The Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) is a species of eared seal found primarily in the Southern Ocean. It is a highly social animal, known for its dense breeding colonies and playful nature. These seals are well-adapted to the harsh Antarctic environment and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Arctocephalus gazella is a relatively small seal, with males typically reaching a length of around 2.2 meters and weighing up to 200 kilograms. Females are smaller, reaching a length of 1.6 meters and weighing around 60 kilograms. They have a distinctive, thick, dark gray fur coat that provides insulation against the cold Antarctic waters. They have a long, narrow snout with prominent whiskers, large, dark eyes, and small, ear-like flaps that help them to hear underwater. They possess powerful flippers that enable them to swim with remarkable speed and agility.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Antarctic Fur Seal is found primarily in the Southern Ocean, with a range that extends from the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands to the subantarctic islands of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. They are particularly abundant in the areas surrounding the South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands, and South Georgia. This species is typically found in the neritic zone, which is the marine environment close to the shore, and the epipelagic zone, the sunlit upper layer of the open ocean.
Taxonomy
The species Arctocephalus gazella belongs to the Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, and Family: Otariidae. The Otariidae family includes all eared seals, characterized by their external ear flaps, and includes fur seals and sea lions.
Feeding
The Antarctic Fur Seal is a carnivore that relies primarily on a diet of fish, squid, and krill. They are opportunistic feeders and will readily consume a variety of prey items, including small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are known to dive to depths of over 500 meters to search for food, and their diet can vary depending on the availability of prey in their specific location. They are also known to occasionally prey on seabirds.
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