ExploreMammals

Brown Fur Seal

Arctocephalus pusillus

Brown fur seals are playful animals found along the coasts. They love to swim and can often be seen lounging on rocks or beaches, soaking up the sun.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Brown Fur Seal has a stocky, torpedo-shaped body covered in a dense, dark brown to greyish-brown fur coat, lighter on its underside. It possesses prominent external ear flaps and long, flexible foreflippers, making it distinct from true seals.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyOtariidaeGenusArctocephalus
Brown Fur Seal
furry trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Brown Fur Seal

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A group of seals on land is called a "colony"—imagine a giant seal party!

Male fur seals are often more than twice the size of females!

Sometimes, they even eat penguins or other baby seals if food is scarce.

They can climb rocks better than other seals, thanks to their strong flippers!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Dive Dynamo

Brown Fur Seal can hold its breath for up to 20 minutes because of specialized blood and lungs that store lots of oxygen.

Ability

Underwater Explorer

Brown Fur Seal has excellent underwater vision, using large eyes to hunt prey even in murky ocean depths.

Ability

Heat Saver Suit

Brown Fur Seal has two layers of dense fur that trap air, keeping its body warm in freezing cold ocean waters.

Ability

Agile Swimmer

Brown Fur Seal can use its powerful front flippers to "fly" through water, making it super fast and maneuverable.

Measurements & details

Length
150-230 cm
Weight
40-360 kg
Lifespan
20-25 years
Top Speed
19 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
350 days

Diet & Feeding

These seals are ocean hunters, eating lots of fish and squid that live in the sea.

Age differences: Pups drink milk; juveniles eat smaller prey, gradually shifting to adult diet.

Primary Foods

  • Fish
  • Squid
  • Octopuses
  • Crabs
  • Penguins

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Cape Fur Seal

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and never try to touch or feed wild seals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Brown Fur Seal?

150-230 cm

How much does Brown Fur Seal weigh?

40-360 kg

How long does Brown Fur Seal live?

20-25 years

How fast can Brown Fur Seal move?

19 km/h

What does Brown Fur Seal eat?

These seals are ocean hunters, eating lots of fish and squid that live in the sea.

Where is Brown Fur Seal usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Brown Fur Seal hunt?

Pursuit

How many babies does Brown Fur Seal usually have?

1

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