Phocini

Phocini is a taxonomic tribe within the subfamily Phocinae, which itself belongs to the family Phocidae, commonly known as true seals or earless seals. This tribe encompasses a significant number of seal species, characterized by their lack of external ear flaps, hence the common name "earless seals." Members of Phocini are found in both marine and freshwater environments across various parts of the world.

The distribution of Phocini species is wide-ranging. They inhabit the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Some species are also found in large inland lakes and river systems. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse habitats, from icy polar seas to warmer coastal waters.

Key characteristics of Phocini seals include their streamlined bodies, which are well-suited for aquatic life, and their hind flippers that are directed backward and cannot be rotated forward. This anatomy influences their locomotion; they are agile swimmers but are less mobile on land, typically moving by undulating their bodies. Their diet primarily consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans, depending on the species and its habitat. Common genera within Phocini include Phoca, Pusa, Pagophilus, and Histriophoca. These seals play important roles in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.