How Fast Do Seals Swim?

Seals are aquatic mammals that occasionally go onto land. You might think of seals as fun, flippered animals that can balance a ball on their noses, but what you see in movies or TV are actually sea lions, which are much more agile on land than seals.

  1. Seals and Sea Lions

    • Seals and sea lions are very different animals. Sea lions have a flexible pelvis, which allows them to move on land on all four flippers. Seals have a fused, inflexible pelvis, which allows them only to flop on their bellies on land. Sea lions have small, external ear flaps on the sides of the head, while seals have only a hole that leads to the inner ear. Both creatures are better adapted for life in the water.

    Pinniped Anatomy

    • Seals and sea lions are pinnipeds, which means "feather-footed." This group consists of seals, sea lions and their larger relative, the walrus. Pinnipeds have front limbs that are wing-like flippers used for propelling the body through the water. The back limbs are also flippers and are used for steering. Pinnipeds have a rounded, fusiform body that allows them to cut smoothly through the water.

    Where They Live

    • Pinnipeds can be found all over the world. Many are found in cold environments, including both the North and South poles. A layer of blubber and other adaptations allow them to live comfortably in freezing temperatures. On the other hand, the Galapagos fur seal and California sea lion are found in warmer climates.

    Prey and Predators

    • Seals eat a variety of seafood, including squid, crustaceans and fish like herring and salmon. Seals grab their prey with their sharp teeth.

      Seals are commonly hunted by killer whales, sharks and polar bears. Since seals don't have any defenses, they avoid predators by diving to depths of more than 650 feet and hold their breath for as long as 25 minutes.

    Speed

    • Seals can reach speeds of about 12 mph, but usually go much more slowly. Their blubber helps to streamline their bodies. Sea lions can swim about 13.5 mph.

      Seals often swim upside-down, which may help them to search for prey in deeper waters.