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| Distribution |
In NC, undoubtedly occurs from VA to SC well offshore. There are stranding records for six of the eight coastal counties in the state.
Occurs worldwide, mainly in warmer and deeper waters, but all along the US coast. |
| Abundance |
In NC waters, uncommon to occasionally fairly common. Not one of the more scarce species of dolphins in NC waters, and there are numerous records, with a handful of them being of 10 or more individuals seen. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History mammal collections (2021) lists 36 stranding records for NC. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
Occurs offshore at all seasons. The 21 strandings up to 1995 (Webster et al., 1995) are fairly evenly scattered around the calendar. The 36 NMNH strandings also are from around the calendar, though there are no records yet in most of July and in August. It is apparently not strongly migratory. |
| Habitat |
Mainly from the Continetal Shelf and farther to sea. Favors warmer waters rather than cool or cold waters. |
| Behavior |
Occurs in groups, usually of 25 or more. A fairly active dolphin, though seldom seen jumping completely out of the water like many or most of the Stenella dolphins. |
| Comments |
The species is monotypic and is quite different in appearance from other cetaceans in our waters. It has a high/tall dorsal fin (often shark-like), and older males are usually heavily scarred. Body coloration can be fairly pale, especially on the head. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S3M |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G5 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
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| other_comName |
Grampus |
| synonym |
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