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Platanistidae - Ganges river dolphins

There is one species of dolphin in this family. The Ganges river dolphin is found in the the Ganges and Indus Rivers and their tributaries, streams, and lakes in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Ganges river dolphins have long, slender, flat beaks that are wider at the tip; dome-shaped foreheads; and broad, curved flippers. They have long sharp teeth that can be seen even when their moths are closed. Their dorsal fin is only a few inches in height and is more like a lump than a fin. They are brownish-gray above and a lighter grayish-brown to pink on their bellies.

World Status Key
Least ConcernLeast Concern Near ThreatenedNear Threatened VulnerableVulnerable EndangeredEndangered Critically EndangeredCritically Endangered extinct in the wildExtinct in Wild extinctExtinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in US Threatened in New Hampshire Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in US Endangered in NH Endangered in NH Introduced Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

  New Hampshire Species

 

  North/Central American Species

None   None

Other Species Around the World

Africa Africa Asia Asia Australia Australia/Oceania Europe Europe North America North America South AmericaSouth America New Hampshire Species NH Species

Ganges River Dolphin - Platanista gangetica Endangered Asia
 
 

Additional Information

Key: profile Profile Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio

Ganges River Dolphin - Platanista gangetica profile Photos Endangered Asia
The Ganges river dolphin is found in the the Ganges and Indus Rivers and their tributaries in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience:General Reading Level: Middle School

Ganges River Dolphin - Platanista gangetica profile Photos Video Endangered Asia
The Ganges river dolphin has a very long beak.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Ganges River Dolphin - Platanista gangetica profile Photos Endangered Asia
The Ganges river dolphin feeds on fish, invertebrates, and possibly turtles and birds.
Source: Convention on Migratory Species Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School

Ganges River Dolphin - Platanista gangetica profile Photos Endangered Asia
The Indus River Dolphin is a subspecies of the Ganges River dolphin. They are slightly smaller than the Ganges River dolphin.
Source: NOAA Fisheries Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School