PAINTINGS - (a) GANGES RIVER DOLPHIN (b)INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN

GANGES RIVER DOLPHIN (Plantanista gangetica)
This dolphin-known locally as the susu-has a long, narrow snout, squared-off flippers, and eyes that are virtually non-functional. Despite this apparent handicap, the susu manages quite well, since it has acutely sensitive hearing, enabling it to hunt its prey in almost opaque waters. From observations of captive specimens it was seen that this species often swims on its side, making contact with the bottom of the tank with one of its flippers.
3.

INDUS RIVER DOLPHIN (Plantanista indi)
This species shares many of the characteristics of its Eastern relative, but there are minor differences in the bone structure as well as a geographic separation of the entire Indian sub-continent. Early observers believed that these dolphins grubbed in the mud of the rivers for their food, but they are excellent echo-locators, and can easily find and catch swimming fishes despite their almost total lack of visual apparatus. Both Indian fresh-water dolphins have suffered major population losses as a result of hunting and the building of dams in their native rivers.
4.

Verso: Smithsonian label checklist # 3, #4Packing case # 2, AWHS accession number