Seals are a largely misunderstood race, mostly due to confusion with the non-sapient eared seals. the Phocids (earless seals) have no external ears, and move on land by moving forwards like fat caterpillars. Phocids are also sapient.

while the cultures of the various seals are different, the core language, Phocine, stays the same throughout the many species.

the leader of a group of seals (aka, the biggest adult male), is called either the Beachmaster or Hwaaaaam.

SELKIE

Found on the coasts of Glascolt/Coltland as well as on South Seal Island in the Great Western Pelagic Ocean, Selkies were originally described as "monkey-like creatures who turned into seals when they entered the water."

now it is well known that Selkies are 100% seal, but are highly unusual in that they are highly adapted to an amphibious lifestyle, crawling miles inland to tend to crops, and even climbing trees. (in particular, the South Seal Island Selkies lived in a treetop community before it was destroyed by hurricanes caused by the two weeks of constant night that Nyx created in Equestria during her brief rule. constant night in Equestria means constant day in the waters around the island. cold currents + warm water + warm air= hurricanes)

LONG-NECKED SEAL

Also called "Mud-Snufflers," these seals are almost completely pelagic, with only individuals under 14 feet still coming onto land. unusually, these seals are benthic feeders, searching the seabed for sea cucumbers, starfish, and other prey. their tube-like nostrils allow them to remain underwater between dives.

CADDY

found in northern waters, the Caddy is a pelagic seal, though still able to move around on land. they are among the fastest creatures in the oceans. when speaking Equestrian, the often punctuate their sentences with "eh?"

The official scientific designation of the species is Cadborosaurus. however, Caddies detest their scientific name, but live with it, though they can be a bit snappy if it's mentioned

TIZHERUK

an ocean-going seal species native to northern polar waters, the Tizheruk are macropredators, eating anything smaller than them.

Tizheruk males are the most "showy" of seals. the male Tizheruk has not only a balloon-like sac on his nose like a Hooded or Elephant Seal, but a pair of inflatable horn-like structures and an inflatable structure on his palate that looks like a monstrous, pointed tongue.

the Reindeer and other northern species consider the Tizheruk a monster due to their habit of (occasionally) dragging individuals off the ice to eat.

LEOPARD SEAL

predators of the penguins, these seals are often driven away by the larger elephant seals. leopard seal hide is one of the few things capable of shattering a Penguin ice sword. actually, they somehow have an innate immunity to any ice-type magic. Strangely, they speak with a Stalliongrad accent.

Leopard seals can also somehow jump, and make surprisingly efficient assassins.

They are also very persistent predators, not easily giving up once they have a target in mind

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ELEPHANT SEAL

Proud. Stoic. Stubborn. these three words perfectly describe these inhabitants of the Southern Continent. Elephant seals are not easy to get along with, but are incredibly loyal. they speak with a Hosstralian accent.

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They have a standing alliance with the penguins, and often help them to clear out large chunks of ice. however, they consider the penguins to be silly, if well intentioned.

HARP SEAL

Native to the North, Harp seals are kind and very trusting. they are very hard to find, however.

HOODED SEAL

Best known for the male's balloon-like nasal pouch, hooded seals are the comedians of the seals, playing pranks on most other species.