The crab-eating seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is one of the most common seals in the world, living among the Antarctic ice. Despite its name, it does not eat crabs, but krill, thanks to specialized teeth that act as a filter.
Classification and scientific name
• The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
• Type: Chordal (Chordata)
• Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
• Row: Carnivores (Carnivora)
• Family: Seal (Phocidae)
• Gender: Lobodon
• View: Crab-eating seal (Lobodon carcinophaga)
Physical characteristics
📌 Dimensions and weight
• Body length: 2-2,6 м
• Weight: 200-300 kg
🎨 Colors and features
They have light gray or silver-white fur.
✔ The elongated body and short front flippers are adapted to life on ice.
✔ Special teeth with a comb structure help filter krill from the water.
Range and habitat
🔵 Spread
Found throughout the Antarctic and adjacent waters of the Southern Ocean.
🔴 Living environment
✔ Mostly lives on drifting ice floes.
✔ Well adapted to extreme cold conditions.
Lifestyle and behavior
🌟 Social structure
✔ Usually lives alone or forms small groups.
✔ During molting and breeding, it gathers in large clusters.
🌟 Activity time
✔ Mostly active in water, and rests on ice.
Food and hunting
🍖 The main meal
The diet consists almost entirely of:
• Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)
🍴 Methods of obtaining food
✔ When swimming, it opens its mouth and strains water through its teeth, filtering out small particles.
✔ Can dive to a depth of over 100 meters in search of prey.
Reproduction and life cycle
❤️ Mating season: October-December.
❤️ The number of babies: 1 cub born in the crisis.
❤️ Life span: 20-40 years old.
Natural enemies and threats
⚠ The main predators:
✔ Orcas and sea leopards.
⚠ Human threats:
✔ Melting glaciers due to climate change.
✔ Ocean pollution with microplastics.
Interesting facts about the crab seal
✔ The population is estimated at 7-75 million individuals, making it one of the most numerous seal species.
✔ Withstands extremely low temperatures thanks to a thick layer of fat.
✔ It is the fastest swimmer among seals, reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h.
Conclusion
The crab seal is a unique marine mammal that plays an important role in the Antarctic ecosystem. It has perfectly adapted to life among the icy expanses, demonstrating endurance and incredible specialization in nutrition.
