UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Rissos dolphin

Grampus griseus

Type

Cetaceans, Marine mammals, Dolphins

Description

This is a big, rather slow-swimming dolphin. The adults are usually heavily scarred. They have a pale body, and a rounded head.

Battered appearance comes from contact with other Risso’s dolphins, and sometimes from battles with its prey - large squid.

Location

Best seen from a sailing boat, off West Scotland or South West England.

Habitat

Open ocean