The tuxuci, or Sotalia fluviatilis, is a small dolphin averaging around 1.6m in length. It lives in the deeper waters of the Amazon river and the coastal waters of northeastern south America. It looks like a small bottlenose dolphin.

The tuxuci is not a true river dolphin, although it has been found 1500 miles up the Amazon river. It eats fish, prawns and crabs. It has a well developed echolocation system, probably necessary for feeding in the muddy Amazon waters.

This animal is found in groups up to 25 individuals. It is thought to be quite common along the Brazilian coast.

Physical Description:
Shares a similarity to the shape of a Bottlenose dolphin, but is smaller, with a pronounced demarcation of the thick beak from the sloping melon.

Coloration:
Overall it is adorned in a brownish-gray coloration, with a lightened cream color extending underside and with a dark gray that stretches from the dorsal downward, and on all fins.

Average Length/Weight:
They usually reach a length of 1.9 meters (6.25 feet) and weigh in between 32-36 kilograms (70-80 pounds).

Teeth:
They have 26-35 teeth which are located on both sides of the upper and lower jaws.

Food Sources:
Armored catfish and freshwater crustaceans compose the regular diet.

Habitat:
A small population is found to live with Amazon River dolphins, approximately 1,200 miles upstream the Amazon and further. They are found upon the coast of the Surinam as well as other coastal regions of South America.

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