Risso's dolphin  (Grampus griseus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Risso's dolphin is a large, stocky species with a blunt head (2). They are easily recognised as they are heavily scared and become whiter with age as the number of scars increases (2). Calves are born with grey skin that turns chocolate brown as they age (5), eventually they take on the adult colouring of a grey back and white underside with darker flippers and tail (5). The scars are thought to be caused by the teeth of other Risso's dolphins, due to playing or fighting, however it is also thought that some of the scars are the result of squid bites (2). The tall, centrally positioned sickle-shaped dorsal fin is even taller and more erect in adult males than in females (6).

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