Description: This is a large, robust seal growing 2.6 m, adult males are much larger than females, with males reaching up 300 kg and females up to 200 kg. They have a long muzzle, that is wide towards the end and large almost parallel nostrils. They are dark grey on their back and lighter underneath, with males often having darker colouration. They are covered in irregular blotches and spots. Their flippers are relatively short and wide.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Could be confused with the common/harbour seal Phoca vitulina, however they are much smaller, with a shorter head and v-shaped nostrils.

Key Identification Features:

• Large seal up to 2.6 m long.
• Long muzzle, wider at the end.
• Almost parallel nostrils that do not meet.

Distribution Map from NBN: Halichoerus grypus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Halichoerus grypus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Halichoerus grypus

WoRMS: Halichoerus grypus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791). AphiaID: 137080.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Tetrapoda; Mammalia; Theria; Carnivora; Caniformia; Pinnipedia; Phocidae; Halichoerus