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.

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.

* Under Development *

Seals Guides
Browse through our curated Seals Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Seals. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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
Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)
Scale illustration of an average Leopard Seal compared to a human and similar seals

Leopard seals or sea leopards are large Phacid inhabiting most areas of Antarctica. Leopard seals have large muscular frames and big reptilian-like heads, mouths, and also spot counter-shaded coats. Their dark gray blended coat with spotted patterns gives the Leopard seal the distinctive ”leopard” complexion. Sea leopards are true seals having shot clear whiskers, enormous heads, and large front flippers. They are considered top predators only predated by killer whales. They reside in solitary most of their time, though they are extremely social underwater, producing loud calls for several periods each day.

Leopard Seals have a total length between 7.83’-11.5’ (2.39-3.5 m), body height of 13.4”-21.25” (39-54 cm), and width of 15”-22” (38-56 cm). The typical weight of the Leopard Seal is in the range of 573-1,100 lb (260-500 kg). Leopard Seals have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Leopard Seal seen from the side and top
Leopard seals or sea leopards are large Phacid inhabiting most areas of Antarctica. Leopard seals have large muscular frames and big reptilian-like heads, mouths, and also spot counter-shaded coats. Their dark gray blended coat with spotted patterns gives the seal the distinctive ”leopard” pattern.

Leopard Seals have a total length between 7.83’-11.5’ (2.39-3.5 m), body height of 13.4”-21.25” (39-54 cm), and width of 15”-22” (38-56 cm). The typical weight of the Leopard Seal is in the range of 573-1,100 lb (260-500 kg). Leopard Seals have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Leopard Seal seen from the side and top
Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)
Height:
13.4”-21.25” | 39-54 cm
Width:
15”-22” | 38-56 cm
Length:
7.83’-11.5’ | 2.39-3.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
573-1,100 lb | 260-500 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Hydrurga leptonyx
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Leopard Seal side elevation, front

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Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophaga)
Comparison drawing of the crabeater seal compared to other similar seals and a person

Crabeater seals are medium to large size Carnivora with rather slender bodies and pale-tinted skins. They inhabit most parts of the South pole or Antarctica coast, free-floating on ice packs they use for resting, mating, or accessing prey. They are classified under the family Phocidae with unique attributes of the tooth which somewhat functions like that of the Baleen whales. These vertebrates are highly social, primarily found gathering in groups, and can migrate over great distances. Crabeater seals are identified by comparatively long, slender heads and muzzles with eyes set further apart. They also show somewhat sickle-shaped long wide fore flippers. They mainly feed on Krill and not crab as their name suggests.

Crabeater Seals have a total length between 7.5’-8.5’ (2.3-2.6 m), body height of 17.7”-20.5” (45-52 cm), and width of 17.3”-18.5” (44-47 cm). The typical weight of the Crabeater Seal is in the range of 440-660 lb (200-300 kg). Crabeater Seals have lifespans between 23-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the crabeater seal viewed from the side and top
Crabeater seals are medium to large size Carnivora with rather slender bodies and pale-tinted skins. They inhabit most parts of the South pole or Antarctica coast, free-floating on ice packs they use for resting, mating, or accessing prey. They are classified under the family Phocidae.

Crabeater Seals have a total length between 7.5’-8.5’ (2.3-2.6 m), body height of 17.7”-20.5” (45-52 cm), and width of 17.3”-18.5” (44-47 cm). The typical weight of the Crabeater Seal is in the range of 440-660 lb (200-300 kg). Crabeater Seals have lifespans between 23-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the crabeater seal viewed from the side and top
Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophaga)
Height:
17.7”-20.5” | 45-52 cm
Width:
17.3”-18.5” | 44-47 cm
Length:
7.5’-8.5’ | 2.3-2.6 m
Depth:
Weight:
440-660 lb | 200-300 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Lobodon carcinophaga
Lifespan
23-40 years

Drawings include:

Crabeater Seal side elevation, front

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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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Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
Scale illustration of an average Walrus compared to a human and similar species

Walrus are sociable marine mammals inhabiting parts of the subarctic seas and Arctic oceans. They are the only surviving species grouped under the class Odobenidae. Walrus are identified by a mustache, long-tusk, flat flippers, grizzly whiskers, wrinkled brown and pink hides, and infamous for snorting and bellowing loudly at one another. Walrus use their tusk for various reasons such as hauling themselves out of water or breaking breathing holes into the ice and in males, battling for territories. Walrus also play a big role in the tradition and religion of many Arctic people showing up in folklores and ceremonies. Also, they are regularly hunted for their ivory, blubber, and meat.

Walruss have a total length between 7.5’-12.17’ (2.3-3.7 m), body height of 33.1”-55.1” (84-140 cm), and width of 35.4”-52.4” (90-133 cm). The typical weight of the Walrus is in the range of 1,323-4,410 lb (600-2,000 kg). Walrus have lifespans between 30-40 years. The sizes of Walruses differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Walrus seen from the side and top
Walrus are sociable marine mammals inhabiting parts of the subarctic seas and Arctic oceans. They are the only surviving species grouped under the class Odobenidae. Walrus are identified by a mustache, long-tusk, flat flippers, grizzly whiskers, wrinkled brown and pink hides, and infamous snorting.

Walruss have a total length between 7.5’-12.17’ (2.3-3.7 m), body height of 33.1”-55.1” (84-140 cm), and width of 35.4”-52.4” (90-133 cm). The typical weight of the Walrus is in the range of 1,323-4,410 lb (600-2,000 kg). Walrus have lifespans between 30-40 years. The sizes of Walruses differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Walrus seen from the side and top
Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
Height:
33.1”-55.1” | 84-140 cm (Overall)
Width:
35.4”-52.4” | 90-133 cm (Overall)
Length:
7.5’-12.17’ | 2.3-3.7 m (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
1,323-4,410 lb | 600-2,000 kg (Overall)
Area:

Male:
Length:
8.83’-12.17’ | 2.7-3.7 m

Height: 37.4”-55.1” | 95-140 cm

Width: 35.8”-52.4” | 91-133 cm

Weight: 1,764-4,410 lb | 800-2,000 kg



Female:

Length:
7.5’-10.17’ | 2.3-3.1 m

Height: 33.1”-46.1” | 84-117 cm
Width: 35.4”-45.3” | 90-115 cm

Weight: 1,323-1,874 lb | 600-850 kg

Scientific Name
Odobenus rosmarus
Lifespan
30-40 years

Drawings include:

Walrus 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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