Northern Elephant Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal
How does the Northern Elephant 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
- Mirounga angustirostris
- Mirounga leonina
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Phocidae
- Phocidae
- Habitat
- Coastal beaches and islands along the Pacific coast of North America
- Subantarctic and Antarctic islands and surrounding ocean
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 9-13 years
- 14-22 years
- Weight
- 400 to 2,300 kg
- Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg
Northern Elephant Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal: who would win?
Northern Elephant Seal
400 to 2,300 kg
Southern Elephant Seal
Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg
Northern Elephant Seal wins moderate confidence
Northern Elephant Seal is substantially heavier (400 to 2,300 kg vs Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 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.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Coastal beaches and islands along the Pacific coast of North America vs Subantarctic and Antarctic islands and surrounding ocean.
- Weight: 400 to 2,300 kg vs Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg.
Northern Elephant Seal vs Southern Elephant Seal: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Northern Elephant Seal or a Southern Elephant Seal?
Northern Elephant Seal wins. Northern Elephant Seal is substantially heavier (400 to 2,300 kg vs Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 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 Northern Elephant Seal and a Southern Elephant Seal?
Northern Elephant Seal and Southern Elephant Seal differ in several ways — habitat: coastal beaches and islands along the pacific coast of north america vs subantarctic and antarctic islands and surrounding ocean. weight: 400 to 2,300 kg vs females: 400–900 kg, males: 2,200–4,000 kg.
Do Northern Elephant Seal and Southern Elephant Seal live in the same habitat?
No — Northern Elephant Seal lives in coastal beaches and islands along the pacific coast of north america, while Southern Elephant Seal is found in subantarctic and antarctic islands and surrounding ocean.
What do Northern Elephant Seal and Southern Elephant Seal eat?
Both Northern Elephant Seal and Southern Elephant Seal have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Northern Elephant Seal or the Southern Elephant Seal?
Northern Elephant Seal is listed as Least Concern, while Southern Elephant Seal is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Northern Elephant Seal and Southern Elephant Seal?
Northern Elephant Seal weighs around 400 to 2,300 kg, while Southern Elephant Seal weighs around Females: 400–900 kg, Males: 2,200–4,000 kg.
Full profile
Northern Elephant Seal
Full profile
Southern Elephant Seal
