leopard seal

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Read Next

cat. orange and white persian cat with long hair, snarl, growl, teeth

7 Questions About Mammals Answered

animal. Amphibian. Frog. Anura. Ranidae. Frog in grass.

Abundant Animals: The Most Numerous Organisms in the World

Portrait of a mountain gorilla at a short distance. gorilla close up portrait.The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Falling Stars: 10 of the Most Famous Endangered Species

Ruminant. Deer. Red deer. Cervus elaphus. Buck. Stag. Antlers.

9 of the World’s Deadliest Mammals

Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) swimming on the surface of a creek. Water Australia mammal monotreme

Why Is the Platypus a Mammal?

Discover

Close-up of ostriches (Struthio camelus) necks and heads; location unknown.

6 of the World's Most Dangerous Birds

Coriander leaves, fresh green cilantro on wooden background, herbs

Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?

Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.

10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish

A mug shot taken by the regional Colombia control agency in Medellin

Pablo Escobar: 8 Interesting Facts About the King of Cocaine

9 Mind-Altering Plants

9 of the World’s Deadliest Snakes

Scottish fold cat. A genetic mutation caused (in the original cat-1961) the ears to bend forward and down.

Shorthair Cat Breeds

leopard seal

mammal

Also known as: Hydrurga leptonyx, sea leopard

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 5, 2024 • Article History

Also called:: Sea Leopard

See all related content

leopard seal, (Hydrurga leptonyx), generally solitary, earless seal (family Phocidae) that inhabits Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. The only seal that feeds on penguins, young seals, and other warm-blooded prey, the leopard seal is a slender animal with a relatively long head and long, three-cusped cheek teeth. It is named for its black-spotted, gray coat, and it attains a maximum length and weight (greater in the female) of about 3.5 metres (12 feet) and 380 kilograms (840 pounds). The leopard seal has a reputation for ferocity but is not known to make unprovoked attacks on man; it is of no commercial importance.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.