Which of the following is the National Aquatic Animal of India?

Correct option is B

The Correct Answer is Gangetic Dolphin
The Gangetic Dolphin ( Platanista gangetica), also known as "Susu", was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India on 18th May 2010 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This decision was taken to highlight the importance of conserving this rare and endangered species.
The Gangetic Dolphin is a symbol of the purity of the River Ganga, as it can only survive in clean, fresh water. It plays a critical role as an indicator species for the health of the river ecosystem. Its presence reflects a healthy, unpolluted river environment.
This freshwater dolphin is one of only five river dolphin species in the world and is native to the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and Karnaphuli river systems across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Information Booster:
· Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
· IUCN Status: Endangered
· Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I (highest level of protection)
· CITES Status: Listed under Appendix I
· Main Threats:
· Poaching
· Pollution
· Habitat degradation
· Accidental capture in fishing gear
· Water development projects (like dams and barrages)
· Conservation Efforts:
· Wildlife Institute of India initiated the “Conservation Action Plan for Dolphins” in 2016 to protect this species.
4. Appearance and Characteristics:
· Thick body, light grey to brown skin with a pinkish hue.
· Long, pointed snout with visible teeth in both jaws.
· Tiny eyes with no lens – used only to detect the direction of light.
· Large flippers and a small, undeveloped dorsal fin.
· Solitary; females are larger than males.
· Uses echolocation to navigate and hunt in muddy river waters.
Additional Knowledge:
· Alligator: Found in America and China; not native to Indian rivers.
· Turtle: Though protected, not declared as the national aquatic animal.
· Crocodile: Found in Indian rivers and coastal areas but not designated as the national aquatic animal.