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"