Different Species
There are 19 species of seals. Many researchers believe that there are many species that have died off in the past. However, there is still a great deal of research that has to be done in that field. Below are a few mentionable species.
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Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)
The Leopard Seal is the second largest of all seals out there. You will find this type of seal living in the very cold regions of the Antarctic. Some of them though prefer the warmer climates. Leopard seals have been identified in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where it is much warmer than the Antarctic. The Leopard Seal is considered to be the most aggressive of all the species out there. The leopard seal loves krill, fish, and penguins.
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Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
The Harbor Seal is fairly small when it is compared to the many other species of seals out there. They vary significantly in color and can be dark brown, tan, or various shades of gray. This species of seal can be found in the colder waters of the Arctic coastlines, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Baltic Sea. The diet for the Harbor Seal mainly consists of small fish.
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Harp Seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus)
The Harp Seal is one that has lots of white fur on it. They also can feature areas of light brown and even some black. You will find the Harp Seals along the coasts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. This particular type of seal swims in search of food. The diet for these types of seals consists of small fish and invertebrates. A Harp Seal is able to reproduce when it is between 5 and 7 years of age. Males end up courting the females on the ice but then move into the water for the actual act of reproduction to take place.
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Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)
The Southern Elephant Seal is the largest of all seals in the world. The males can weigh up to 8,500 lb and the females 2,000 lbs. The males The males have what appears to be a trunk that protrudes from the front of their face, which gives them the name "elephant seal". The main food sources for the Southern Elephant seal are squid and a variety of fish, and sometimes even small sharks that are around their natural habitat. During breeding season, the males become very aggressive and fight one other for the female.
Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi)
The fact that this species of seal prefers to live alone or with a few others is part of how it got the “monk” part of its name. The Hawaiian Monk Seal can be found along the waters of Hawaii. These seal are quite gentle until breeding season. First, the males are aggressive towards each other and for the females. Then the males can be aggressive with the females that they wish to mate with. Some of their favorite foods include fish, lobster, eels, and even octopus.