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29 November 2009
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Irrawaddy, snubfin dolphin
Orcaella brevirostris

In Vietnam, these dolphins are seen as sacred, and fisherman will release trapped individuals from their nets. They have also been known to drive fish into nets, although this is possibly accidental.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 2.1-2.6m, Weight: 90-150kg.

Physical description
Irrawaddy dolphins are a light colour, with a large melon and an indistinct beak. They have a small, blunt dorsal fin and large flippers.

Distribution
Irrawaddy dolphins live around Indonesia, northern Australia, and southeast Asia, in coastal regions and large rivers.

Diet
They feed on fish.

Behaviour
Irrawaddy dolphins live in groups of 2-10.

Conservation status
They are classified as Data Deficient by the 2000 IUCN Red List.




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