Seals are some of the most fascinating marine mammals on the planet because they can adapt to life in both water and on land. With streamlined bodies and powerful flippers, these animals navigate the seas with agility while relying on beaches and ice for resting and breeding.
There are many types of seals that exist, each playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems by maintaining balance as both predators and prey. From the icy Arctic to temperate coastlines, seal species thrive in diverse environments.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 different types of seals. We’ll showcase their unique traits, habitats, and the importance of conservation for these incredible creatures.
HOW MANY SEAL SPECIES ARE THERE?
One of the most notable facts about seals is that there are 33 recognized types. These different seal species are divided into two main groups:
True seals lack external ear flaps and rely on their back flippers for propulsion. Meanwhile, fur seals (like sea lions) have visible ears and walk on land with their front flippers.
These two groups showcase the diversity that exists among seals. They also demonstrate the unique adaptations to specific habitats and climates of all seal species.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEALS?
Different types of seals come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and habitats. Each has unique traits that help them survive in their environments.
HARP SEAL
The harp seal is best known for its silky white fur as a pup and silvery-gray coat with black harp-shaped markings as an adult. With adults reaching just 5–6 feet (1.5–2 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.
GRAY SEAL
Gray seals are one of the biggest seal types on our list. Males can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh over 800 pounds (360 kilos). Found along the North Atlantic coastlines, these large seals have a mottled gray coat and distinctively large noses, which give them their name.
LEOPARD SEAL
What type of seal is aggressive? The answer is the leopard seal. Its powerful jaws and sharp teeth add to its reputation as perhaps the most dangerous seal species. To thrive in icy Antarctic waters, leopard seals are solitary hunters that feed on penguins, fish, and krill.
WEDDELL SEAL
In terms of seal types, Weddell seals are incredible divers. They can reach depths of over 2,000 feet (600 meters) and hold their breath for up to 80 minutes. These types of seals are known for their haunting underwater calls during breeding seasons.
CRABEATER SEAL
Despite its name, the crabeater seal doesn’t eat crabs. It actually specializes in krill. With an estimated population of over 75 million, it’s the most abundant seal species.
SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL
Meet one of the largest seal species on our planet. With males reaching up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 8,800 pounds (4,000 kilos), southern elephant seals are true giants of the ocean. Their name comes from their trunk-like snouts that are used for mating calls.
HOODED SEAL
Hooded seals are named for the inflatable nasal sac on males, which they use to attract mates and deter rivals. These seal types inhabit the North Atlantic and are known for their bluish-gray coats. Pups are called “bluebacks” and they’re weaned in just four days.
BEARDED SEAL
The bearded seal is key prey for other animals living in the Arctic (like polar bears). Distinguished by their long, curled whiskers, this seal species forages on the ocean floor for clams and fish.
SPOTTED SEAL
Spotted seals are agile swimmers found in the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The coats are pale gray with dark spots. These seal types migrate seasonally and are known to move between pack ice in winter and coastal waters in summer.
RINGED SEAL
The ringed seal is one of the smallest types of seals on our list. Its dark coat features silver rings, and it uses its sharp claws to maintain breathing holes in ice. Ringed seals are masters of Arctic survival.
CASPIAN SEAL
Caspian seals inhabit the landlocked Caspian Sea. Its pups are born with white fur to provide camouflage on the ice. These seals are endangered and face threats from habitat loss and pollution. The Caspian seal is also a rare example of a freshwater pinniped.
BAIKAL SEAL
Found exclusively in Russia’s Lake Baikal, the Baikal seal is the only freshwater seal species that exists. It has a torpedo-shaped body and thick blubber for insulation in icy waters. As one of the smallest seal species, it highlights the animal’s adaptability to various environments.
NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL
Northern elephant seals are known for their intense breeding battles, where males compete for dominance. A single alpha male can mate with up to 50 females in a season. Found along the Pacific coast, these seal types are excellent divers and can reach depths of 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) in search of food.
MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
Among the most endangered seal types on our list, the Mediterranean monk seal faces habitat loss and declining populations. Found in isolated areas of the Mediterranean, this seal prefers caves and rocky coastlines. Conservation efforts are critical to protecting one of the rarest pinnipeds on the planet.
ROSS SEAL
The Ross seal is a solitary species that inhabits the Antarctic pack ice. With a small head, large eyes, and unique vocalizations, it stands out among the different seal species we’ve discussed. To adapt to the harshest environments in the world, they feed primarily on squid and fish.
SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF SEALS IN OUR WORLD
Seals are vital to maintaining balance on our planet. The diversity we’ve showcased in this seal species list highlights their unique contributions to their environments.
At Fahlo, we’re dedicated to protecting these seal species as well as other animals, too. Since 2018, we’ve partnered with nonprofits to create bracelets and plushes that let you track real animals while inspiring education and action.
Join us in making a difference for wildlife today!