Tucuxi
(Sotalia fluviatilis)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT THREATS
CURRENT STATUS
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is a small freshwater dolphin found in the rivers and floodplains of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Unlike its larger and better-known relative, the Amazon river dolphin (boto), the tucuxi belongs to the oceanic dolphin family and is closely related to coastal dolphins.
Tucuxis are fast-moving and agile, often traveling in small groups through rivers, lakes, and seasonally flooded forests. They play an important role in maintaining healthy river ecosystems and are considered indicators of freshwater habitat health.
SPECIES RANGE
The tucuxi is distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and parts of Bolivia. It inhabits a wide variety of freshwater environments, including large rivers, tributaries, lakes, and flooded forests.
Seasonal flooding allows tucuxis to move between habitats, which is essential for feeding and breeding. Barriers to river connectivity can disrupt these natural movements and isolate populations.
THE PROBLEMS
One of the greatest challenges in protecting the tucuxi is the lack of comprehensive data on population size distribution and health. Without reliable baseline information, it is difficult to assess risk or measure the effectiveness of conservation actions.
At the same time, human pressures in the Amazon are accelerating. Increased development, fishing intensity, and pollution are occurring faster than conservation solutions can be implemented, placing freshwater dolphins at growing risk.
WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WHY
The National Marine Mammal Foundation works alongside local scientists, veterinarians, and conservation partners to support research, health assessments, and capacity building for freshwater dolphin conservation in the Amazon.
Through collaborative field programs, such as Operation GRACE, NMMF helps advance dolphin health monitoring improves understanding of human impacts, and supports evidence-based conservation strategies. By strengthening local expertise and sharing scientific knowledge, NMMF aims to protect vulnerable species like the tucuxi while supporting the communities that depend on healthy rivers.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support helps protect the marine mammal species through Operation GRACE and the National Marine Mammal Foundation’s science-driven research, veterinary expertise, and conservation action. Donations directly support health assessments, rescue and response efforts, and collaborative fieldwork with local experts to better understand threats, improve survivability, and protect the river ecosystems these dolphins depend on.
