Which Arctic seal has a distinctive harp-shaped dark back marking?

The harp seal has a distinctive harp-shaped dark marking across its back and sides.

Harp seals are Arctic and sub-Arctic pinnipeds that breed on sea ice. Adults are generally silver-grey with dark markings, while newborn pups are famous for their thick white coats. The dark adult pattern resembles a harp or curved saddle, giving the species its common English name.

Harp seals feed mainly on fish and invertebrates, including capelin, herring, krill, and shrimp. They are strong swimmers and migrate between feeding areas and traditional breeding grounds. Their dependence on suitable sea ice makes breeding success sensitive to changing ice conditions.

Harp seals are different from ringed seals, which are smaller and have pale ring patterns, and from hooded seals, whose males have an inflatable nasal hood. The harp seal’s scientific name is Pagophilus groenlandicus, referring to its association with ice and Greenland.