#river dolphins

Researchers say they have made a startling discovery in the Amazon River. But their evidence wasn’t collected from the water—it could be seen from shore. After around 219 hours of observations, they can confirm that male Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), also known as botos, often roll onto their backs and urinate over three feet into the air. It isn’t random. The male botos appear to be peeing with a purpose. Over four years, a team from Canada’s CetAsia Research Group traveled to the Amazon river, where they then closely watched river dolphin social interactions. Researchers documented a total of 36 separate instances of male botos deciding to pee while floating in the unconventional position. The findings, presented in a recent study published in the journal Behavioural Processes, support rare, anecdotal stories of past boto behavior.

Read more and see video of the behavior (not work appropriate) at the link.

The Beautiful Boto

Also known as the Amazon river dophin or the pink river dolphin, the boto (Inia geoffrensis) is a species of toothed whale native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Because they reside mainly in rivers, lakes and mangroves, the boto occupies a large range; nearly 7 million square kilometers (435 thousand square miles). Despite being related to whales and dolphins, I. geoffrensis cannot tolerate saltwater and is only found in freshwater.

The Amazon river dolphin is the largest of the four river dolphin species, weighing in at 98-185 kg (215-407 lbs) and measuring 1 to 2.5 m (4-8 ft) in length. Males are larger than females, and are a bright pink to the females’ dull grey. A significant part of the length comes from the dolphin’s distinctive long snout, which is used to hunt for crustaceans and small fish. The boto’s body is designed to be highly flexible, which comes in handy when navigating through flooded forests. One adaptation in particular that makes I. geoffrensis stand out is the unfused neck vertebrae, which allows them to bend at up to a 90-degree angle. Botos also use echolocation to navigate murky river waters. which is enhanced by the large melon on their foreheads.

Breeding for the pink river dophin occurs between May and June, during the rainy season when flooding is at its peak. Males will fight for access to females, and will also perform courtship displays that involve carrying a number of objects-- like branches, fish, or even live turtles-- and slapping them into the water. Successful pregnancies last 11 months, and after giving birth mothers raise their young in the slow-moving waters of flooded forests. Weaning takes about a year, although mother-child pairs will often stay together for much longer. The average lifespan of the boto can be anywhere from 10 to 26 years, as they have no natural predators.

Outside the mating season, I. geoffrensis is a solitary creature. It’s rare to see groups of more than three at a time, and do not heavily defend set territories. However, they are very curious and have been known to readily approach canoes or play with debris in the water. Individuals have also been seen hunting fish in loose cooperation with other species like giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis). The bota is crepuscular, active mainly at dawn or dusk, and generally stay close to the surface of the water. Deep dives are rare, as they can only hold their breath for 110 seconds.

Conservation status: Hunting pressure and pollution, as well as dam building and deforestation, are major threats to the amazon river dolphin, which has been classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Conservation efforts are being made, but the species is difficult to keep or breed in captivity so most work is being done in the wild.

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Photos

Sylvain Cordier

River dolphins are dying by the dozens in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest over the past week, along with thousands of fish. Experts warn that worse could follow if water temperatures remain elevated due to a severe drought in the region. The Mamiraua Institute, part of Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, reported the discovery of over 100 dead river dolphins over the past…

The Madrigals would be Amazon River Dolphin mermaids 🐬 💗 ! Keeping with the whole Colombian setting 🇨🇴 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♂️ . Also known as the boto.

In Amazonian folklore, boto dolphins are highly revered and thought to have magical powers. What better animal to represent the Madrigals. Also just like the Madrigals, Botos have been known to help people (by herding fish into nets or leading fishermen to fish). So in that vein the Mer-Madrigals would regularly help humans , as well as other merfolk. All while living in the secret underwater city known as Encante

While they’d still have their same gifts from the movie, Camilo could be the only one who can shapeshift into a human . He’d disguise himself as a human to either help human villages or cause mischief. Mer!Camilo is basically like a boto encantado

Like Bruno, legend says the boto can also give you terrible visions, mostly nightmares. So Mer!Bruno can not only see horrible visions, but make other people see horrible visions too. Not doing any favors for his social life.

Instead of a magic candle , their gift is stored in a magic lotus. If the lotus dies they lose their gift.

As for the in-laws…

Felix could be a manatee:

Agustin can be an arapaima: