Species · GBIF taxon 5220027
Risso's Dolphin
Grampus griseusAlso known as Grampus, Grey Dolphin, White-headed Dolphin
Risso's dolphins carry a lifetime of stories etched into their skin, accumulating white scars from social interactions and skirmishes with their deep-sea squid prey. These robust, blunt-headed cetaceans navigate continental slopes and deep ocean trenches, using highly sophisticated echolocation to hunt in the darkness of the twilight zone. They form stable, long-term social subgroups within larger pods, often socializing at the surface with playful leaps and tail slaps.
Deep-DivingOceanicSocial
- diet
- Carnivore (primarily squid and other cephalopods)
- family
- Delphinidae
- threats
- Bycatch in fishing gear, marine noise pollution, plastic ingestion
- life Span
- 35 to 40 years
LC
Safe to observe from a boat at a respectful distance.
Vulnerable to acoustic disturbance from sonar and shipping traffic, which can disrupt their deep-diving foraging behavior.
Never approach directly or cut off their path; allow them to initiate any close encounters on their own terms.- Boat Distance: Maintain a slow, steady speed and stay at least 100 yards away to avoid disrupting their natural behavior.
- Listen Closely: Listen for their distinctive clicks, whistles, and loud breathing blows when they surface near your vessel.
- Watch the Surface: Look for their tall, dark, falcate dorsal fins and pale, heavily scarred heads breaking the water.