California sea lion

Zalophus californianus

Size: 1.5–2.4 m · 100–390 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Colony
Lifespan: 20–30 years

The California sea lion is an agile social marine mammal of the Pacific coast. It rests on rocks and docks, then hunts fish and squid at sea.

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Key facts

California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Otariidae.
Primary habitats are open ocean · coast, with a range across Pacific Ocean · Nearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is colony, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The California sea lion is an agile social marine mammal of the Pacific coast.
It occurs along Pacific and Nearctic coasts, islands, beaches, and offshore feeding areas.
Typical lifespan: 20–30 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It occurs along Pacific and Nearctic coasts, islands, beaches, and offshore feeding areas. Breeding requires accessible rookeries on sand or rock.

Appearance

Length 150-240 cm; weight 100-390 kg. A streamlined body, external ear flaps, and long foreflippers are typical. Males are larger, with a raised forehead; the coat is brown.

Behavior

Diurnal and colonial, it is noisy and crowded on land. In water it uses the foreflippers for fast, maneuverable swimming.

Feeding

A carnivore, it eats fishes, squid, and octopus. Animals may gather at feeding sites, though prey is usually pursued individually.

Reproduction

During breeding, males defend territories on rookeries, and females give birth ashore. Mothers and pups recognize each other by voice and scent.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern. Entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, and shifts in prey can still affect local animals.