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Guiana Dolphin

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description Guiana Dolphin Overview

The Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, is a small dolphin found in coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and rivers along parts of the Atlantic coast of Central and South America. It ranges from Nicaragua and Honduras southward through Brazil, although its distribution is not continuous. The species is also known as the estuarine dolphin and is distinguished from the closely related tucuxi by its primarily coastal and estuarine ecology.

help Guiana Dolphin FAQ

What is the scientific name and range of the Guiana dolphin?

The Guiana dolphin is Sotalia guianensis, a coastal dolphin of the western Atlantic. It occurs from Nicaragua and Honduras south through Brazil, using bays, estuaries, mangroves, and lower river reaches.

Is the Guiana dolphin the same as the tucuxi?

No. The Guiana dolphin is Sotalia guianensis and is mainly coastal, while the tucuxi is Sotalia fluviatilis and is associated with freshwater Amazonian rivers; the two were once treated as one species or closely confused.

What does the Guiana dolphin eat and how large are its groups?

It feeds mainly on fish in shallow, productive waters, often around mangroves and muddy bottoms. Groups commonly number about 2 to 15 dolphins, although larger aggregations are also reported.

Why is the Guiana dolphin threatened?

It is listed as Near Threatened by IUCN-related sources, with bycatch in gillnets, pollution, and habitat loss among the main risks. Its strong site fidelity means damage to a bay or estuary can affect resident groups.

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