Erignathus barbatus
Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
Where found: The bearded seal is a medium-sized seal that is found in and near to the Arctic Ocean.
Description: The "bearded" part of its name refers to its most characteristic feature, the conspicuous and very abundant whiskers. When dry, these whiskers curl very elegantly, giving the bearded seal a raffish look. Distinguishing features include square foreflippers and thick bristles on their muzzles. Adults are greyish-brown, darker on the back, rarely with a few faint spots on the back or dark spots on the flanks. Occasionally the face and neck are reddish-brown.
