groups, and are known to be very shy. Their diet consists mainly of fish and squid. The species is threatened by factors such as bycatch and habitat degradation.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Cetaceans
Cetacea
|
| Family |
Franciscanas
Pontoporiidae
|
| Genus |
La Plata Dolphin
Pontoporia
|