Elephant Seal vs Walrus: Size Comparison and Facts
Elephant seals and walruses are two of the largest marine mammals on Earth. At first glance, they look similar—big bodies, thick skin, and life in cold waters. But when it comes to size, weight, and body shape, there are some clear differences.
This guide compares elephant seal vs walrus size and adds a few easy-to-remember facts.
Overall Size Comparison
| Feature | Elephant Seal | Walrus |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 13–20 ft | 10–12 ft |
| Weight | 4,000–8,800 lbs | 2,000–4,400 lbs |
| Body Shape | Long, thick, streamlined | Wide, heavy, stocky |
| Tusks | None | Long tusks |
Winner in size: Elephant seal (longer and heavier)
Elephant Seal Size
Elephant seals are the largest seals in the world, especially males.
Size details:
- Length: Up to 20 feet (males)
- Weight: Up to 8,800 pounds
- Height (on land): Around 4–5 feet at the shoulder
Key size fact:
Male elephant seals can weigh as much as a small truck.
Walrus Size
Walruses are slightly shorter but still very large and powerful animals.
Size details:
- Length: Up to 12 feet
- Weight: Up to 4,400 pounds
- Height (on land): About 3–4 feet
Key size fact:
Walruses look bigger than they are because of their wide bodies and thick blubber.
Visual Size Difference (Simple Example)
- Elephant seal: Longer and heavier, like a stretched-out SUV
- Walrus: Shorter but wider, like a compact bulldozer
Even though walruses look massive, elephant seals usually outweigh them by thousands of pounds.
Interesting Facts
Elephant Seal Facts
- Males have a large nose that looks like a trunk
- They can dive over 5,000 feet deep
- They can hold their breath for more than 1 hour
Walrus Facts
- Walrus tusks can grow up to 3 feet long
- Tusks are used to pull themselves onto ice
- They mostly eat clams and shellfish
Which One Is Bigger?
- Longest: Elephant seal
- Heaviest: Elephant seal
- Widest body: Walrus
- Has tusks: Walrus
Overall, the elephant seal is larger, but the walrus looks bulkier.
Final Thoughts
- Elephant seals are the largest true seals
- Walruses are slightly smaller but very strong
- Both animals are built for cold oceans and long dives
- Size difference is biggest in weight and length
If you’re comparing pure size, elephant seals win.
If you’re looking at strength and unique features, walruses stand out.
