Head to head
Weddell Seal vs Leopard Seal
The Weddell seal and leopard seal share the same icy Antarctic waters, but one is a docile record-breaking diver and the other is one of the very predators known to hunt young individuals of that same species.
| Weddell Seal | Leopard Seal | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Leptonychotes weddellii | Hydrurga leptonyx |
| Ecological role | Prey species (to leopard seals, orcas) | Apex predator |
| Temperament | Generally calm and approachable | Powerful, can be aggressive toward prey |
| Head shape | Rounded, typical seal head | Large, flat-topped, reptilian-looking |
| Diving ability | Below 600m, over an hour submerged | Capable diver, less extreme than Weddell seal |
| Diet | Fish, squid, crustaceans | Penguins, seals, fish, squid, krill |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Habitat | Antarctic fast ice | Antarctic pack ice and coastal waters |
Weddell Seal vs Leopard Seal: common questions
Does the leopard seal really hunt Weddell seals?
Yes, the leopard seal is known to prey on young seals, including young Weddell and crabeater seals, and individuals of both prey species often carry visible scars from leopard seal attacks, evidence of the significant predation pressure they face from this powerful Antarctic predator.
How can you tell a Weddell seal from a leopard seal?
Look at the head and overall build: the leopard seal has a large, flat-topped, almost reptilian-looking head and a spotted coat, while the Weddell seal has a more typically rounded seal head and a calmer, less imposing overall appearance, reflecting its role as prey rather than predator.
Which of these two seals dives deeper?
The Weddell seal is the more extreme diver of the two, capable of descending below 600 metres and remaining submerged for over an hour, a specialised diving ability that helps it access fish and squid in deep water far beyond where the leopard seal typically hunts.