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Science & Nature • Marine Mammals

Ross seal

The Ross seal (*Ommatophoca rossii*) is a true seal native to the pack ice of Antarctica and the only species in its genus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Ross seal (*Ommatophoca rossii*) is a true seal native to the pack ice of Antarctica and the only species in its genus. It is the smallest and least well known of the Antarctic pinnipeds, and it is usually seen alone on dense sea ice.

Taxonomy and naming

Ross seals are true seals in the family Phocidae and are the sole species in the genus *Ommatophoca*. The species name commemorates the Ross expedition and explorer James Clark Ross.

Description

Ross seals have a short face, large eyes, and coarse fur with a dark-to-light brown back and paler underside. Adults reach about 2.3 metres in length and are generally smaller and lighter than several other Antarctic seal species.

Distribution and habitat

The species lives almost entirely on dense pack ice around Antarctica. It is associated with the Southern Ocean and is not documented as occurring in extra-polar regions.

Diet and behaviour

Ross seals feed mainly on cephalopods such as squid, as well as fish and some crustaceans. They are typically solitary and are among the least studied Antarctic seals because of their remote habitat.

Conservation

The Ross seal is listed as Least Concern, but population estimates are uncertain because the species is difficult to survey. It is regarded as rare and little known compared with other Antarctic pinnipeds.

Key facts

  • The Ross seal is the only living species in the genus *Ommatophoca*.
  • It is confined to Antarctic pack ice and has a circumpolar Southern Ocean distribution.
  • It is among the smallest Antarctic seals and is considered the least abundant and least studied.
  • The species was first described from material collected during the Ross expedition in 1841.
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Canadian context

Ross seals are relevant to Canadian readers through Canada’s scientific and conservation interest in Antarctica, including research and environmental monitoring by Canadian Antarctic and Southern Ocean communities.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Ross seal?
A Ross seal is a true seal species (*Ommatophoca rossii*) that lives on Antarctic pack ice and is the only species in its genus.
Where do Ross seals live?
They live in the pack ice of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, usually far from land and in dense ice.
What do Ross seals eat?
They mainly eat squid and fish, and may also consume crustaceans and other small marine animals.
Are Ross seals endangered?
They are currently listed as Least Concern, although reliable population data are limited.
Why are Ross seals little known?
They live in remote, icy habitat and are usually solitary, which makes them difficult to observe and study.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Ross-seal
    Supports: Species identity, taxonomy, size, appearance, diet, solitary behaviour.
  2. Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition — https://www.asoc.org/learn/ross-seals/
    Supports: Scientific name, size, weight, diet, lifespan, conservation status.
  3. Australian Antarctic Program — https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/seals/ross-seal/
    Supports: Scientific name, habitat, size, appearance, diet, rarity, conservation status.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_seal
    Supports: Genus membership, Antarctic range, first description during the Ross expedition in 1841, rarity among Antarctic pinnipeds.
  5. Seal Conservation Society — https://www.pinnipeds.org/seal-information/species-information-pages/the-phocid-seals/ross-seal
    Supports: Circumpolar distribution, least concern status, relative rarity, size estimates, population estimate.