Fauna
Mammal

Ross Seal

Ommatophoca rossii

Also known as Big-eyed Seal

Ross seals spend most of their lives amidst dense, consolidated Antarctic pack ice, using enormous eyes to hunt cephalopods in pitch-black depths. When hauled out on ice floes, they produce eerie, whistle-like chittering and siren sounds that resonate through their inflated vocal sacs. Their short, broad muzzles and dense, streamlined bodies enable rapid propulsion through icy waters.

AntarcticDeep DiverMarine Mammal
Ross Seal reference
botheredbybees / CC0 · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySquid, Fish, Krill
Predators
  • Killer Whale
  • Leopard Seal
ThreatsClimate change, warming oceans, sea ice loss
HabitatsAntarctic pack ice and pelagic waters
Life span20–25 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPhocidae
  2. SpeciesOmmatophoca rossii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a severe bite if cornered; keep a safe distance on ice floes.
What to notice
Recognized by large eyes, short snout, dark grey back, and light belly on dense pack ice.
Support conservation
Maintain distance during Zodiac approaches and avoid disturbing resting or vocalizing animals.
Responsible observation
  • Acoustic Tracking: Listen for high-pitched, siren-like trills that carry across quiet ice fields.
  • Ice Distance: Maintain at least 15 meters distance when encountering individuals hauled out on floes.
  • Visual ID: Look for unusually large, dark eyes paired with a thick neck and short muzzle.
Related species
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