The Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) is the fifth largest member of the Delphinidae family. These scar patterns are unique to each dolphin, much like a human fingerprint, and tell a story of social bonds and of hunting squid in deep, lightless waters. These scars may be caused by encounters with other Risso’s dolphins and from their major prey; squids. Their latin name Grampus The Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) is the fifth largest member of the Delphinidae family. Risso’s dolphins are predominantly deep water lovers and are therefore relatively unstudied, however in several places around the world they can be found within only metres of the coast enabling researchers to learn so much more about them. As they age, the grey, pale-bellied adult Risso’s dolphins accumulate scars from tussles with prey and other whales that can make them appear almost entirely white. Risso’s dolphins are born dark grey but over time they obtain scarring due to interactions with other Risso’s dolphins. Their latin name Grampus PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Pale underside with a blue-gray, gray-brown, or almost white body color. Risso's dolphins are distinguished by their robust build, rounded head and extensive white body scars. Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus.It is commonly known as the Monk dolphin among Taiwanese fishermen.
Unusually for toothed … On his way to becoming the first Risso’s dolphin to be rehabilitated , Rocky burned through 10 tons of squid and nearly $200,000 in expenses before his marine mammal caretakers released him off Hampton Bays in New York eight months later. However, some scars are likely to be left from the bites and tentacle scratches of squid, their main prey source. Animal type Marine mammals. Like a battered boxer, the bulky, blunt-headed Risso's dolphin bears lots of scars. Grampus griseus. The Risso’s Dolphin is easily recognized by its large head without a beak, the fold running in the center of its protruding melon, its large fin, and its gray body marked with white scars. The exact reason why Risso’s Dolphins inflict these scars … It is a very robust dolphin, devoid of a snout. Birth Size: 4¼-5¾ ft. The scars of wounds received over the years draw pale patterns invading the body that sometimes appear entirely white in individuals over 30 years old. They move in groups of 10 to 15 individuals, which gather as bands of several hundred to be joined by other cetaceans. Risso’s dolphins are distinguished by their robust build, rounded head and extensive white body scars. Risso’s dolphins are gregarious cetaceans. These scars may be caused by encounters with other Risso's dolphins and from their major prey item; squid. These scars are the result of scrapes and scratches from other Risso’s dolphins during social interactions. Risso's dolphins are distinguished by their robust build, rounded head and extensive white body scars. If only its dorsal fin appears above the surface of the ocean, it can be confused with a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or with an orca (Orcinus orca), since the shape of its fin resembles that of orcas and Tursiops truncatus. Risso’s dolphins have a tall, sickle-shaped fin which is dark and rarely scarred. 4 Chewless wonders. Rissos' Dolphin (Grampus griseus) Anatomy: Appearance: Body covered in white scars, crease down the center of the forehead. ), pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra), and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Size .
These scars are collected throughout the years all thanks to the teeth raking of other Risso’s, as well as from their favorite prey.