Leopard seal

Depth: 60 m · Sunlight Zone

The leopard seal is one of the largest seals and a skilled hunter in the icy sea. Its spotted coat gave it its name. With powerful front flippers it turns in a flash and hunts fish, penguins, and even other seals.

For scientists

The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) has a dual-purpose set of teeth: sharp canines for penguins and fish, plus lobed cheek teeth it uses like a sieve to filter tiny krill from the water. In the Southern Ocean it is a top predator and communicates under the ice with far-carrying calls.

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