Southern Elephant Seal
Mirounga leonina
- Group: Seal
- Typical depth: 0–8000 m
- Max size: 6.9 m
- IUCN status: LC
The largest seal on earth, the southern elephant seal hauls out on beaches and ice but spends most of its life at sea diving for squid and fish. Bulls reach nearly seven metres and the species dives to extraordinary depths well beyond a thousand metres. The IUCN rates it of least concern.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Phocidae › Mirounga
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 231413.
FAQ
- How deep does the Southern Elephant Seal live?
- The Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) is typically found at 0–8000 m.
- How big does the Southern Elephant Seal get?
- The Southern Elephant Seal grows to about 6.9 m.