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Ommatophoca

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Ommatophoca is a monotypic genus of true seal, family Phocidae, containing the single species the Ross seal, whose range is confined entirely to the pack ice of Antarctica. It is the smallest Antarctic pinniped, notable for disproportionately large eyes reflected in its scientific name, a short and broad muzzle, the shortest fur of any seal species, and complex, trilling, siren-like vocalizations; it was first documented during the Ross expedition of 1841 and remains the least abundant and least well known of the Antarctic pinnipeds.

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