mdlogo.gif (5789 bytes)™

Fishin' for Facts: Elephant Seals

belpup.gif (29530 bytes)©WhaleTimes

There are two different kinds of elephant seals - northern and southern. The two species live in different parts of the world.

Common name: Northern Elephant Seal

Scientific name: Mirounga angustirostris

Common name: Southern Elephant Seal

Scientific name: Mirounga leonina

bullet

Size

NORTHERN: Females can reach lengths up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) and weigh 600 kg (1,323 pounds). Males can reach lengths up to 4 m (13 feet) and 2,000 kg (9,700 pounds).   Pups are 125 cm (50 inches) long  and 35 kg (77 pounds).
SOUTHERN: Females can reach lengths up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) and weigh between 800 kg (1,764 pounds). Males can reach lengths up to 5 m (16 feet) and can weigh up to 5,000 kg (11,025 pounds).

bullet

Where are they found?

Northern elephant seals are found in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Southern elephant seal are found in the oceans around Antarctica.

bullet

What do they eat?

Northern elephant seals eat squid, octopus, fish and sometimes even small sharks. Southern elephant seals have a similar diet.
bullet

Elephant Seal Highlights

female Nothern elephant seal©WhaleTimes 

The northern elephant seal can stay underwater for 40minutes, sometimes longer.

According to research by Dr. Brent Stewart (and others) the northern elephant seal can regularly dive deeper than 2,500 ft. or more. One male was recorded diving up to 5,150 ft. This data was gathered using a satellite tracking system with a radio pack attached to the back of the elephant seal.

The elephant seal is the largest pinniped species, which would mean it is also the largest species of seal.

Many people may recognize the elephant seal from television documentaries. It is a well-studied species. The male elephant seals compete for the females during breeding season. The strongest, most aggressive male generally has access to more females. They compete for the females through "visual and vocal threats. And occasionally physical battles.
The northern elephant seal was hunted to near extinction in the 1880s They are protected by Mexican and American laws, and have made an amazing comeback.

To learn more about the elephant seal and other fascinating pinnipeds, we have a book for you!

FISHIN' FOR FACTSBACK TO THE SEABED

Copyright 1995 WhaleTimes/JakenMax Productions. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this website can be used in any other works without written permission of JakenMax Productions