Hooded Seal [Cystophora cristata]
Description
The Hooded Seal, known scientifically as Cystophora cristata, is a large phocid found only in the central and western North Atlantic, ranging from Svalbard in the east to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the west. The species is named for the unique 'hood' - a large inflatable sac located on the top of the male's head, used in territorial and mating displays. Hooded Seals are solitary animals outside of the breeding season. They are powerful swimmers, capable of diving to depths of over 1000 meters and holding their breath for up to an hour. They feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Carnivorans
Carnivora
|
| Family |
Earless Seals
Phocidae
|
| Genus |
Hooded Seal
Cystophora
|