Seal species name It has a large and broad head with a pointed snout that may be flat or turned up slightly. Leopard Seal The Leopard Seal is the second largest of all seals out there. Originally in the genus Phoca This gives? the hooded seal the "vulnerable" status on the IUCN Red List, meaning that the species may be endangered in the future 2,3 The habitat of the hooded seal, like other Arctic or ice dependent species, is threatened by habitat loss - due to climate change. Seals and walruses have shorter flippers, while sea lions have longer ones. Scientific name Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus Did you know? The Australian Fur Seal was hunted to the edge of extinction in the 19th century, but population sizes are now increasing. Atlas: Named after the Titan of Greek mythology who bore the weight of the heavens, this name signifies endurance and resilience, traits often associated with elephant seals. Like the Caspian seal, it is related to the Arctic ringed seal. These types of seals tend to visit the bays where their solitary fellows look for fish in the shallow waters. The true seals include the hooded seal, ribbon seal, gray seal, harbor seal, spotted seal, Baikal seal, Mediterranean monk seal, southern elephant seal and more. It grows to lengths of up to 8 ft. They share habitat with many other species and often live in the same areas as harbor seals. S. 0/34. 5–2 meters) in length, they are one of the more medium-sized seal species Found in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, harp seals rely on thick blubber to stay warm in freezing conditions. The earless seals, phocids, or true seals are one of the three main groups of mammals within the seal lineage, Pinnipedia. Every type of animal and plant on earth is called a species. They can dive up to 150 m in search of prey. Quiz is untimed. The brown fur seal is the largest and most robust member of the fur seals. Numerical. Their fur is silvery-grey to black with variable dark spots and a pale underside. The Baikal seal is one of the smallest true seals and the only exclusively freshwater pinniped species. Lifespan & Reproduction. In most seal species, more than 85% of females become pregnant each year. The large northern fur seal, found in chilly northern waters, was Many seals live for more than 25 years in the wild, with some species, like the ringed seal, living up to 30 years. Quiz What is a Seal? Its Scientific name, Characteristics: According to paleontological records and identified fossils, 50 different extinct seal species exist. The first one lives in the Atlantic part of the North Pole. Species name. They also can feature areas of light brown and even some black. Seals in Glacier Bay have been known to be declining since the early 1990s despite efforts to control vessel traffic, commercial fishing and subsistence harvest. Leopard seals are solitary animals witha streamlined body, long broad fore flippers anda large and reptile-like head. 431 Plays 431 Plays 431 Plays. The Eastern bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus barbatus) and the Western bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus nauticus). 9 to 11. richardii in 1942 (Scheffer 1958). The bearded seal is the largest of the Arctic seals (but is not as big as the walrus). At the same time, there are 33 living seal species in three families. " [3] The crabeater seal shares a common recent ancestor with the other Antarctic seals, which are together known as the lobodontine seals. ; Pebble: Celebrating the rugged beauty of coastal landscapes, perfect for a grey seal with a resilient spirit. If you catch a good look at them you’ll see how they got their scientific name Halichoerus grypus – it means hook-nosed sea pig! These mammals spend most of their time out at sea feeding on fish. SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL. 9 ft) as adults, females slightly shorter than males. Aqua – Like water, perfect for a seal; Pebble – Small and smooth, like a beach pebble; Finn – Refers to a seal’s fins and is short and cute; Sable – Dark and sleek; Splash – Playful and loves the water; Coral – Vibrant and sea-like Scientific Name: Irish Name: Common seal Phoca vitulina Ron breacach : Order: Family: Group: Pinnipedia : Phocidae : Mammal : Legal Status: Wildlife Act 1976 / 2000 Like all seal species the common seal is believed to have originated The “sea wolves” were actually a species of seals known as the Caribbean monk seal, a species that is now extinct. From the ancient greek ‘ e ¯ o ¯ ´ ’ (eos) meaning ‘dawn’ and Monachus, the generic name originally applied to all extant monk seals. The most widely distributed species of pinniped (walruses, eared The species has square front flippers, which give the species its alternative name of square flipper seal. Therefore, it could be the case that the hooded seal will be listed as an "endangered" species 2. Seals with no ears do not have an external ear flap that is on fur seals and sea lions, but they still have ears present beneath the surface of Snowy is a good baby seal name, that suits a baby seal whose fur is snow-white. As the name suggests, these are seals that lack external ears. While these six species of seal covers all those that you might hope to encounter on an Antarctic or Subantarctic expedition cruise, we have to give honourable mention to one more variety of seal: the South The bearded seal gets its name from the long white whiskers on its face. After this, the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The largest is the male elephant seal (genus The harbor (or harbour) seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. 6–4. Sometimes called the earless seals, the true seals are all members of the family Phocidae, which contains 18 living species. The total pregnancy (including diapause) lasts 10. ; Moss: Inspired by the vibrant The true seals we mentioned are some of the most popular or well-known types of seal, but there are other species to be found. The species name, ‘belegaerensis’ references the fictional ‘Great Sea’ Belegaer to the west of J. ”; Selkie – A mythical creature in Scottish folklore that transforms from seal to human. Who molts when depends on the animal’s age and sex With adults reaching just 5–6 feet (1. The Weddell seal, named after British sailor James Weddell in the 1820s, is one of the most prevalent seal species in Antarctica. Meet one of the largest seal species on our planet. The annual reproductive cycle of most seal species is characterized by a tight synchrony of births, ensuring that pups are born at the optimal time of year (Boyd 1991). Alaska is also home to four seal species. Males may weigh up to 2 tons (4,400 pounds) and reach a length of 6 meters (20 feet) The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also referred to as the sea leopard, [3] is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal). Their name results from the light-colored circular patterns that appear on their backs. The Baikal seal is an exception to this trend, This seal species has two subspecies. org. Elephant Seal: Named for their large size and distinctive trunk-like nose, Some seal species have unfortunately become extinct throughout history. Its long, coarse whiskers hang below its jaw like a beard, which is where its common name came from. They are classified as pinnipeds (suborder From the sleek and majestic southern elephant seal to the curious harp seal, these marine mammals come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Their main source of food is krill just like many other species of seals out there. 9 feet (1. It actually specializes in krill. 37. They’re relatively large, measuring 11. Email: safeguards@sanbi. The species' name comes from the males' huge elephant-like nostrils, known as proboscis, which may be inflated to approximately 1m or 2-3 feet. 8m. Gaydos* name for the harbor seal was changed to P. One example is the Caribbean monk seal, which is believed to have gone extinct in the Other seals. ; Splash – Perfect for a playful seal that loves to frolic in the water. Scientific name: Hydrurga leptonyx. These include the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), the Ross seal This species is the smallest seal in the United States. Ringed Seals inhabit ice-covered seas and even some freshwater lakes! They prefer ice-covered water and have a unique adaptation to this habitat. Many people wonder why they have such a name as they don’t consume crabs. Here are male seal names, each with a strong or playful characteristic that could match the personality of these magnificent marine animals: Admiral – For a seal with leadership qualities. Pusa is a genus of the earless seals, within the family Phocidae. Seals like this one photographed during the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem Experiment (SIPEX-II) in Antarctica, depend on sea ice to survive. There are 34 surviving species of seals, also known as pinnipeds, and these are split up into three main groups. Jaguar is a name given to the seals that originate from the bearded seal species. 36. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with long whiskers or 'beard'on its muzzle. Still, they can live up to 45 years in the wild! There are five subspecies of ringed seal but each is named because of the ring-shaped markings that appear when the seal reaches adulthood. There are 33 species of pinnipeds alive today, most of which are known as seals. The smaller of our two UK seal The seals ability to hear varies between species. richardsi in 1904, and finally P. The fore-flippers are covered with sparse hairs over about three-quarters of their The joy of naming seals, from real majestic elephant seals and harbor seals to the softest baby seals, Earless: describing the fact that many seal species lack visible external ear flaps. South American Fur Seal Arctocephalus australis. Least concern. The claws on their front flippers are incredibly strong, and they use them to dig and maintain The Australian Fur Seal is the largest of all fur seals and the world’s fourth rarest seal species. These carnivorous mammals can be found in colonies on shorelines, As the name Unlike some other seal species, Harbor Seals spend time in groups while on land, resting in packs to avoid predators. angustirostris) and the southern elephant seal (M. ; Flipper – A fun name highlighting the seal’s iconic flippers and playful nature. Gray seals live for 25 to 35 years. GENUS: Arctocephalus (Fur seals) SPECIES: Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus (South African fur seal) Full Name * Email Address * Report complaints on environmental and/or social harms and gender discrimination arising from SANBI’s activities. These sensitive whiskers are used to find food on the ocean floor In the common seal, the diapause lasts up to 2. Timer. Spotted seals are widely distributed on the continental shelf of the Beaufort, Chukchi, southeastern East Siberian, Bering, and Okhotsk Seas; south through the Sea of Japan; and into the northern Yellow Sea. This includes these countries and regions: Russia, Finland, CRABEATER SEAL. The Baikal seal, Lake Baikal seal or nerpa (Pusa sibirica) is a species of earless seal endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Diverse Species: There are 33 different seal species. 5 meters in length). The true seals, orphocids, are what many people think of when they picture a seal. Here are the main categories of seals: Get unique seal names with meanings! From funny and cute to mythological and marine-inspired, find the perfect name for your seal. 6 feet) long and 50–130 kg (110–290 pounds), but some female fur seals weigh less. Halichoerus grypus. Seals live in the oceans of both hemispheres and, with the exception of the Themed Naming Adventures: Explore creative themes for names based on seals’ habitats, like coastal charm or icy elegance, to create a cohesive and unique identity that reflects their environment. There are two seal species inhabiting the waters of Vancouver Island. Casper – Perfect for a . But ringed seals—the smallest seal species—get their name from the light-colored circular patterns Ringed seals are the smallest seal species—and possibly the cutest. Different Fur Seal Species. 34 species of seals Animals, and all living creatures that have been identified and documented are given a two part scientific name that is specific to that species. PLAY QUIZ Score. Common name Grey seal . Scientific Name and Species. Bearded seals are the largest species of Arctic seal. The leopard seal's size falls between 7. 5m in length and weigh between 50–70 kg. The two genera of monk seals, Monachus and Neomonachus, comprise three species: the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus; the Hawaiian monk seal, Neomonachus schauinslandi; and the Caribbean monk seal, Neomonachus tropicalis, which Species Name: Phoca vitulina One of the most common marine mammals in U. Alaska: The largest state in the United States. . There are three general categories of seals, classified as Phocidae, consisting of the true seals, Otariidae, The Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) of Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, is the smallest at 1. za. Despite its name, the crabeater seal doesn’t eat crabs. All true seals are members of the family Phocidae (/ ˈ f oʊ s ɪ d iː /). Seals are a semi-aquatic species, also commonly referred to as pinnipeds. Despite being called "Common", they are actually less common than grey seals! Skip to main Scientific name: Phoca vitulina. Overall, seals in the Arctic regions have declined 80% over the last 30 years. Practice Mode. The grey seal can be distinguished from the harbour seal by its larger size and longer head with a sloping 'Roman nose' profile. Pinnipedia is made up of three main groups: The walrus, which is the only living member of the family Odobenidae Nerissa – A name derived from Greek mythology meaning “sea nymph. The animals mate and give birth on the shores and also escape to the beaches from predators such as and it features black spots which give the animal its name. Elephant seals or sea elephants are very large, oceangoing earless seals in the genus Mirounga. " sandbars, ice shelves, and icebergs. They hunt for food, such as fish and krill, under the ice, and use the ice surface for rest and to have their pups. When the Alsatian naturalist Johann Hermann named the species “monk seal” in 1779, he was thinking less of the animal’s behavior than its appearance, noting, “Its smooth round head Seal Species Index. Species of seals. Default Timer. Juan Fernandez Fur Seal With adults reaching just 5–6 feet (1. The Western bearded seal also lives in the North Pole, but on the Pacific side 1. Flippers: All seals have four fin-like appendages called flippers, which help them move on land and sea. [4] It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. ; Breeze – Represents the gentle wind and a calm, easy-going seal. Tolkien's Middle-Earth , paying homage to both the Tasman Sea which the new species Originally named Halicyon richardii in 1864 by John Edward Gray in honor of Captain George Henry Richards, leader of the 1861 to 1862 British survey expedition along Vancouver Island (Scheffer and Slipp 1944), the Latin name Species of seals. This seal species has two subspecies. 4 metres (7. The first of these are the earless or ‘true’ seals. What makes ringed seals really stand out, however, is their ability to build breathing The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), also known as Saddleback Seal or Greenland Seal, is a species of earless seal, or true seal, native to the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. Like many other seal species, the southern elephant seal is sexually dimorphic, There are many species of seals named for the fine fur that makes them so attractive to hunters. Monk seals are earless seals of the tribe Monachini. Common name: Leopard Seal . Closely associated with arctic terrain and sea ice, the bearded seal’s movements and migrations match the extent and retreat of sea ice. See more Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) The Harbor seal is a marine mammal found in the coastal Seals are a diverse group of semi-aquatic mammals in the Order Carnivora. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the bearded seal, including its habitat and distribution, physical characteristics, behavioral patterns and social structure, feeding In the common seal, the diapause lasts up to 2. [4] Males weigh an average of 320 kilograms (710 lb) and females weigh 300 kilograms (660 lb), with overall weight ranging from 240–400 kilograms (530–880 lb). With an estimated population of over 75 million, it’s the most abundant seal species. The animal scientific name format consists first of the genus, followed by a How to tell the difference between grey and common seals The Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus) is a species of marine mammal that inhabits the Arctic region. (Photo by Peter Kimball, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) This gives? the hooded seal the "vulnerable" status on the IUCN Red List, meaning that the species may be endangered in the future 2,3 The habitat of the hooded seal, like other Arctic or ice dependent species, is threatened by habitat loss - due to climate change. Percentage. Harp Seal The Harp Seal is one that has lots of white fur on it. In some Nearly all seal species are reliant on marine habitats, although some will enter freshwater habitats in search of food. Feeding habits: Ringed seals eat a wide variety of small prey including mysids, shrimp, Arctic cod, herring, smelt, whitefish, sculpins, perch, and other small fish or crustaceans. The Baikal seal is the smallest at 3ft and 99lbs, while the male Southern Elephant seal is the largest, measuring 16ft and 7100lbs. Stormy: Reflecting the tumultuous seas and stormy skies that grey seals often inhabit. The scientific name given to the Australian Fur Seal is Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. Below we present the remaining members of the Phocidae family: Caspian seal (Pusa caspica); Ringed seal (Pusa hispida); Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus); Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi); Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii) The name comes from the large whiskers (used for finding food) common on this species. Both species, the northern elephant seal (M. Antarctic Fur Seal Arctocephalus gazella. Reproduction and life cycle: Females give birth to a single pup in March or April. There are 18 species of true seals, including the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). Each species is given a special scientific name. The spotted seal gets its name from its coat pattern, which is usually a light-colored background with dark spots. They are the only species of seal out there that will feed off of other species that are in the area. For those looking for classic names for seals or something more adventurous, here are some of the best male names for seals:. They grow to lengths of about 7 to 8 feet and range from about 575 to 800 pounds. The seal molts or sheds its skin, a couple of months after the females, or cows give birth. Here’s what you need to know about each species. Underwater Breath: They can hold their breath for up to 2 hours. 5 feet and 440 to 1,310 lbs for its Compared to many seal species, the ring seal is quite small, usually measuring up to 4. Seal Species. 4 metres (3. New Zealand Fur Seal Arctocephalus forsteri. Vancouver Island Harbour Seals. 34 species of seals live in different parts of the world. Galapagos Fur Seal Arctocephalus galapagoensis. But in Alaska harbor seals are considered a Species of Special Concern. In 1961, Harry Goodridge, the harbormaster of The smaller of our two UK seal species, common seals are also known as harbour seals. They can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms (8,800 lb). Up in the Arctic Ocean, you can expect to There is an ongoing Harbor Seal Unusual Mortality Event (UME) on the East Coast, and the species has experienced unusual mortality events in the past. Seal Conservation Society - Pinnipeds and Seal conservation, research, information and rehabilitation. [2] A subpopulation of inland harbour seals living in the Hudson Bay region of Quebec, Canada The two elephant seal species were discovered to be taxonomically different species in 1866 (Stewart et al. Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) are known as ‘ice seals’. [3] They have external ear flaps and their whiskers are long, possibly growing back past the pinnae, especially in adult males. Pinnipedia is made up of three main groups: The walrus, which is the only living member of the family Seal - Classification, True (Earless) Seals & Eared Seals: Seals include 32 species belonging to 17 genera in two families, Phocidae (true, or earless, seals) and Otariidae (eared seals). 6 feet long and weighing about 1,320 lbs. 5 months. 34 Questions. This species of seal grows from approximately 80 centimetres (2. Species (common name) Species (scientific name) Year or Season Area or Stock Catch Total Quota (if applicable) Greenland: Harbour seal: Phoca vitulina: 2023: Greenland: 5: N/A: Harbor seal species profile Encyclopedia of Puget Sound June 9, 2014 Jacqlynn C. Give Quiz Kudos. Seals are mostly found in the colder waters of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are the only seal species where the female is larger than the male. Harbor Seal The grey seal is the larger of the two UK seal species. Size: The smallest species in the seal family, Ringed seals average about 1. Skull of male. Mirounga, or ‘miouroung,’ is an Australian aboriginal word meaning seal. This makes the true seals the largest pinniped family. R. The elephant seal belongs to the Phocidae family and the class The South African (Cape) fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) is the only seal species native to the Southern African coastlines. 1994). Symbolic Meaning Selection : Opt for names that carry deeper meanings related to freedom, serenity, or strength, aligning with the characteristics highlighted in various Different populations have different names and some variation in behavior and appearance. Seal Species There are 18 known species of true seals or earless seals out there that have been identified. richardii in 1902, P. Also known as the or even ice floes. The three species in this genus are found in Arctic and subarctic regions, as well as around the Caspian Sea. They are sometimes called crawling seals to distinguish them from the fur seals and sea lions of the family Otariidae. Zier and Joseph K. Threats and Conservation : Sadly, many seal species face threats from climate change, pollution, hunting, and fishing nets. The most famous pinniped in New England was a seal named Andre. Barreller: depicting how seals can spin rapidly when swimming. The size of seals ranges from 3 feet 3 inches for the Balkan seal to 16 feet for the southern 18 Different types of seals. Its only natural predator is the orca. Sleepy-head: This name suits the baby seal who spends more time Many people wonder why they have such a name as they don’t consume crabs. The three species of this genus were split from the genus Phoca, and some sources still give Phoca as an acceptable synonym for Pusa. Unlike other seals, The seal name malachite is derived from the Five pinniped species, clockwise from top left: New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri), southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) Combined range of all pinnipeds Pinnipedia is an infraorder of mammals in the order Carnivora, composed of seals, sea lions, With adults reaching just 5–6 feet (1. Bearded seals get their generic name from two Greek words (eri and gnathos) that refer to their heavy jaws. There are 18 known species of true seals or earless seals out there that have There are 33 species of pinnipeds alive today, most of which are known as seals. v. Bruno – A solid and memorable name. Comments. The scientific name for these seals is Mirounga. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act , an unusual mortality event (UME) The genus name of the crabeater seal, Lobodon, derives from Ancient Greek meaning "lobe-toothed", and the species name carcinophaga means "crab eater. Once the common seals reach sexual maturity, they remain reproductive throughout their entire lives. It is the only species in the genus Hydrurga. Give Quiz Kudos-- Ratings. IUCN Red List status. They are the only earless seals found in tropical climates. In his comprehensive The male nose is so distinctive that the gray seal’s scientific name, Halichoerus grypus, means "hooked-nosed pig of the sea. leonina), were hunted to the brink of extinction for oil by the end of the 19th century, but their numbers have since recovered. Most seal species inhabit the cold waters of the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Can you give the common names for all species of seals and sea lions? By CMIPalaeo. Each species has a unique diet, habitat, and behaviors that make them exciting and unique. Thick Blubber: Keeps them warm in cold water. 6 ft) long at birth up to an average of 2. waters, harbor seals can be found along both the East and West Coasts and are considered one of the species of "true seals," which are differentiated from fur Northern fur seals and Monk seals are the most common species in the North Pacific, while the Southern Ocean is dominated by the highly specialized Crabeater seal. Their preference for bays and harbors gives them their name. They are members of a group of four Arctic seal species that live in Alaskan waters and use sea ice for feeding, resting, and pupping. 1–1. The southern elephant seal’s Latin name, Mirounga leonina, means lion and may be a reference to the loud roaring vocalizations they emit when they want to warn off breeding competition.