Crabeater Seal

Crabeater Seal Facts

• This remarkable example of the adaptability of Nature most frequently goes by the distinctive common name of the Crabeater Seal. The amazing animal also has at least one other general title that it’s known by, though. That’s the somewhat informative term of krill-eater seal.
• Within the halls of academia, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its entirely technical moniker. That tag, though, is unfortunately one that’s rather difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s due to the fact that it has the official title Lobodon carcinophaga.
• The beatiful creature received that particular appellation due to the efforts of a duo of French researchers. Jacques Bernard Hombron and Honoré Jacquinot jointly accomplished the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That notable deed occurred in 1842.
• This biological marvel stands out for several reasons. It’s the only member of its genus, and the most numerous of all varieties of seals. Numerical estimates vary greatly, but range from 7 – 75 million individuals. It bears a highly deceptive name, though, since it doesn’t eal crabs.
• Thankfully, the population density of the amazing Crabeater Seal actually appears to be holding steady. Extremely unusual today, that pleasant state also seems to hold true in all parts of its range. The IUCN thus understandably lists it as Least Concern on its published Red List.
• This gorgeous mammal nonetheless still faces multiple potential threats to its continued existence as a species. In this, it’s facing the same issues as all forms of life present on earth today. Most of those dangers stem from the actions of mankind, including climate change.

Related Articles

Crabeater Seal Physical Description

The intriguing Crabeater Seal fully deserves the appreciation that the pinniped receives from those individuals fortunate enough to encounter the wonder. Unlike some of its relatives, however, it does so for more than just that visual appeal. That’s because it also boasts a highly respectable size.

Following a pattern in that regard prevalent among its numerous kindred around the world, the animal displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In the case of this particular species, though, that trait manifests itself purely in terms of measurements.

More precisely, females of this work of Nature attain slightly greater average sizes than their male counterparts. To the great surprise of some people, that’s actually the case in the majority of currently known mammalian species. The difference here remains extremely minor, however.

Collectively, mature adults of this species reach an average total length equaling approximately 7.5 ft (2.3 m). In keeping with the trend of females being a tiny bit larger, this gender achieves a mean length roughly 2.4 in (6 cm) greater than the males. As stated, that’s a minor difference.

Weights differ between the sexes as well, though again to only a very small degree. Males of the creature reach a mean body mass equaling about 440 lb (200 kg). Females, however, average roughly 474 lb (215 kg). But, exceptional examples of either sex sometimes reach 660 lb (300 kg).

Otherwise, the genders of the amazing Crabeater Seal present the same general appearance to the observer. Its fur generally presents various shades of either silver or brown. Darker spots of either color usually develop around the flippers. These fade during the year, prior to moulting.

Compared to other members of its Family, this wonder of Nature and evolution possesses a relatively slender body shape. Both its snout and skull also follow this growth pattern. Its teeth are its most distinctive feature, though. Their tight fit allows the seal to sieve food from the water.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Phocidae
• Genus: Lobodon
• Species: L. carcinophaga

Crabeater Seal Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The fascinating Crabeater Seal evolved as endemic to a comparatively broad expanse of the earth’s surface. Given its nature, the location of the zone of habitation isn’t going to surprise many people, however. The undeniably magnficent animal principally inhabits the area of Antarctica.

Since its territorial range qualifies as primarily circumpolar in nature, it’s rarely seen outside of this region. Nevertheless, individuals and small groups do appear outside the usual area occasionally. It’s not known to science for certain, though, whether this occurs intentionally or accidentally.

With the rare exceptions previously noted above, this marvel of Nature typically displays decidedly strong and clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat. As a general principle, members of the impressive species spend the entirety of the year liviing on the pack ice found in the region.

This structure itself routinely advances and retreats according to the differing seasons. Due to this unique location, this means that the majority of individuals spend most of their time near the continental shelf. The depth of the waters the pinniped inhabit rarely exceeds 1,969 ft (600 m).

The extraordinary Crabeater Seal further developed as a highly specialized carnivore. Roughly 90% of its diet therefore consists of Antarctic krill. The remainder of its prey includes numerous other relatively small creatures, such as various species of locally available fish and small cephalopods.

This fascinating mammal also lives its life as the most gregarious of its relatives in the region. Whether on the ice or at sea, the young almost always stay in large groups. These sometimes number as many as 1,000 individuals. Adults, though, often live singly, or maybe 2 -3 together.

Despite its large size, the species itself still possesses its own share of predators. The young frequently fall prey to leopard seals. Mature adults, however, understandably have fewer foes. Orcas are known to hunt them, though, as well as the young, indiscriminately. Larger sharks may do so too.

Species Sharing Its Range

Check out our other articles on 5 Marvelous Mediterranean Sea Species, Vietnamese Mossy Frog, Great Barrier Reef, Japanese Hare, Epirus Dancing Grasshopper, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake