Hands Down Animals · Printable fact sheet
Sea Lion
Otariinae
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Otariinae |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.5–3.3 meters in length depending on species |
| Weight | 90–1,000 kg (adult males much larger than females) |
| Lifespan | Average 18–20 years in the wild (up to 30 years possible) |
| Diet | Primarily fish (anchovies, mackerel, herring), squid, and occasionally crustaceans or octopus. |
| Habitat | Rocky coastal shores, Sandy beaches, Offshore islands |
| Where it lives | Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Southern Ocean |
| IUCN status | Mixed (ranges from Least Concern to Endangered by species) |
| Population | Approximately 400,000 - 450,000 (all species combined) |
| Top speed | 40 km/h |
| Family | Otariidae |
About the sea lion
Sea lions are eared seals: unlike true seals they have small external ear flaps and can turn their hind flippers forward to walk on land, and they swim with strokes of their long front flippers. The California sea lion of North America's Pacific coast is the noisy, barking species seen at harbours and in aquarium shows; others live off South America, Australia, New Zealand and the Galápagos. The California sea lion is Least Concern, but the Australian, New Zealand and Galápagos sea lions are all Endangered.
Five things to know
- Sea lions are eared seals (Otariidae) known for their external ear flaps and ability to 'walk' on land using their flippers.
- They are powerful swimmers, reaching speeds up to 40 km/h in short bursts.
- Male sea lions are much larger than females, with males developing noticeable crests and manes.
- Sea lions are among the most vocal marine mammals, communicating through barks, growls, and roars.
- Galápagos, Australian, and New Zealand sea lions are among the rarest pinnipeds.
Homeschool unit: Ocean homeschool guide — An ocean unit on marine food webs, tides and conservation, with the sea lion as a case study.