ExploreMammals

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
furry trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Steller Sea Lion

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

15

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

Ability

Super Swimmer

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

Ability

Deep Diver

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.

Ability

Blubber Insulation

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

Ability

Loud Communicator

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

Watch

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

Traits

Also known as

Northern Sea LionPacific Sea LionSteller's Sea Lion

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Always watch from a distance and never approach wild sea lions, as they can be protective of their space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Steller Sea Lion?

230-320 cm

How much does Steller Sea Lion weigh?

250-1120 kg

How long does Steller Sea Lion live?

15-20 years

How fast can Steller Sea Lion move?

27 km/h

What does Steller Sea Lion eat?

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

Where is Steller Sea Lion usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Steller Sea Lion hunt?

Pursuit

How many babies does Steller Sea Lion usually have?

1

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