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Pink Dolphin

Pink dolphin usually refers to the Amazon river dolphin (*Inia geoffrensis*), a freshwater toothed whale found in South American river systems.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The pink dolphin most commonly refers to the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), a freshwater toothed whale found in South American river systems. It is known for its pinkish colouring, flexible body, and status as a conservation concern in parts of its range. The name can also be used more broadly for other river dolphins that may appear pinkish.

Taxonomy and naming

The pink dolphin is most commonly identified with Inia geoffrensis, the Amazon river dolphin. Common names include boto and bufeo, and some sources note that other river dolphins may also be called pink dolphins.

Description

Amazon river dolphins are freshwater cetaceans with a distinctive pinkish colour, especially in adults. They are also noted for their flexible bodies and river-dwelling adaptations.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins across several South American countries. It lives in rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest habitats.

Ecology and conservation

Pink dolphins feed on fish and other aquatic animals and are affected by habitat fragmentation, contamination, and river infrastructure. Conservation sources describe the species as vulnerable in some areas and endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Key facts

  • The term most often refers to the Amazon river dolphin, also called the boto or pink river dolphin.
  • It lives in freshwater, not the ocean, and is found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
  • The species is known for its pinkish colour, which can become more pronounced with age or activity.
  • It is considered a conservation concern because of dams, pollution, and other threats.
  • Sources describe it as one of the largest freshwater dolphins.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pink dolphin?
It usually refers to the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), a freshwater dolphin from South America.
Where do pink dolphins live?
They live in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, including rivers in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.
Why are pink dolphins pink?
Their colour varies, but adults can appear pinkish; sources also note that the colour can become more noticeable with age or excitement.
Are pink dolphins endangered?
Conservation sources say the species is under threat, with some populations classified as vulnerable and the species listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Are pink dolphins ocean dolphins?
No. The main species called pink dolphin is a freshwater dolphin, not a marine dolphin.

References

  1. World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/amazon-river-dolphin
    Supports: Common name, freshwater habitat, range, population estimate, and conservation threats
  2. World Land Trust — https://www.worldlandtrust.org/species/amazon-river-dolphin/
    Supports: Endangered status on the IUCN Red List and freshwater distribution
  3. WWF — https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/wildlife_practice/profiles/mammals/pink_river_dolphin
    Supports: Scientific name and recognized subspecies
  4. BBC Science Focus Magazine — https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/amazon-pink-river-dolphin
    Supports: Common names, range, size, and freshwater dolphin description
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_river_dolphin
    Supports: Scientific name, family, and commonly recognized taxonomic framing