Head to head
Southern Elephant Seal vs Leopard Seal
Southern Elephant Seal
VS Leopard Seal
Both are formidable Southern Ocean seals, but one dominates through sheer size while the other dominates as an active predator.
| Southern Elephant Seal | Leopard Seal | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Mirounga leonina | Hydrurga leptonyx |
| Size | The largest seal species, bulls over 4 tonnes | Females up to 3.8 m, much lighter |
| Diet | Squid and fish | Krill, fish, squid, penguins, other seals |
| Distinguishing feature | An inflatable trunk-like nose in males | A large, reptilian-shaped head |
| Diving ability | Among the deepest and longest divers | Not documented as comparably extreme |
| Role in ecosystem | A giant prey and competitor species | Antarctica's apex seal predator |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal, polar | Polar, ocean, coastal |
Southern Elephant Seal vs Leopard Seal: common questions
Which one is the largest seal species on Earth?
The southern elephant seal holds this record, with the biggest bulls exceeding four tonnes, dwarfing the leopard seal despite the leopard seal's own considerable size and strength.
Which one is considered the top seal predator of Antarctica?
The leopard seal holds this position, actively hunting penguins and other seals, while the southern elephant seal instead feeds mainly on squid and fish rather than preying on other marine mammals.
Which one dives deeper?
The southern elephant seal dives deeper, capable of exceeding a kilometre and remaining submerged for well over an hour, among the most extreme diving performances of any marine mammal.