Select a region
A rare Risso's dolphin washed ashore at the Richmond end of Vazon on Friday.
Ghost Seas Project founder Matt Gill said it is "incredibly rare" to see a Risso's dolphin in local waters.
"Risso's dolphins do not gather in large pods like Common dolphins or Bottlenose dolphins," said Mr Gill.
"It is incredibly rare to see one because they tend to live way off shore. Unfortunately, this [dead dolphin] is likely the only way most people will ever see one."
Mr Gill said the deceased animal was approximately two-and-a-half metres long.
"A full grown Risso's dolphin can reach up to four metres in length, so the one washed ashore at Vazon is likely to be young.
"They are much larger than the dolphins people are used to seeing in local waters and are very often mistaken for Pilot whales."
People are reminded not to touch the carcass as dolphins carry diseases which can be harmful to humans and animals.
Pictured: Risso's dolphins can grow up to four metres in length.
The charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation explains more about Risso's dolphins...
Unlike any other dolphin. They are very stocky dolphins with blunt heads and no discernible beak. Although they start out in life a grey/olive brown colour, as they get older they get whiter and whiter – a result of numerous scars and scratches from other Risso’s dolphins and their favourite food, squid.
Busy and incredibly sociable. Risso’s normally like the company of several other pod mates, sometimes lots, and although they’re normally boat-shy, they can be seen leaping out the water, breaching, tail and head slapping and generally having a very active time. They’re also seen interacting with other species including bottlenose dolphins.
Squid, squid and more squid. As with other species of whale and dolphin, what they eat can be determined by where in the world they live. So although squid is a favourite, Risso’s are also known to eat prawns and shrimp as well as cuttlefish.
Risso’s dolphins can be found in almost all temperate and tropical waters around the world. They prefer deeper water and are usually found on the edge of continental shelves. However, there are several places around the world where they are found much closer to shore, where there are steep drop-offs or plenty of food.
READ MORE...
Dead dolphin found on east coast
Pictured (top): Risso's dolphin washed ashore at Vazon. Image credit: Matt Gill and Tripadvisor.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.