Saturday 15 June Boto (Inia geoffrensis) Boto fact file - Find
out more - Print factsheet The boto is probably the best known
of the five river dolphins. It has an extremely distinctive
shape with a long, plump body, paddle-shaped fins and a ridge
along the back rather than a dorsal fin (4). The head consists
of a bulging forehead (known as the 'melon'), small eyes, chubby
cheeks and an extremely long beak, which may hold up to 140
teeth (2). Probably the most striking feature of the boto,
however, is its colour, which varies from bluish grey to white
(5), and even pink (2). Botos have extremely flexible necks, as
some of the vertebrae are unfused; they are able to move their
head in most directions (4). Local people have often regarded
the boto with suspicion and there are a number of myths
surrounding the species, such as one in which dolphins turn into
handsome men in order to seduce young girls (6). - Also known as
- Amazon River dolphin, boutu, pink river dolphin. - Dauphin De
L'Amazone, Inia. - Bufeo. T