Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin Skull

$393.00

Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin is native to the Amazon and most of its tributaries. This is a small species of dolphin, weighing 120 lbs. The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin feeds on various small crustaceans, squid and fish.

Description

Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin Skull Replica measures 12.9 inches. Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin Skull is museum quality polyurethane resin cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum dolphin skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis, alternatively known in Peru as bufeo gris or bufeo negro, is a species of freshwater dolphin found in the rivers of the Amazon basin.

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.

The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis physically, the species resembles the bottlenose dolphins, but differs sufficiently to be placed in a separate genus, Sotalia. The tucuxi or Sotalia fluviatilis is typically 4.9 feet in length. The dolphin is colored light to bluish gray on its back and sides.

The ventral region is much lighter, often pinkish. The dorsal fluke is typically slightly hooked. The beak is well-defined and of moderate length. There are 26 to 36 pairs of teeth in the upper and lower jaws. The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis has one of the largest known encephalization quotients among mammals.

The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis exists along much of the length of the Amazon River and many of its tributaries, and is found in Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, southeastern Colombia.

Numerous individuals have been seen in the Orinoco River further north, though it is not clear whether these are tucuxi or costero. The Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis occurs in freshwater habitats only.

Tucuxis Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis forage in tight groups, often chasing fish in rapid dashes just below the water surface, with fish jumping out of their way. Thirty species of fish are known to be prey, some living in protected lakes and channels, while others occur in fast-flowing rivers.

Tucuxis Gray River Dolphin or Sotalia fluviatilis have been observed to feed with other river dolphins. They feed on a wide variety of fish. Studies of growth layers suggest the species can live up to 35 years. The oldest known animal was 36 years of age.

Tucuxi Gray River Dolphin Facts:

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Infraorder: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Sotalia
Species: S. fluviatilis
Binomial name: Sotalia fluviatilis
Conservatoin status: Endangered

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Additional information

Weight 6.5 lbs
Dimensions 12.9 in
National Dolphin Day - April 14th

Each year on April 14th, National Dolphin Day recognizes the social and intelligent mammals of the water.