Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) Mediterranean monk seal |
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photo by
FAO |
Family: | Phocidae () | |||
Max. size: | 280 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 400 kg; max. reported age: 36 years | |||
Environment: | bathydemersal; marine | |||
Distribution: | Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Black Sea. | |||
Diagnosis: | ||||
Biology: | Inhabits rocky coastlines, with a preference for sea caves and grottos that are generally inaccessible from land (and sometimes have only submarine entrances). In West Africa, they come ashore on open beaches. Feeds on octopus, at least 1 type of ray, and a variety of fishes (Ref. 1394). Found in rocky coastlines, with a preference for sea caves and grottos that are generally inaccessible from land (and sometimes have only submarine entrances). In West Africa, they come ashore on open beaches. Feeds on octopus, at least 1 type of ray, and a variety of fishes (Ref. 1394). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 27 June 2023 (D1) Ref. 123251) | |||
Threat to humans: | ||||
Country info: |
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