The Ganges river dolphin was recognized as a separate species in the 1970s, although some controversy remains surrounding its relationship with the Indus river dolphin (Platanista minor). It has a fairly stocky body with a long beak that thickens at the tip, with light grey-brown skin that becomes paler on the body, often with a tinge of pink. The flippers are large and the dorsal fin is undeveloped, being more of a triangular ridge than a fin. The forehead rises steeply and the eyes are very small. Females tend to be larger than males. The local name ‘susu’ is said to refer to the noise this dolphin makes when it breathes.