Seals | Pinnipedia

Seals | Pinnipedia

Description
Description

Pinnipeds, also commonly known as seals, are large furry fin or flipper footed carnivorous semi-aquatic marine mammals. While pinnipeds live primarily in the ocean, they can come on land for long periods of time. Millions of years ago, pinnipeds were land-dwelling creatures; it is believed that they were bear or weasel-like animals that spent increasing amounts of time in the ocean and eventually adapted to the marine environment. Pinnipeds have advanced senses with sight and sense of smell adapted to both air and water and whiskers with an advanced tactile system. Pinniped have a layer of blubber, or fat, under their skin to help them retain heat and stay warm in the cold water habitats they typically inhabit in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Seals, falling under the group Pinnipeds, are charming marine mammals uniquely adapted to life at sea and on land. They have sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies, which, combined with their powerful flippers, make them agile swimmers. On land, they either "galumph" using all four limbs or wriggle on their bellies. Seals possess whiskers that are highly sensitive, helping them detect prey in murky waters. Their eyes are large and adapted for underwater vision. While they don't "speak" as we do, seals make a variety of vocalizations, from barks to roars, for communication and mating calls. With a keen sense of hearing and smell, they're adept ocean hunters.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Seals have shared a diverse history with humans. Traditionally, indigenous communities hunted them for food, skin, and blubber. In modern times, overhunting by larger commercial endeavors led to declining populations. Seals have also been popular attractions in marine parks and have starred in films and TV, like "Andre" or the lovable sea lion "Sammy" in "50 First Dates."

However, the portrayal isn't always positive, with seals sometimes depicted as threats or nuisances. Conservation initiatives, bolstered by public awareness campaigns, have protected many species from the brink of extinction. Today, seals are often celebrated for their playfulness and are a focal point of marine conservation endeavors.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is the largest pinniped?

The largest pinniped on record is the southern elephant seal measuring 21.3 ft (6.5 m) captured in 1913. The average male southern elephant seal can weigh between 4,900 to 8,800 lbs (2,200 to 4,000 kg) and are 14 ft to 19 ft (4.2 to 5.8 m) long. Bulls are typically 5 to 6 times heavier than females.

What do pinnipeds eat?

Pinnipeds are carnivorous and eat a wide variety of food depending on their species and habitat. They typically eat krill, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and squid. Most pinnipeds are general feeders but some specialize, like the leopard seal that specializes in penguins. Ross seals and southern elephant seals generally only eat squid and crabeater seals feed mostly on krill.

Why is blubber important for pinnipeds?

Blubber, layers of fat under their skin, is important for pinnipeds because it helps them protect themselves from the cold. The layers of blubber also aides in streamlining their form which allows pinnipeds to effectively chase after their prey. Blubber is also important for newborn pups as they live off their blubber while they develop both their diving and feeding skills.

Animals

* Under Development *

17.7”-21.25” | 45-54 cm
21.25”-23.6” | 54-60 cm
6.92’-8.83’ | 2.1-2.7 m
440-550 lb | 200-250 kg
20-31 years
Bearded Seal
54.000
60.000
270.000
250.000
31.00
4750
GUIDE
3D
Bearded Seal
13.4”-18.1” | 34-46 cm
13.4”-18.1” | 34-46 cm
6.92’-8.83’ | 2.1-2.7 m
243-860 lb | 110-390 kg
19-36 years
California Sea Lion
46.000
46.000
270.000
390.000
36.00
8800
GUIDE
3D
California Sea Lion
17.7”-20.5” | 45-52 cm
17.3”-18.5” | 44-47 cm
7.5’-8.5’ | 2.3-2.6 m
440-660 lb | 200-300 kg
23-40 years
Crabeater Seal
52.000
47.000
260.000
300.000
40.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Crabeater Seal
18.5”-19.7” | 44-50 cm
20.1”-21.7” | 51-55 cm
5.92’-6.5’ | 1.8-2 m
254-310 lb | 115-140 kg
20-35 years
Harp Seal
50.000
55.000
200.000
140.000
35.00
39700
GUIDE
3D
Harp Seal
12.6”-14.6” | 32-37 cm
16.5”-18.9” | 42-48 cm
6.92’-7.92’ | 2.1-2.4 m
310-400 lb | 140-200 kg
25-30 years
Hawaiian Monk Seal
37.000
48.000
240.000
200.000
30.00
13090
GUIDE
3D
Hawaiian Monk Seal
15”-29.1” | 38-74 cm (Overall)
13”-38.6” | 33-98 cm (Overall)
5.91’-10’ | 1.8-3 m (Overall)
440-880 lb | 200-400 kg (Overall)
25-35 years
Hooded Seal
74.000
98.000
300.000
400.000
35.00
5950
GUIDE
3D
Hooded Seal
13.4”-21.25” | 39-54 cm
15”-22” | 38-56 cm
7.83’-11.5’ | 2.39-3.5 m
573-1,100 lb | 260-500 kg
15-30 years
Leopard Seal
54.000
56.000
350.000
500.000
30.00
88300
GUIDE
3D
Leopard Seal
19.7”-31.5” | 50-80 cm (Overall)
18.5”-26” | 47-66 cm (Overall)
5.91’-9.84’ | 1.8-3 m (Overall)
310-770 lb | 140-350 kg (Overall)
16-30 years
South American Sea Lion
80.000
66.000
300.000
350.000
30.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
South American Sea Lion
19.7”-49.6” | 50-126 cm (Overall)
24.4”-70.9” | 62-180 cm (Overall)
8.5’-19.67’ | 2.6-6 m (Overall)
772-8,160 lb | 350-3,700 kg (Overall)
14-22 years
Southern Elephant Seal
126.000
180.000
600.000
3700.000
22.00
7200
GUIDE
3D
Southern Elephant Seal
24.4”-37.4” | 62-95 cm (Overall)
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Overall)
7.5’-10.67’ | 2.3-3.25 m (Overall)
529-2,470 lb | 240-1,120 kg (Overall)
14-33 years
Steller Sea Lion
95.000
100.000
325.000
1120.000
33.00
8400
GUIDE
3D
Steller Sea Lion
Walrus
408300
33.1”-55.1” | 84-140 cm (Overall)
35.4”-52.4” | 90-133 cm (Overall)
7.5’-12.17’ | 2.3-3.7 m (Overall)
1,323-4,410 lb | 600-2,000 kg (Overall)
30-40 years
Walrus
140.000
133.000
370.000
2000.000
40.00
408300
GUIDE
3D
Walrus
18.9”-25.6” | 48-65 cm
13.8”-19.7” | 35-50 cm
8.17’-10.83’ | 2.5-3.3 m
882-1,323 lb | 400-600 kg
20-30 years
Weddell Seal
65.000
50.000
330.000
600.000
30.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Weddell Seal
Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata)
Comparison drawing of the Hooded Seal compared to other similar seals and a person

Hooded seals primarily prefer the floating ice packs. They are also called bladder-nosed seals and inhabit icy waters of the north pole. These large sexually dimorphic Phacid can be silver-grey or white and sometimes have black spots covering their body. Adult males show a strikingly inflatable nasal cavity besides their well-known hood in their nose and are usually larger than females. The animals also migrate, love to forage in deep waters with the competence to dive deeper compared to other seals. Additionally, Hooded seals live solitary, are unsocial, extremely aggressive, and territorial.

Hooded Seals have a total length between 5.91’-10’ (1.8-3 m), body height of 15”-29.1” (38-74 cm), and width of 13”-38.6” (33-98 cm). The typical weight of the Hooded Seal is in the range of 440-880 lb (200-400 kg). Hooded Seals have lifespans between 25-35 years. The sizes of Hooded Seals differ greatly between genders.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hooded Seal viewed from the side and top
Hooded seals primarily prefer the floating ice packs. They are also called bladder-nosed seals and inhabit icy waters of the north pole. These large sexually dimorphic Phacid can be silver-grey or white and sometimes have black spots covering their body. Adult males show a striking nasal cavity.

Hooded Seals have a total length between 5.91’-10’ (1.8-3 m), body height of 15”-29.1” (38-74 cm), and width of 13”-38.6” (33-98 cm). The typical weight of the Hooded Seal is in the range of 440-880 lb (200-400 kg). Hooded Seals have lifespans between 25-35 years. The sizes of Hooded Seals differ greatly between genders.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hooded Seal viewed from the side and top
Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata)
Height:
15”-29.1” | 38-74 cm (Overall)
Width:
13”-38.6” | 33-98 cm (Overall)
Length:
5.91’-10’ | 1.8-3 m (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
440-880 lb | 200-400 kg (Overall)
Area:

Male:

Length:
8’-10’ | 2.4-3 m

Height: 23.6”-29.1” | 60-74 cm

Width: 32.3”-38.6” | 82-98 cm

Weight: 660-880 lb | 300-400 kg



Female:

Length:
5.91’-7.22’ | 1.8-2.2 m

Height: 15”-18.1” | 38-46 cm

Width: 13”-15.75” | 33-40 cm

Weight: 440-705 lb | 200-320 kg

Scientific Name
Cystophora cristata
Lifespan
25-35 years

Drawings include:

Hooded Seal side elevation, front, top

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Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
Scale illustration of an average Steller Sea Lion compared to a human and similar seals

The Steller Sea Lion is native to the waters of the North Pacific besides being the largest in the family Otariidae. Apart from being larger, Steller sea lions or Northern sea lions show a boxy bear-like head, blunt face, and lighter skin color. Males have a heavy physique, thick neck, wider chest, larger and broader foreheads. These animals are skilled opportunistic predators and love to gather on an isolated island when they are out of water. Steller sea lions are social with the males being three times larger than the females. These creatures also apply a wide range of vocalization in communication and can spend a longer time submerged in water.

Steller Sea Lions have a total length between 7.5’-10.67’ (2.3-3.25 m), body height of 24.4”-37.4” (62-95 cm), and width of 23.6”-39.4” (60-100 cm). The typical weight of the Steller Sea Lion is in the range of 529-2,470 lb (240-1,120 kg). Steller Sea Lions have lifespans between 14-33 years. The sizes of Steller Sea Lions differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Steller Sea Lion seen from the side and top
The Steller Sea Lion is native to the waters of the North Pacific besides being the largest in the family Otariidae. Apart from being larger, Steller sea lions or Northern sea lions show a boxy bear-like head, blunt face, and lighter skin color. Males have a heavy physique and thick neck.

Steller Sea Lions have a total length between 7.5’-10.67’ (2.3-3.25 m), body height of 24.4”-37.4” (62-95 cm), and width of 23.6”-39.4” (60-100 cm). The typical weight of the Steller Sea Lion is in the range of 529-2,470 lb (240-1,120 kg). Steller Sea Lions have lifespans between 14-33 years. The sizes of Steller Sea Lions differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Steller Sea Lion seen from the side and top
Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus)
Height:
24.4”-37.4” | 62-95 cm (Overall)
Width:
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Overall)
Length:
7.5’-10.67’ | 2.3-3.25 m (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
529-2,470 lb | 240-1,120 kg (Overall)
Area:

Male:

Length:
7.5’-10.67’ | 2.3-3.25 m

Height: 25.2”-37.4” | 64-95 cm

Width: 27.6”-39.4” | 70-100 cm

Weight: 992-2,470 lb | 450-1,120 kg



Female:

Length:
7.5’-9.5’ | 2.3-2.9 m

Height: 24.4”-30.7” | 62-78 cm

Width: 23.6”-27.6” | 60-70 cm

Weight: 529-772 lb | 240-350 kg

Scientific Name
Eumetopias jubatus
Lifespan
14-33 years

Drawings include:

Steller Sea Lion side elevation, front, top

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South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
Comparison drawing of the South American Sea Lion compared to other similar seals and a person

The South American sea lions are large Otariidae with surprisingly many names such as hair seals, seal lion, sea wolf, and many others. Males are certainly large and clearly distinguishable from females from their enormous heads and well-developed manes. These seal lions are highly recognizable by their upturned snouts and body dressed in orange or brown color. They live along the east and west coast of the South American continent. These animals are social, love to remain in groups and highly territorial. The sea wolf has been represented in art status and was at one time worshipped by the Moche people. They are usually more sexually dimorphic compared to other sea lions.

South American Sea Lions have a total length between 5.91’-9.84’ (1.8-3 m), body height of 19.7”-31.5” (50-80 cm), and width of 18.5”-26” (47-66 cm). The typical weight of the South American Sea Lion is in the range of 310-770 lb (140-350 kg). South American Sea Lions have lifespans between 16-30 years. The sizes of South American Sea Lions differ greatly between genders.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the South American Sea Lion viewed from the side and top
The South American sea lions are large Otariidae with surprisingly many names such as hair seals, seal lion, sea wolf, and many others. Males are certainly large and clearly distinguishable from females from their enormous heads and well-developed manes.

South American Sea Lions have a total length between 5.91’-9.84’ (1.8-3 m), body height of 19.7”-31.5” (50-80 cm), and width of 18.5”-26” (47-66 cm). The typical weight of the South American Sea Lion is in the range of 310-770 lb (140-350 kg). South American Sea Lions have lifespans between 16-30 years. The sizes of South American Sea Lions differ greatly between genders.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the South American Sea Lion viewed from the side and top
South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)
Height:
19.7”-31.5” | 50-80 cm (Overall)
Width:
18.5”-26” | 47-66 cm (Overall)
Length:
5.91’-9.84’ | 1.8-3 m (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
310-770 lb | 140-350 kg (Overall)
Area:

Male:

Length:
8.53’-9.84’ | 2.6-3 m

Height: 27.2”-31.5” | 69-80 cm
Width: 23.2”-26” | 59-66 cm

Weight: 440-770 lb | 200-350 kg



Female:

Length:
5.91’-6.56’ | 1.8-2 m

Height: 19.7”-21.25” | 50-54 cm

Width: 18.5”-20.5” | 47-52 cm

Weight: 310-330 lb | 140-150 kg

Scientific Name
Otaria flavescens
Lifespan
16-30 years

Drawings include:

South American Sea Lion side elevation, front

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Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a bearded seal to a typical person and similar seals

Bearded seals are classified under the family Phocidae and are among the many known largest seals inhabiting the Arctic polar regions. They are identified by small heads, large bodies, dark grey or greyish-brown color, square fore-flippers, preference for ice floes, and very distinguishing whiskers used for detecting or feeling prey on the soft bottom sediments. Female bearded seals are generally larger than males, however, either sex shares some resemblances such as skin color. Bearded seals live in solitary and invest most of their time relaxing on sea ice or foliage for food along the shallow waters of the ocean.

Bearded Seals have a total length between 6.92’-8.83’ (2.1-2.7 m), body height of 17.7”-21.25” (45-54 cm), and width of 21.25”-23.6” (54-60 cm). The typical weight of the bearded seal is in the range of 440-550 lb (200-250 kg). Bearded seals have lifespans between 20-31 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of bearded seal in top and side poses
Bearded seals are classified under the family Phocidae and are among the many known largest seals inhabiting the Arctic polar regions. They are identified by small heads, large bodies, dark grey or greyish-brown color, square fore-flippers, preference for ice floes, and very distinguishing whiskers.

Bearded Seals have a total length between 6.92’-8.83’ (2.1-2.7 m), body height of 17.7”-21.25” (45-54 cm), and width of 21.25”-23.6” (54-60 cm). The typical weight of the bearded seal is in the range of 440-550 lb (200-250 kg). Bearded seals have lifespans between 20-31 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of bearded seal in top and side poses
Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
Height:
17.7”-21.25” | 45-54 cm
Width:
21.25”-23.6” | 54-60 cm
Length:
6.92’-8.83’ | 2.1-2.7 m
Depth:
Weight:
440-550 lb | 200-250 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Erignathus barbatus
Lifespan
20-31 years

Drawings include:

Bearded Seal side elevation, front, top

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Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii)
Comparison drawing of the Weddell Seal compared to other similar seals and a person

Weddell seals are comparatively large Phacids that love to devote plenty of their time under Antarctic ice. These seals are non-migratory and find life underwater convenient for their survival either by finding prey or avoiding predators. Weddell seals have a cat-like face with a bulky body but shorter fore-flippers. Males are less large and less heavy than females, however, their head and muzzle are a little broader and their neck thicker than females. Additionally, Weddell seals are social, often congregating in small groups and prefer to rest on their sides on fast ice. They are also vocal, doing a variety of sounds.

Weddell Seals have a total length between 8.17’-10.83’ (2.5-3.3 m), body height of 18.9”-25.6” (48-65 cm), and width of 13.8”-19.7” (35-50 cm). The typical weight of the Weddell Seal is in the range of 882-1,323 lb (400-600 kg). Weddell Seals have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Weddell Seal viewed from the side and top
Weddell seals are comparatively large Phacids that love to devote plenty of their time under Antarctic ice. These seals are non-migratory and find life underwater convenient for their survival either by finding prey or avoiding predators. Weddell seals have a cat-like face with a bulky body.

Weddell Seals have a total length between 8.17’-10.83’ (2.5-3.3 m), body height of 18.9”-25.6” (48-65 cm), and width of 13.8”-19.7” (35-50 cm). The typical weight of the Weddell Seal is in the range of 882-1,323 lb (400-600 kg). Weddell Seals have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Weddell Seal viewed from the side and top
Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii)
Height:
18.9”-25.6” | 48-65 cm
Width:
13.8”-19.7” | 35-50 cm
Length:
8.17’-10.83’ | 2.5-3.3 m
Depth:
Weight:
882-1,323 lb | 400-600 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Leptonychotes weddellii
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Weddell Seal side elevation, front

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