Hooded Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal
How does the Hooded Seal compare to the Southern Elephant Seal? They are both members of the Phocidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Cystophora cristata
- Mirounga leonina
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Phocidae
- Phocidae
- Habitat
- Arctic and subarctic oceanic pack ice
- Subantarctic and Antarctic islands and surrounding ocean
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 25-35 years
- 14-22 years
- Weight
- 170–450 kg
- Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg
Hooded Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal: who would win?

Hooded Seal
170–450 kg

Southern Elephant Seal
Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg
Southern Elephant Seal wins moderate confidence
Southern Elephant Seal is substantially heavier (Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg vs 170–450 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Phocidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
Differences
- Habitat: Arctic and subarctic oceanic pack ice vs Subantarctic and Antarctic islands and surrounding ocean.
- Conservation: Vulnerable vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 170–450 kg vs Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg.
Hooded Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Hooded Seal or a Southern Elephant Seal?
Southern Elephant Seal wins. Southern Elephant Seal is substantially heavier (Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg vs 170–450 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Hooded Seal and a Southern Elephant Seal?
Hooded Seal and Southern Elephant Seal differ in several ways — habitat: arctic and subarctic oceanic pack ice vs subantarctic and antarctic islands and surrounding ocean. conservation: vulnerable vs least concern. weight: 170–450 kg vs females: 400–900 kg, males: 2,200–4,000 kg.
Do Hooded Seal and Southern Elephant Seal live in the same habitat?
No — Hooded Seal lives in arctic and subarctic oceanic pack ice, while Southern Elephant Seal is found in subantarctic and antarctic islands and surrounding ocean.
What do Hooded Seal and Southern Elephant Seal eat?
Both Hooded Seal and Southern Elephant Seal have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Hooded Seal or the Southern Elephant Seal?
Hooded Seal is listed as Vulnerable, while Southern Elephant Seal is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Hooded Seal and Southern Elephant Seal?
Hooded Seal weighs around 170–450 kg, while Southern Elephant Seal weighs around Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg.

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Hooded Seal

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Southern Elephant Seal





