harp seal
A species of earless seal native to the northern Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The name comes from the harp-shaped markings on adults.
Harp seal pups are covered in white fur.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and mainly encountered in older or specialized texts; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
Compound of 竪琴 (tategoto, 'harp') and 海豹 (azarashi, 'seal'), referring to the harp-shaped markings on the adult seal's back.