Crabeater Seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) ofteh haul out on ice floes, and often in groups. This picture taken in the 'iceberg' graveyard off Port Charcot on Boorh Island, and the seal appeared to be using a piece of ice as a pillow! The most common marine mammal, population estimates vary between 7 million .... and 75 million! Despite the name they do not eat crabs (no crabs in Antarctica)and around 90% of the diet is krill. To feed on krill the postcanines and molars come to five points so that the teeth of the upper and lower jaw come together like a sieve, and the latin name translates as lobe-toothed crab eater. This means they can take a mouthful of water and krill, then use the tongue to push out the water through the teeth, rather like a baleen whale! Some Crabeater Seals have big scars on the body that is assumed to come from Leopard Seal attacks. In my next instagram on #kevthenatureguide I will talk more about the scars on many Crabeater Seals. #crabeaterseals #g_expedition #antarctic_ambassadors #gadvlife #krill (at Booth Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_FjPagj33B/?igshid=wqbd28garivo
