Grey seals feed mainly on mackerel, young cod and other round fish, but also on cephalopods and crustaceans, in contrast to harbour seals which eat more flatfish. [details]

Diet: Fish, crustaceans, squid [details]

Dimensions: Length: 245 cm (8') males, 215 cm (7') females; Weight: 450 kg (990 lb males, 270 kg (600 lb) females [details]

Distribution: cold temperate to subarctic North Atlantic [details]

Distribution: North America [details]

Importance: They are considered pests to most fishing practices, especially herring weirs and Atlantic Salmon aquaculture sites. They are considered the primary host for the codworm. [details]

Morphology: Grey seal males attain 1.7 m in length and a weight of 120 kilos, whereas females are smaller reaching just 1.5 m and 90 kilos. Sexual dimorphism here is more pronounced than in any other seal species. The male is darker possessing light spots and an elongated snout. In contrast, females are lighter with darker spots. [details]

Morphology: Distinguishing characteristics: medium size seal, long head ("horsehead"), W-shaped nostrils, coat is mottled, female has light coat with dark spots, male has dark coart with light spots (when wet looks grey or dark). [details]

Reproduction: Pupping: mid December to February on rocky ledges, white coat; Weaning: 16 days followed by moult [details]