Leopard Seals are the largest of the true Antarctic seals. (Southern Elephant Seals are more common on islands near and above the Antarctic Convergence, although they do venture south to the actual continent.) Leopard Seals can grow to over 11 feet long (3.4 meters) and weigh, on average, 1,200 pounds (540 kilos). They are rather easy to identify due to the reptilian-like head, long sinewy neck, and arched thorax.
Although commonly found on pack ice, leopard seals spend a good deal of their time patrolling the shores of penguin rookeries. Warm-blooded animals account for nearly 40% of the leopard seals' diet. Typically, they feed on penguins and small Crabeater seals. The remainder of their diet consists of krill (approximately 40%), fish, squid, and other invertebrates.