The big-eyed seal (scientific name: Ommatophoca rossii) is named because of its relatively large eyes (eye diameter up to 7 cm). It is also called Ross's seal and Ross's seal because it was first described by British Antarctic explorer James Clark Ross in 1841.
Big-eyed seals feed on cephalopods, krill and fish. They usually live alone, and males mature at 3 to 4 years and females at 2 to 7 years. They like to live on ice and can make bird-like sounds.
The big-eyed seal is the only species in the genus Ommatophoca. Its genus name (Ommatophoca) comes from Greek, "Ommato" means "eye" and "phoca" means "seal". The species name (rossii) comes from James Clark Ross's last name.
Protect wild animals and eliminate game.
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