Mammals · Carnivora · Phocidae

Grey Seal

Halichoerus grypus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It can dive to 460 metres and stay under for a full hour, and its distinctive horse-like curved muzzle has earned it the popular name 'horsehead seal'.

Weight

268 kg on average

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Irregular activity

Active at irregular times, by day or night depending on circumstances.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

OceanCarnivore Variable activity Colonial Ocean Mammal

20countries 14parks 20dive sites14same family

Fun facts

One animal in captivity reached a record 42.9 years.
It feeds on a variety of fish and occasionally on marine invertebrates.
It lives on the temperate and subarctic coasts of the North Atlantic, the Baltic included.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Temperate and subarctic coasts of the North Atlantic, the Baltic included
Birth weight: Born in a distinctive woolly white coat
Size at birth: Born in a woolly white coat
Sexual maturity: 4 years
Gestation / incubation: 240 days of active gestation, plus ~100 days of delayed implantation
Litter / clutch size: 1 young per birth
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 42.9 years