Risso's Dolphin
Grampus griseus
Credits: 
Michelle Wassell

The Risso’s Dolphin is a robust dolphin, with rounded head and without beak. It can reach up to 4 m length and weight 400 kg. The dorsal and pectoral fins are long and pointed. They have a grey colour that becomes brighter with age.

In Portugal, the Risso’s Dolphin can be observed throughout the continental shelf and sometimes near the shore in shallower waters. It is a resident dolphin in Portuguese waters, although there is no information on the size and population trends of the species. They feed almost exclusively on cephalopods and live in small groups that can segregate in females with calfs and adult males with juveniles, males of several age groups, or solitary adult males. These dolphins are not very active and rarely approach boats.