The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), a freshwater species, which is also called the "Susu," the "Blind River Dolphin," and the "Side-swimming Dolphin" was declared India's "National Aquatic animal" in 2010. The announcement was followed by a Conservation Action Plan (2010-2020) to try and restore the approximately 2000 remaining individuals to healthier numbers while improving their environment in the river basins associated with both the Ganges and the Indus rivers, as well as reducing poaching. The plan was long overdue, particularly since the Susu has always had a mythical association with the Ganges River.

Known as the "Makara" in Sanskrit, the dolphin served as a mount for the Goddess Ganga. While some mistake the image of the Makara for an elephant, Ganga is clearly atop a dolphin (albeit with legs), complete with a typical river dolphin rostrum (beak) filled with dozens of conical teeth.