Home › Mammalia › Phocidae › Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata)
SPECIES PROFILE
Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata)
Cystophora
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Arctic
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Arctic pack ice
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Phocidae
GENUS
Cystophora
📋 Description
SIZE
2-2.5 m body, 200-400 kg
COLORATION
Grey with black spots
ADAPTATIONS
Inflatable hood and nasal sac in males
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Arctic pack ice
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Arctic
REPRODUCTION
1 pup per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Climate change
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Male hooded seals have an inflatable black hood and nasal sac used in displays.
2
They are powerful swimmers and deep divers.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Svalbard Norway
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Spring
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for on pack ice; males have inflatable hood.
