Tucuxi

[fern]

Tucuxi

Zoo Admin

Author: Luna Sundiver

Keywords: marine, dolphins

Originally Released Apr 21st, 2006 at Zoo Admin
Current LS_tucuxi_v1.ZTD dated 21 April 2006

File Size: 2.7 MB

Compatibility: MM and CC

Description: The Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is a dolphin found both in the rivers of the Amazon Basin and in the coastal waters to the north and east of South America. The word "tucuxi" (pronounced too-koo-shi) is dervied from the Tupi (the language of the Mayanas Indians) word tuchuchi-ana and has now been adopted as the species' common name. Despite being found in similar geographic locations to 'true' river dolphins such as the Boto, the Tucuxi is not closely related to them genetically. Instead it is classed in the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). Physically the species, particularly the marine variety, resembles the Bottlenose Dolphin. However, it is not related close enough, and is given its own genus, Sotalia.

The Tucuxi is frequently described as looking similar to the Bottlenose Dolphin. However it is typically smaller, in particular the riverine ecotype (150cm) which is smaller than its marine counterpart (up to 210cm). The dolphin is coloured light to bluish grey on its back and sides. The ventral region is much lighter, often pinkish in the riverine ecotype and a lighter gray in the marine. The dorsal fin is typically slightly hooked, particularly so amongst the riverine groups. The beak is well-defined and of moderate length.

The marine Tucuxi is found close to estuaries, inlets and other protected shallow water areas around the east to north South America coast. It has been reported as far south as Southern Brazil and north as far as Nicaragua. One report exists of the animal reaching Honduras. The riverine Tucuxi exists along much the length of the Amazon River and many of its tributaries, and is found in Peru, south-east Colombia, Ecuador. Plenty of examples have been seen in the Orinoco River further north, though it is not clear whether these are riverine or lost marine individuals.

Both marine and riverine ecotypes exists in small groups of about 10-15 individuals, occasionally up to 30 in marine environments and swim in tight-knit groups, suggesting a highly developed social structure. Tucuxis are quite active and may jump clear of the water, somersault, spy-hop or tail-splash. They are unlikely however to approach boats.

Tucuxis have been observed to feed with other river dolphins. They feed on a wide variety of fish. Studies of growth layers suggest that the species can live up to 30 (marine) to 35 (river) years.

The Tucuxi is endemic to the regions described above and, although no precise estimates of population are available, it is common. Possible natural predators are the Orca and Bull Shark. Such predation has not been observed. A significant human problem are fishing nets. Reliable figures do not exist on the number of Tucuxis accidentally killed each year due to entanglements. Deliberate hunting in the Amazon Basin, for food or for use as shark bait at sea, has also been reported. Pollution, in particular mercury poisoning of water due to gold-mining, is a particular concern for this species, which exists only close to shore.

Tucuxis are observed not to maintain good health and attitude in captive environments. A few Tucuxis remain in captivity in European aquaria.

[fern]

Additional info:

LS_tucuxi_v1.ZTD                         uca: 93F15057 dated 21 April 2006

Results From Configuration Checking:

93f15057.uca date: Fri Apr 21 23:14:12 2006
*** Warning: The [] section is unnecessary and could be removed.
***** Error: LCID is set to 2057 but [2057] section does not exist.
*** Warning: uca/ai file contains the word 'Undefined'.
*** Warning: uca/ai file contains 'fPlay()'.
*** Warning: BehaviorSet sections contain duplicate lines.
Animal Type: 93F15057

Tucuxi

The Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) is a dolphin found both in the rivers of the
Amazon Basin and in the coastal waters to the north and east of South America.
The word "tucuxi" (pronounced too-koo-shi) is dervied from the Tupi (the
language of the Mayanas Indians) word tuchuchi-ana and has now been adopted as
the species' common name. Despite being found in similar geographic locations
to 'true' river dolphins such as the Boto, the Tucuxi is not closely related
to them genetically.

Instead it is classed in the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). Physically
the species, particularly the marine variety, resembles the Bottlenose
Dolphin. However, it is not related close enough, and is given its own genus,
Sotalia.
    (plus 6 other paragraphs)

Animal Characteristics:

Habitat: Aquatic; Location: South America
Minimum happiness needed for chance of breeding: 96.
Animal can swim in tanks and must stay in tanks.
Cannot be used in original Zoo Tycoon: cKeeperFoodType (10) is not 0 to 5.

Exhibit Preferences:

Foliage:
Water Lily, Water Reed, Sea Anemone (MM), Barnacles (MM)
Brittle Sea Star (MM), Clam Bed (MM), Orange Cup Coral (MM)
Divercate Tree Coral (MM), Feather Duster Worm (MM), Fire Coral (MM)
Kelp (MM), Sea Lettuce (MM), Red Gorgonian (MM), Sargassum (MM)
Sand Dollar (MM), Sea Cucumber (MM), Sea Star (MM), Seaweed (MM)
Sea Grass (MM), Sea Sponge (MM), Stove Pipe Sponge (MM), Tube Worm (MM)
Purple Sea Urchin (MM)

Rocks:
Small Ocean Floor Rock (MM), Medium Coral Formation (MM)
Large Ocean Floor Rock (MM), Medium Ocean Floor Rock (MM)
Large Coral Formation (MM), Iceberg (MM), Isle Rock (MM)

Other specifically liked items:
Giant Pacific Clam (MM), Treasure Chest (MM), Deep Sea Diver Statue (MM)
Advanced Trick Area (MM), Dolphin Ball (MM), Orca Ball (MM)
Dolphin Hoop (MM), Orca Stage (MM), Sea Lion Beach Ball (MM)
Sea Lion Squeeze Horn (MM), Sea Lion Raft (MM), Sea Otter Ball (MM)
Sea Otter Hoop (MM)

Exhibit Construction:

Number of animals allowed per exhibit: 2-6 with 20 squares for each adult.

Exhibit size (for 2 adults): 40 grid squares

Terrain (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
38 Fresh Water, 2 Salt Water

Foliage (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
8 grid squares should contain foliage.
Foliage that would give the most happiness: Water Reed
Since this is a small plant, greatest happiness will occur
if each of the 8 grid squares contains 4 of this plant.

Rocks (for exhibit with 40 grid squares):
13 Small Ocean Floor Rock (MM), which is its most liked rock.