Remarks.—This is the common porpoise in the Straits of Juan De Fuca from about the vicinity of Port Townsend to the ocean and in immediate off-shore waters. One specimen was obtained 100 miles off Grays Harbor. Rarely seen in Puget Sound.
Grampus rectipinna (Cope)
Killer whale
Description.—A large porpoise, 20-30 feet in length; dorsal fin high and nearly straight; teeth large, conical, 12 above, 13 below; color black above with white patch on side anteriorly.
Remarks.—The killer is common in Puget Sound and off the ocean coast. Both the killer and the true blackfish are locally termed "blackfish."
Grampidelphis griseus (Cuvier)
Grampus
Description.—A round-headed porpoise about 10 feet in length; dorsal fin high and narrow; 4 to 6 teeth in each jaw; color black, occasionally with white head or with body mottled with white and gray.
Remarks.—An off-shore species, probably not uncommon off the coast of Washington at times.
Globicephalus scammonii (Cope)
Blackfish
Description.—A large, stout-bodied, round-headed porpoise about 20 feet in length. Teeth large; 8-10 in lower jaw; 10-12 in upper jaw. Color black. Differs from the killer whale in possessing a low, long dorsal fin rather than a high, erect one.
Remarks.—The blackfish is a colonial species, often common in Puget Sound. It is frequently confused with the killer whale.