Monachus monachus
Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779)
Mediterranean monk seal
Monachus monachus
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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