One of the most common marine mammals found in the oceans of the world are various types of seals. However, the ocean is home to thousands of species, and there are several that resemble seals in many ways. So in this article, we are going to learn about 9 different animals like seals. Let’s dive in!
9 Animals Like Seals
These animals like seals resemble the marine mammals in multiple ways, from appearance and diet to distribution and habitat.
1. Sea Lion
Scientific name: Eumetopias jubatus
How are they like seals: They’re related to seals, with a similar appearance and diet.
Sea lions are one of the animals that looks most like seals, and these two marine mammals are actually closely related. Sea lions are typically larger, and more fearsome hunters in the northern regions of the Pacific Ocean.
Fish are the main part of this animal’s diet, and they have even been known to become a nuisance for fishermen. Sea lions can grow to be 10 feet in length, and weigh over 2,000 pounds.
2. Polar Bear
Scientific name: Ursus Maritimus
How are they like seals: They are marine mammals that live in similar habitats, and have similar diets.
Polar bears are some of the top predators found in the Arctic, and live in similar habitats to seals. They also share similar diets, hunting for fish and other marine mammals.
Polar bears have even been known to go after seal pups and adult seals. Adults can reach just over 8 feet, and are actually the largest bear species in the world.
3. Walrus
Scientific name: Odobenus rosmarus
How are they like seals: They have similar appearances, share a similar diet, and are found in the same habitats.
Walruses are one of the animals on this list that most closely resemble seals. The most notable difference is the long tusks that these marine mammals have, which seals do not. They can reach sizes up to 4,400 pounds, and thrive in the same polar areas that many types of seals do.
Their diet mainly consists of crabs, fish, worms, and various shellfish. Orcas and polar bears may prey on walruses, but they are more likely to choose smaller marine mammals that are easier to take down.
4. Sea Otter
Scientific name: Enhydra Lutris
How are they like seals: They’re found in the same regions and share a similar diet and predators.
Sea otters can survive polar regions, just like seals, and have a similar diet consisting of fish, shrimp, and water vegetation. These smaller mammals will also eat clams, crabs, and mussels. These are the hardiest type of otter and are always found in the ocean.
They even sleep in the water, floating on their backs. Adults can reach around 5 feet long, and weigh up to 100 pounds. They face some of the same predators that seals do, such as sharks and orcas.
5. Bottlenose Dolphin
Scientific name: Tursiops
How are they like seals: similar diets and habitats.
The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most commonly spotted types of dolphins, and they’re highly intelligent. They share a similar diet to seals, feeding on squid, shrimp, and fish.
Just like seals, these are easily one of the most recognizable ocean creatures, and they are often seen in aquariums or sanctuaries. Bottlenose dolphins can swim at nearly 12 miles an hour, and are known to eat about 15 pounds of food every day.
6. Beluga Whale
Scientific name: Delphinapterus leucas
How are they like seals: Both live in similar habitats, have the same predators, and diets.
Beluga whales are one of the smaller whale species found in the ocean, and they share similar diets and habitats to seals. They belong in the White Whale family, and adults can be up to 18 feet long.
These animals also face some of the same predators as seals, including polar bears and killer whales. Beluga whales have been spotted in fresh and shallow water, but mostly live in the Arctic region. They will eat, as well as forage for food.
7. Dugong
Scientific name: Dugong dugon
How are they like seals: Both are similar size and appearances, and have similar predators.
A young dugong may appear like certain types of seals from afar, while adults are more easily recognizable as sea cows. These animals thrive in warm waters, and are native to regions of Indian and Pacific oceans.
A dugong can weigh up to a ton, and reach lengths of 14 feet. These animals are herbivores, and will forage for ocean vegetation.
When they are young and small, they can fall prey to similar predators that seals face. This can include various types of sharks and killer whales.
8. Narwhal
Scientific name: Monodon monocerus
How are they like seals: They share similar diets, ranges, and appearances.
Narwhals are similar in size to seals, and may look like them from afar, but the distinct long tusk sets them apart. It belongs to the White Whale family, just like beluga whales, and can be found throughout the Arctic Ocean.
Various types of seals can be found in these same waters. These two types of marine mammals also hunt the same type of prey, including fish and squid. Polar bears and orcas are known to hunt narwhals.
9. Marine Otter
Scientific name: Lontra felina
How are they like seals: Also a marine mammal.
Just like seals, marine otters are marine mammals that thrive in ocean habitats. These animals can be found in South America off the Pacific coast. While sea otters spend the majority of their time in the ocean, marine otters go back and forth between land and sea.
They mostly use the ocean to hunt for fish, crabs, clams, and similar prey, and make shelter along the shoreline. On land, they might eat other small mammals, or get into human garbage.
Conclusion
There are several animals that are like seals, but these 9 are some of the most common found around the world. Some of these animals, such as sea lions and walruses look similar to seals, while other animals like polar bears and beluga whales share the same habitat.
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