A marine mammal endemic to the northern Pacific Ocean coastal regions, characterized by distinctive spotted pelage and remarkable adaptation to cold marine environments.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal waters and sea ice zones of the northern Pacific, ranging from Alaska to northern Japan, with primary concentrations in Bering and Okhotsk Seas
Ecological Role
Key predator in marine ecosystems, regulating fish populations and serving as prey for larger marine predators like orcas and polar bears
Morphology
SKIN COATDense, insulating blubber layer and spotted gray-silver fur with irregular dark and light markings
LIMBS WINGSPowerful flippers adapted for swimming, with reduced hindlimbs for marine locomotion
HEAD SENSORYRounded head with large eyes, excellent underwater vision, and vibrissae for tactile sensing
BODY STRUCTUREStreamlined, robust marine mammal with average length of 1.7-2.1 meters and weight of 70-150 kg
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Александр Чегодаев
