About Sotalia guianensis (P.-J.van Bénéden, 1864)
Overall Size
The Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, is often described as similar in appearance to the bottlenose dolphin, but it is typically smaller, reaching a maximum length of only 2.1 m (6.9 ft).
Body Coloration
The back and sides of individuals range in color from light to bluish grey, while the ventral region is light grey.
Head and Fin Structure
Its dorsal fin is usually triangular in shape and slightly hooked, and it has a well-defined, moderate-length beak.
Comparison to Tucuxi
The Guiana dolphin looks very similar to its close relative, the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), and most differences between the two are only visible in skull shape and body size.
Mass Comparison
The Guiana dolphin is the larger of the two species, with a maximum mass of 121 kilograms, compared to 53 kilograms for the tucuxi.
Sensory Capability
Researchers have recently found that the Guiana dolphin has an electroreceptive sense, and they speculate that other odontocetes may also have this ability.
General Habitat
The Guiana dolphin lives close to estuaries, inlets and other protected shallow-water areas along the eastern and northern coast of South America.
Geographic Range
It has been recorded as far south as southern Brazil, and as far north as Nicaragua, possibly extending to Honduras.
Environmental Tolerance
This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities.
