Latin Name |
Halichoerus grypus |
Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Location
| N Atlantic & Baltic Sea |
Colour |
Grey or Brown |
Length |
2 - 2.5 m (6.5 - 8.25 ft) |
Weight |
170 - 310 Kgs (370 - 680 lbs) |
Life Expectancy |
20 - 30 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Grey Seals have a body length between 2 and 2.5 m (6.5 - 8.25 ft) and they weigh between 170 and 310 kgs (370 - 680 lbs). They are coloured various shades of grey or brown and they are marked with small, scattered spots.
Habitat
Grey Seals can be found in the north Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea.
Diet
Grey Seals mainly feed upon a wide variety of fish but they will also eat mollusks and crustaceans.
Breeding
After a gestation period of 11 months, Grey Seals give birth to a single pup. They are weaned at 3 weeks old and they reach sexual maturity at 3 - 8 years of age.
Predators
Predators of Grey Seals include killer whales and sharks.
Subspecies
Subspecies of the Grey Seal include:
Halichoerus grypus grypus
Halichoerus grypus macrorhynchus
Interesting Facts
Grey Seals are also known as:
Gray Seal
Atlantic Grey Seal
Atlantic Gray Seal
Halichoerus grypus means "hooked-nose sea pig"
Similar Animals
Common Seal
Ringed Seal
Baikal Seal
Caspian Seal
Harp Seal
Ribbon Seal Spotted Seal
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