Risso’s Dolphin - Oceana

Marine Life Encyclopedia

Marine Mammals

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus Griseus

Distribution

Worldwide in tropical to sub-polar latitudes

eCOSYSTEM/HABITAT

Coastal to open ocean (pelagic)

FEEDING HABITS

Active predator

TAXONOMY

Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales), Family Delphinidae (dolphins)

     

    Risso’s dolphins feed primarily on squid of all sizes (including the humboldt squid) and are therefore excellent divers, spending much of their feeding time at depth, hunting for their preferred prey. Scientists believe that much of the white scarring on the heads of these animals may be a result of aggressive interactions with large-bodied squids. Risso’s dolphins feed mostly at night, a probable result of the migration of their preferred prey to shallower waters in the dark. Scarring is also a likely result of interactions among adult males and between males and females.

    This species, like all mammals, reproduces via internal fertilization and gives birth to live young, which nurse from their mothers for at least several months.

    Though Risso’s dolphins are offered some or complete legal protection throughout much of their range, they are still hunted for food and for fertilizer in some places and are captured accidentally in fisheries targeting other species throughout most of their range. Current population trends are not known, but scientists believe the Risso’s dolphin to be common and to be a species of least concern. Further study of this species and monitoring of its populations is required to determine whether or not they are stable.

    Engage Youth with Sailors for the Sea

    Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids.

    Kids Environmental Lesson Plans

    Additional Resources:

    IUCN Red List

    NOAA Fisheries

     

    Get Involved

    Donate Today

    SUPPORT OUR WORK TO PROTECT THE OCEANS BY GIVING TODAY

    With the support of more than 1 million activists like you, we have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean.

    Donate Now

    TAKE ACTION NOW

    Support policy change for the oceans

    Decision-makers need to hear from ocean lovers like you. Make your voice heard!

    Sign Now

    VISIT OUR ADOPTION CENTER

    SYMBOLICALLY ADOPT AN ANIMAL TODAY

    Visit our online store to see all the ocean animals you can symbolically adopt, either for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

    Shop Today

    DOWNLOAD OCEAN ACTIVITIES

    HELP KIDS DISCOVER OUR BLUE PLANET

    Our free KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) empower children to learn about and protect our oceans!

    Learn More

    FEATURED CAMPAIGN

    Save the Oceans, Feed the World

    We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people.

    Learn More

    More CAMPAIGNs

    Protect Habitat

    Bycatch

    Plastics

    View All

    CONTACT

    Oceana International Headquarters
    1025 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 200
    Washington, DC 20036 USA

    General Inquiries
    +1(202)-833-3900
    info@oceana.org

    Donation Inquiries
    +1(202)-996-7174
    wavemaker@oceana.org

    Press Inquiries
    +1(202)-833-3900
    press@oceana.org

    OCEANA'S EFFICIENCY

    BECOME A WAVEMAKER

    Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.

    SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A DONATION

    We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

    Donate Now

    QUICK LINKS: