Phoca

Common Names

The common names for the species within the genus Phoca reflect their distinctive features and habitats. For example, the harbor seal is so named because it often frequents harbors and coastal areas. The ringed seal gets its name from the distinctive ring-shaped patterns on its coat. And the bearded seal is identified by the prominent whiskers on its snout.

Characteristics

Seals in the genus Phoca exhibit several common characteristics:

• Size: They are relatively small seals, with the harbor seal being the largest, reaching up to 2 meters in length.
• Neck: They have short necks, which gives them a more compact appearance compared to other seals.
• Ears: They lack external ear flaps, which is a common trait among true seals.
• Coat: Their coats are generally short and dense, providing insulation in cold waters. The coat color varies depending on the species and age of the animal.
• Diet: They are carnivores, feeding primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Environments

Phoca seals are found in a range of marine environments in the northern hemisphere. They are adapted to both cold and temperate waters and can be found in:

• Coastal areas: Harbor seals are particularly well-adapted to coastal areas, where they often haul out on land to rest and give birth.
• Ice-covered waters: Ringed seals are adapted to living in ice-covered waters, where they use their claws to create breathing holes in the ice.
• Open ocean: Bearded seals are more pelagic than the other two species, venturing further out into open ocean waters.

References

For more information on the genus Phoca, please refer to the following reliable sources:

• NOAA Fisheries: Harbor Seal
• National Wildlife Federation: Ringed Seal
• World Wildlife Fund: Bearded Seal