The La Plata Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) is a river dolphin. It is most commonly seen in and around the La Plata River. It is the only river dolphin that is also a marine dolphin. It does not actually live in freshwater, only in the ocean and saltwater estuaries off southeastern South America. Its habitat ranges from the Tropic of Capricorn near Ubatuba, Brazil, south to the Valdez Peninsula, Argentina. Although some members of the species do spend portions of their live outside of river systems, there are many individuals who live their entire lives within rivers, never venturing into the ocean proper.
It is also known as the Franciscana, Toninha, or Cachimbo.
