the mediterranean monk seal has a short, broad, and flat snout, with very pronounced, long nostrils that face upwards. the flippers are relatively short, with small, slender claws. the monk seal’s physique is ideally suited for hunting its prey: fish, octopus, lobster, and squid in deep-water coral beds. the fur coats of males is generally black, and brown or dark gray in females. pups are about long and weigh around , their skin being covered by fur, usually dark brown or black. on their bellies, a white stripe occurs, which differs in color between the two sexes. this hair is replaced after 6–8 weeks by the usual short hair adults carry.