Risso’s dolphins, also sometimes called Gray dolphins generally prefer deeper offshore waters and can dive to a depth of at least 300m and hold their breath for up to 30 minutes but they usually prefer shorter dives. They are also very active on the surface of the water and can often be seen slapping their pectoral flipper or tails on the surface of the water, leaping out of the water, or popping their head vertically out of the water. This dolphin can be found in groups varying in size  from 10 to 30 individuals, in groups of hundreds or thousands or found solitary. They have also been know to associate with other dolphins and whales. 

These medium sized cetaceans, have a robust body with a narrow tailstock, and a bulbous head with a vertical crease. They have a long, sickle-shaped dorsal fin located centrally in the middle of their back. Calves have little to no scaring on their dark grey body. As they age, however, their colouration lightens from black, dark grey, or brown to pale grey or almost white. Adult dolphins are usually inundated with scares due to scratches caused from teeth raking between dolphins, as well as circular markings from prey (e.g., squid), cookie-cutter sharks, and lampreys. 

Unlike other cetaceans, Risso’s dolphins have between 2 to 7 pairs of peg-shaped teeth in the front of their lower jaw and one on the upper jaw. This is the lowest tooth count of all dolphin species.