Harp Seal

Pagophilus groenlandicus

Harp seals are playful animals that love to swim in icy waters. They have soft, spotted fur that helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Habitat: Cold ocean waters near ice floes.

Appearance

The Harp Seal has a streamlined body and a small head. Adults are light grey with a distinctive black, harp-shaped marking on their back. Pups are born with a fluffy, yellowish-white coat that quickly turns pure white.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyPhocidaeGenusPagophilus

Harp Seal

Interesting facts

A harp seal mom can recognize her pup's unique smell and call from hundreds of others!

Harp seal pups are called "whitecoats" because they are born with fluffy, pure white fur!

Harp seals migrate thousands of kilometers each year, traveling from the Arctic to warmer waters!

The scientific name, *Pagophilus groenlandicus*, means "ice-lover from Greenland," fitting their chilly home!

Special abilities

Harp Seal has a thick layer of blubber that helps them stay incredibly warm and insulated in freezing Arctic waters.

Harp Seal can see well in dim, murky water because their large eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, perfect for hunting prey.

Harp Seal can hold its breath for up to 20 minutes, allowing them to hunt prey deep beneath the ice without needing to surface.

Harp Seal can travel thousands of kilometers by swimming under vast ice floes, navigating using sound and memory.

Measurements & details

Length: 170-200 cm
Weight: 115-180 kg
Lifespan: 20-35 years
Top Speed: 27 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 240 days

Diet & Feeding

Harp seals love to eat small fish and shrimp they find swimming in the cold ocean!

Age differences: Pups drink mother's milk, then switch to a diet of fish and crustaceans as they mature.

Primary Foods

Arctic cod
capelin
northern shrimp
Greenland halibut
amphipods

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Arctic Cod

Arctogadus glacialis

A primary food source in their Arctic habitat.

eats

Capelin

Mallotus villosus

A small schooling fish, important prey for seals.

eaten by

Polar Bear

Ursus maritimus

Polar bears are a main predator, especially of pups.

Traits

Wildlife

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Furry

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Whiskered

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Social

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Piscivorous

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Coastal

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