The Common Seal, Harbor Seal – Phoca vitulina is a medium-sized seal species found in coastal waters of the northern hemisphere. These seals are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from rocky shores to sandy beaches. They are known for their intelligence and playful nature, often seen basking on the shore or swimming in shallow waters.
Description & Characteristics
The Phoca vitulina is a robust seal with a streamlined body, designed for efficient swimming. They have short, thick necks and relatively large heads. Their fur is typically gray to brown in color, with lighter patches on the belly and throat. Adults can grow to a maximum size of around 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length and weigh up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly larger than females. Like all seals, Phoca vitulina possess flippers, which are modified forelimbs used for propulsion in the water. Their hind flippers are also adapted for swimming and cannot be rotated forward for walking on land. They possess a thick layer of blubber, which provides insulation and buoyancy in cold water.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Common Seal, Harbor Seal – Phoca vitulina is found in coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, including the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. They typically inhabit temperate and cold waters, with a preference for areas with rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries. The Phoca vitulina can be found in a variety of marine zones, from intertidal areas to the continental shelf. Their distribution is heavily influenced by the availability of prey and suitable breeding grounds.
Taxonomy
The species Phoca vitulina belongs to the Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, and Family: Phocidae. This family encompasses true seals, known for their lack of external ear flaps and their ability to swim using their hind flippers.
Feeding
The Common Seal, Harbor Seal – Phoca vitulina is a predatory species, feeding primarily on fish and crustaceans. Their diet varies depending on the location and availability of prey, but common food items include herring, cod, flounder, rock shrimps, and crabs. They have been known to consume squid and other cephalopods. Their powerful jaws and sharp teeth are well-suited for catching and consuming their prey, which they capture underwater, often using their whiskers to detect prey in murky waters.
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