Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Pinnipedia Scientific Name : Phoca vitulina Size : 1.8 - 5m (5.9 - 16ft) Weight : 105 - 3,000kg (230 - 6,000lbs) Top Speed : 44km/h (27mph) Life Span : 15 - 25 years Colour : Brown, Tan, White, Black Skin Type : Smooth Special Features : Thick fur and stream line body
- Common Seals are found in the cold waters of the world.
- They usually inhabit coastal waters where there are fewer predators and ample food.
- There are around 30 species of seal found all around the world.
- They are closely related to the sea lions and walruses.
- The Elephant Seal is the largest species of seal with individuals growing up to 5m long.
- The Caspian Seal is the smallest species.
- The leopard Seal is highly predatory and has an aggressive behavior.
- They are generally peaceful and playful by nature.
- Their predators on land and in water include polar bears, sharks and killer whales.
- Humans are also known to hunt them for oil and food.
- Seals are carnivores mainly feeding on fish, squid and crustaceans.
- They are known to spend half their time in water and half their time on land.
- Seal pups are born during summer and spring on land after a yearlong gestation.
- The seal pups develop very quickly and are often able to swim within a few hours of birth.
- Their average lifespan is between 15-25 years.
- Being the target for many species as a food source, the Seals are declining in number and a threatened species now.