The "earless" or "true" seals lack external ears altogether. Both smart, bold and vicious hunters. This is one of the easier spots in our “What’s the difference” series, but also one of the most commonly erred of all the picked nits. So the thing at Sea World doing the tricks, that's a Sea Lion. Seals and sea lions are right up there with otters and dolphins as some of the marine darlings that draw crowds of admiring fans to aquariums and beaches. If your sense of adventure takes you on an Antarctic cruise, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal.They’re amazing creatures to observe in and out of the water, and a quintessential aspect of the Antarctic experience. Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals. The Australian sea lion and Australian and New Zealand fur seals are the only species that breed on and around Australia’s main-land and nearshore islands. Zoologists are a pedantic bunch, and whilst correcting people just to demonstrate that you know more than them is not an effective engagement model, the world would be a better place* if more people landed on the right side of the seal vs sea lion dichotomy. Secondly, sea lions have small flaps for outer ears. But upon closer inspection, you may wonder which animal you're actually pointing and grinning at: a seal or a sea lion. Though the leopard seal is known for its coat, it has not been commercially hunted for its skin like its fur seal relatives. Seals are quieter, vocalizing via soft grunts. WATCH: Leopard Sea Underwater Food Fight. Orcas and Leopard seals are apex predators in Antarctic and sub-antarctic waters. Sea Lions have outer ears, while seals don't Sea Lions can prop themselves up on their front flippers, while seals can't. Third, sea lions are noisy. You have to get very close to see the tiny holes on the sides of a seal’s sleek head. These and the Antarctic and subantarctic fur seals — which breed on Australian subantarctic islands — belong to the ‘eared’ pinniped family: all have small outwardly visible ears.