Phoca

Phoca is a genus of earless seals that includes two species: the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and the spotted seal (Phoca largha). These seals are found in coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. Harbor seals have a wide distribution, inhabiting the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, while spotted seals are primarily found in the Arctic and North Pacific.

Phoca seals are medium-sized pinnipeds, characterized by their spotted coats, which vary in color from light grey to dark brown. They are generally solitary animals, though they may gather in larger groups during breeding or molting seasons. Their diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans, which they hunt by diving to considerable depths.

Reproduction typically occurs once a year. Females give birth to a single pup, which is nursed for several weeks. Both species are well-adapted to aquatic life, possessing streamlined bodies, flippers, and a thick layer of blubber for insulation. They are important components of marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. Conservation status varies among populations, with some facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.