- What is a Cetacean? - Common Species - Rare Species - Other
Species Key FactsLength: Up to 3.8 metres Range: Widely
distributed in all major oceans, absent in polar regions
Threats: Marine litter, pollution, acoustic disturbance Diet:
Manly squid, some octopus and cuttlefish Latin: Grampus griseus
The Risso's dolphin has a robust, stocky body and a tall,
falcate (curved) dorsal fin. The melon (forehead) is blunt and
bulbous with a unique V-shaped crease running from the upper lip
to the blowhole. This species has no prominent beak and just two
to seven pairs of teeth in the lower jaw. Adult Risso’s dolphins
measure between 2.6 to 3.8 metres in length and can live for
more than 30 years. The colour pattern varies greatly between
individuals, and with age. Calves are born grey, but turn darker
grey to dark brown as they become juveniles. As they age, the
skin tone lightens to silvery-grey in some cases and the body is
increasingly covered with scratches and scars inflicted by other
Risso’s dolphins and prey s