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The pinnipeds are a suborder of 33 species of aquatic fin-footed mammals composing three families: the true seals (family Phocidae), the fur seals and sea lions (family Otariidae), and the walrus (family Odobenidae). As marine mammals, pinnipeds live only in rich marine environments and a few inland or tropical freshwater systems. This is a list of selected pinnipeds ordered alphabetically by family and common name. (See also marine biology; mammalogy.)

(Read Britannica’s essay “What’s the Difference Between Seals and Sea Lions?”)

family Odobenidae (walrus)

family Otariidae (fur seals and sea lions)

family Phocidae (true seals)

extinct pinnipeds

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.