Main Characteristics

Ross Seals have a body length between 1.7 and 3 m (5.5 - 9.75 ft) and they weigh between 130 and 215 kgs (290 - 470 lbs). They have a slender body and a thick neck. They are dark grey/brown in colour and they have very large eyes.

Habitat

Ross Seals can be found in Antarctic waters.

Diet

Ross Seals mainly feed on fish, squid and krill and they dive to depths of several hundred metres to catch their prey.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 9 months, Ross Seals give birth to a single pup. They are weaned at 4 - 6 weeks old and they reach sexual maturity at 2 - 4 years of age.

Predators

Predators of Ross Seals include killer whales and leopard seals.

Interesting Facts

Ross Seals are named after Sir James Clark Ross who led the Erebus and Terror expeditions to the Antarctic.