Species MammalsRisso's Dolphin

Risso's Dolphin

Grampus griseus

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus)

Risso's Dolphin has a uniquely blunt, squarish head that lacks a distinct beak and a body that becomes increasingly white with age due to extensive scarring from the teeth of conspecifics and the suction cups of squid. Older adults can be almost entirely white with a network of pale scars. Risso's dolphins specialize in deep-water squid, diving to considerable depths at night when squid rise toward the surface.

Habitat
Deep offshore continental slope waters
Diet
Squid and octopus
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Risso's Dolphin

The best time to see a Risso's Dolphin is April–September, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,311 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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