Common name : Square flipper seal
Scientific name : Erignathus barbatus
Family : Phocidae
Native to : Arctic Ocean
Interesting fact : They create breathing holes by pushing with their heads, to breathe while under ice.
Conservation status : Least Concern
Aptly named, these ice-loving seals have whiskers resembling a beard. This greyish-brown creature has no ears. It can grow to a length of 2.1 to 2.7 metres and weigh 200-430 kg. Crustaceans, molluscs, sculpin, flatfish and cod make up their diet. Pups are born in spring on small drifting ice floes and enter water a few hours later.
