Sea lion Facts

About the sea lion

Sea lions and fur seals together form the eared seal family, Otariidae. Six living species exist across five genera, and a seventh, the Japanese sea lion, has gone extinct. Their range runs from subarctic to tropical waters in both hemispheres, with one big gap: the northern Atlantic. Short thick hair and a broad chest and belly round out their look.

A male California sea lion averages about 300 kg and 2.4 m long, while a female is closer to 100 kg and 1.8 m. Steller sea lions are the giants, reaching 1,000 kg and 3.0 m. One meal can equal 5 to 8% of a sea lion's body weight. In the water they cruise at around 16 knots and can sprint near 30 knots. Most live 20 to 30 years.

Did you know?

• Three sea lion species are listed as endangered: the Australian, Galapagos and New Zealand sea lions.
• A Steller sea lion can weigh about 2,200 pounds.
• At top speed, a sea lion can swim about 35 mph.