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Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Grey‑brown body, lighter belly

Short, hump‑like fin on back

Wide, well‑developed tail fluke

Long, thin beak, wider at tip

Tiny dot‑like eyes, rely on sound

Prominent, steeply rising forehead

Long, broad flippers for swimming

  • Length: Medium river dolphin measuring 2–3 metres long

  • Group Size: Mostly solitary; loose groups of three to ten

  • Key Features: Long upturned beak, steeply-rising forehead, tiny eyes, stocky body and low, rectangular dorsal hump

  • Behaviour: Side‑swimming; constant echolocation; short, frequent dives

  • Habitat: Freshwater Ganges–Indus rivers, tributaries, eddies, bends

  • Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

Ganges River Dolphin 1.jpg
Ganges River Dolphin 3.jpg
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