Crabeater Seal

The crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is a unique and widespread species of seal found primarily in the icy waters surrounding Antarctica. Despite its name, this seal does not eat crabs; instead, it specialises in feeding on krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that are abundant in the Southern Ocean.

Adults range from 2.0 to 2.5 metres (6.5 to 8 feet) in length and weigh between 200 and 300 kilograms (440 to 660 pounds).

Their bodies are long and streamlined, and they have pale grey to light brown fur that may appear darker when wet. The fur often has scars from encounters with predators or other seals.

Crabeater seals have specialised, lobed teeth that interlock like a sieve, allowing them to filter krill efficiently from the water.

They rely heavily on sea ice for resting, moulting, and breeding, spending much of their lives on or near it.

Crabeater seals strain krill from the water using their uniquely adapted teeth. They can dive to depths of up to 200 meters (650 feet) to forage but usually feed closer to the surface.