The hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) also known as bladdernose seal is a species of seal that can only be found in the North Atlantic and Artic oceans.
Hooded seals are typically silver-grey or white in colour, with black spots covering most of the body. However, the pups usually have a blue-gray coloured fur.
Adult males of hooded seals are known for possesing an inflatable, stretchy flesh in their nasal cavity which is also on their head.
The males can inflate these cavities so that it looks like a bright red balloon popping out from the nose and like a bladder on their head. Its display is used in attracting females during mating season.
The genera name Cystophora comes from a Greek word meaning "bladder-bearer"; this is referring to the hooded seal's hood