Tucuxi
Sign in to saveThe tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), alternatively known in Peru bufeo gris or bufeo negro, is a species of freshwater dolphin found in the rivers of the Amazon basin. The word tucuxi is derived from the Tupi language word tuchuchi-ana, and has now been adopted as the species' common name. Despite being found in geographic locations similar to those of 'true' river dolphins such as the boto, the tucuxi is not closely related to them genetically. Instead, it is classed in the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae).
Article
14 sectionsContents
- Description
- Taxonomy
- Distribution
- Food and foraging
- Behaviour
- Threats
- Medicinal use
- Magic and religious use
- Fishing
- Habitat degradation and loss
- Conservation
- See also
- References
- External links
The tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), alternatively known in Peru bufeo gris or bufeo negro, is a species of freshwater dolphin found in the rivers of the Amazon basin. The word tucuxi is derived from the Tupi language word tuchuchi-ana, and has now been adopted as the species' common name. Despite being found in geographic locations similar to those of 'true' river dolphins such as the boto, the tucuxi is not closely related to them genetically. Instead, it is classed in the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae).
Physically, the species resembles the bottlenose dolphins, but differs sufficiently to be placed in a separate genus, Sotalia. The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), a related dolphin present in coastal and estuarine environments and formerly grouped together with the tucuxi, have recently been recognized as a distinct species.
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Fauna listed on CITES Appendix IFauna of the AmazonIUCN Red List endangered speciesMammals described in 1853Mammals of BrazilMammals of ColombiaMammals of EcuadorMammals of PeruOceanic dolphinsSpecies that are or were threatened by being bycatchSpecies that are or were threatened by dammingSpecies that are or were threatened by habitat loss