Harp Seal
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Blubber Boiler
Harp Seal has a thick layer of blubber that helps them stay incredibly warm and insulated in freezing Arctic waters.
Ability
Underwater Eyesight
Harp Seal can see well in dim, murky water because their large eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, perfect for hunting prey.
Ability
Breath-Hold Master
Harp Seal can hold its breath for up to 20 minutes, allowing them to hunt prey deep beneath the ice without needing to surface.
Ability
Ice Traveler
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Whiskered
Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Greenland SealSaddleback Seal
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Harp seals are wild animals, so it's best to admire them from a distance and never try to touch or feed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Harp Seal?
170-200 cm
How much does Harp Seal weigh?
115-180 kg
How long does Harp Seal live?
20-35 years
How fast can Harp Seal move?
27 km/h
What does Harp Seal eat?
Harp seals love to eat small fish and shrimp they find swimming in the cold ocean!
Where is Harp Seal usually found?
Cold ocean waters near ice floes.
How does Harp Seal hunt?
Pursuit
How many babies does Harp Seal usually have?
1
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