Risso's

(Grampus griseus)

Risso’s Dolphin can grow to 12 feet long and weigh up to 1,100 pounds. They are fairly abundant, with a wide distribution. They are found in pods of anywhere from 3 to 50. There are reports of temporary gatherings of several hundred. In the waters, they are very acrobatic (breaching, cartwheeling, lobtailing, and spyhopping). Primarily, they are squid eaters; hence, they have teeth only in their lower jaw (a characteristic common to squid eaters). If sighted, one might note the numerous scratches on the body of this species. These scratches may have resulted from encounters with other grampus or perhaps with the squid. Risso’s dolphin have a crease down the center of the forehead, from the blowhole to the upper “lip” and is unique to this species.

MMC has assisted with the rescue of (1) Risso’s Dolphin.