Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris
Other Names: Snubfin Dolphin
Length: 7-8.5 ft. (2.1-2.6 m.)
Weight: 200-330 lbs. (90-150 kg.)
Teeth: 62-76

  Irrawaddy dolphins inhabits fresh water as well as marine water. They can travel ten miles or more up river. Like beluga whales, these dolphins also possess flexible necks and bodies. They are slow swimmers and surface with a slow, smooth roll. There have been reports of these dolphins cooperating with fishermen by driving fish into fish nets.

Description: The Irrawaddy Dolphin has a small, slightly curved dorsal fin and a tapered body. It has long flippers and its blowhole is set slightly to the left. The body color is dark gray above, light gray below. There is no beak and the face can easily change expression. Like the Beluga, the head can move freely due to the fact that only two vertebrae are fused. The upper jaw has 17-20 pairs of teeth, the lower jaw, 15-18 pairs. Body length is between 2.15-2.75m, and weight is between 90-150kg.

Recognition at sea: The Irrawaddy Dolphin is slow-swimming and inconspicuous, likely to be confused only with the dugong or Finless Porpoise. In both cases, the fact that the Irrawaddy Dolphin has a dorsal fin should be enough for positive recognition.

Habitat:  Irrawaddy Dolphins prefer warm, shallow coastal waters. Some have been found to inhabit freshwater rivers as far as 1300km from the sea.

Food & Feeding: Irrawaddy Dolphins seem to take fish dwelling in mid water and on the seabed. Squid and crustaceans may also be taken.

Behaviors: The typical family unit contains up to 6 individuals, but occasionally can number around 15. Irrawaddy Dolphins have been spotted leaping, spy hopping and tail slapping. Only one mass stranding of three animals has been reported. They can be quite tame, and take well to captivity.

Longevity: Approximately 30 years.

Estimated Current Population: Unknown, but considered 'locally common'.

The Influence of Man: Irrawaddy Dolphins, because of their habitat, come into contact with man regularly. They are killed for food in a small area, but in northern Australia they often become entrapped in fishing nets. They are deemed as sacred by fishermen in Vietnam and Kampuchea.

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