Fishin' for Facts: Leopard Seal

Common name: Leopard Seal

Scientific name: Family Phocidae:

Genus species: Hydrurga leptonyx

The average size of an adult leopard seals can reach lengths up to 3 meters (9.8 feet). Large leopard seals can weigh 450 kg (992 lb). Pups are about 1 meter (3.2 feet) long and can weigh about 30 kg (66 lb).

They eat many species of penguins, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, antarctic fur seals, seabirds, krill, and fish.

They may be eaten by killer whales.

Leopard seals are fierce predators. When their mouth is open their powerful jaws look almost lizard-like. They hunt and eat many of the animals found in  Antarctica - from krill to other seals. These pretty seals have silvery fur on their throat and underside (belly). The fur on their back is a dark gray to almost a bluish color. Although they are found mostly around the pack ice of the Antarctic and sub Antarctic islands, they have been found off the coasts of South America,  Africa, New Zealand, and Southern Australia. Leopard seals are a noisy species making a variety of sounds below water.