Kingdom Animalia Superfamily Inioidea Phylum Chordata Rank Family | Infraorder Cetacea Scientific name Iniidae Higher classification Toothed whale Order Even-toed ungulate | |
Similar Cetaceans, Platanistidae, Amazon river dolp, Inia, Mammal | ||
Iniidae is a family of river dolphins containing one living and four extinct genera.
The dentition of Iniidae dolphins is heterodont, having conical, small teeth. The teeth extend lingually in the back and in the front they have a small depression on the side of each. These mammals are carnivorous, finding prey by using echolocation.
Breeding for Iniidae dolphins is seasonal, and varies according to food availability and water levels. A single offspring is produced per season. The gestation period is approximately 11 months, and they can produce offspring every year and a half. The lactation period is long, and calves stay with mothers for a few years before becoming dependent. The age of maturity is unknown, but thought to be at a few years old. Mating systems of this family are unknown, but scientists do know that females take after the young and look to be the limiting factor, which suggests a polygynous system.
Taxonomy
The family was described by John Edward Gray in 1846.
Current classifications include a single living genera, Inia, with one to three species and several subspecies. The family also includes three extinct genera described from fossils found in South America, Florida, Libya, and Italy.