Pronunciation: [ɪnˈa͡ɪə] (IPA) 
The word "Inia" is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation can be tricky due to the unique sounds of its vowels. According to the IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ɪˈniə/. The first syllable features the short "i" sound, followed by a schwa, which is a neutral vowel sound. The final syllable features the long "e" sound that ends with a schwa. Overall, the word Inia is pronounced as "ih-NEE-uh."
Inia is a noun that refers to a genus of river dolphins known scientifically as Inia, belonging to the family Iniidae. This genus comprises two species of freshwater dolphins found primarily in South America's river systems, namely the Amazon River and its tributaries. Inia species, commonly known as "pink river dolphins" or "Amazon river dolphins," possess unique anatomical and physiological characteristics that adapt them to their aquatic environment.
Typically, Inia species exhibit a sleek and slender body shape, with a long and flexible beak, making them distinct from their marine dolphin counterparts. They have a pale pink coloration, which is a distinguishing feature among cetaceans. This pigmentation is more prominent in mature adults and fades towards a grayish shade in younger individuals. In terms of size, the pink river dolphins can grow up to approximately two to three meters in length, making them some of the largest river dolphins globally.
Inia dolphins are known for their highly sociable nature, often found in loosely associated groups. Their diet mainly comprises fish but can also include crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates. These dolphins are known to be primarily solitary hunters, usually avoiding direct competition for food resources. Additionally, they possess a remarkable echolocation ability, emitting sonar clicks to navigate their surroundings and locate prey.
Despite their unique characteristics and ecological importance, Inia species face various threats, including habitat degradation, pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets. Consequently, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect these enigmatic creatures and ensure the preservation of their habitats for future generations.
The word "Inia" has its etymology rooted in the Tupi-Guarani language family, specifically the Tupinambá language. In Tupinambá, "inia" means "small river dolphin". The term was later adopted by scientists as the genus name for a species of river dolphin found in South America — Inia geoffrensis, commonly known as the Amazon river dolphin or pink river dolphin.
