Cystophora – Hooded seal

A remarkable marine mammal found primarily in the central and western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Svalbard in the north to as far south as the Gulf of Maine. This species is most notable for its unique inflatable nasal sac, a key feature among adult males. This sac, which resembles a large, pink balloon, can be inflated and displayed during mating rituals as a sign of dominance and to attract females. Additionally, males have another striking characteristic: a membrane that they can inflate under their nostrils, which also plays a role in their dramatic courtship displays.

Hooded seals have a silvery-grey to blue-grey coat with black spots that vary in size across their bodies. One of the most remarkable aspects of hooded seals is their solitary nature; unlike many other seal species that form large colonies on ice or beaches, hooded seals are often found alone or in small groups, especially outside of the breeding season.

These seals are incredible divers with the ability to plunge to depths of over 1,000 meters in search of food. Their diet mainly consists of fish, squid, and occasionally shrimp. This deep-diving capability is supported by their large body size and an ability to slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen, allowing them to stay underwater for up to an hour.

Hooded seal pups, known for their strikingly different appearance, are born with a blue-black coat that they shed after about 14 months. This blue coat, which eventually gives way to the adult’s spotted grey, earns them the nickname “bluebacks.” The rapid transition from dependence to self-sufficiency is critical for their survival in the harsh, predator-filled environments of the Arctic.