Steller Sea Lion

Eumetopias jubatus

Steller Sea Lions are big, playful animals that live in the ocean. They love to bask in the sun on rocky shores and can be very loud with their barking sounds!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Steller Sea Lion is the largest species of sea lion, displaying a golden to reddish-brown coat that often appears lighter when dry. They have a massive head and a short, blunt snout, with adult males easily identified by their much thicker neck and broad chest.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyOtariidaeGenusEumetopias

Steller Sea Lion

Interesting facts

Male Steller Sea Lions can grow longer than a king-size bed and weigh more than a small car!

Pups are born with a dark, furry coat and learn to swim almost immediately after birth!

These sea lions often gather in enormous groups, called rookeries, with thousands of individuals!

They have super sensitive whiskers that help them feel for fish, even in the darkest ocean depths!

Special abilities

Steller Sea Lion has powerful flippers and a streamlined body that helps them quickly chase fish and squid underwater.

Steller Sea Lion can dive over 400 meters deep because of their ability to slow their heart rate and hold their breath for long periods.

Steller Sea Lion has a thick layer of blubber under their skin that helps them stay toasty warm in the icy North Pacific waters.

Steller Sea Lion can make incredibly loud roars and barks, which helps them communicate with thousands of other sea lions in a colony.

Measurements & details

Length: 230-320 cm
Weight: 250-1120 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 27 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 350-365 days

Diet & Feeding

These big hunters eat a variety of fish and squid from the cold ocean waters.

Primary Foods

Alaska pollock
Pacific cod
Herring
Salmon
Squid
Octopus

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

A major predator, hunting pups and sometimes adults.

eaten by

Great White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

Known to prey on younger or smaller sea lions.

hunts

Alaska Pollock

Theragra chalcogramma

A significant and frequent prey species for Steller Sea Lions.

hunts

Pacific Cod

Gadus macrocephalus

An important part of their diet in many regions.

hunts

Pink Salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

A common prey species, especially during migrations.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Giant

Prepare to be amazed by creatures or plants that are much bigger than usual! These impressive giants really stand out in the natural world.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.

Endangered

These are amazing plants and animals that are very rare and face a high risk of disappearing forever. We need to help protect them so future generations can enjoy them too!