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19 June 2013
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Chinese river dolphin, baiji
Lipotes vexillifer

One captive Chinese river dolphin, Qi-Qi (male), provided most of all known information about this species.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 1.4-2.5m, Weight: 100-160kg.

Physical description
Chinese river dolphins are grey with a paler belly. They have a long, narrow beak, which is slightly upturned, and a very low, triangular fin.

Distribution
They inhabit the Yangtzekiang river in China.

Diet
Chinese river dolphins feed on fish.

Behaviour
They typically live in groups of 3-4, and are active from early evening to early morning.

Conservation status
Chinese river dolphins are classified as Critically Endangered by the 2000 IUCN Red List





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