Main Characteristics

Ringed Seals have a body length between 1.4 and 1.6 m (4.6 - 5.2 ft) and they weigh between 65 and 95 kgs (140 - 210 lbs). They are pale grey in colour with dark coloured spots that are surrounded by light coloured rings.

Habitat

Ringed Seals can be found throughout the Arctic Ocean, in Hudson Bay, the Baltic Sea and the Bering Sea.

Diet

Ringed Seals mainly feed upon cod but they will also eat a variety of other fish and crustaceans.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 9 months, Ringed Seals give birth to a single pup. They are weaned at 5 - 6 weeks old and they reach sexual maturity at 5 - 8 years of age.

Predators

Predators of Ringed Seals include killer whales and polar bears.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Ringed Seal include:

Pusa hispida hispida
Pusa hispida krascheninikovi
Pusa hispida ochotensis
Pusa hispida botnica
Pusa hispida ladogensis
Pusa hispida saimensis

Interesting Facts

Ringed Seals are also known as:
Jar Seal
Netsik
Nattiq

Similar Animals

Common Seal
Grey Seal
Baikal Seal
Caspian Seal
Harp Seal
Ribbon Seal
Spotted Seal