Renowned for their intelligence, agility, and spirited demeanor, California sea lions have become iconic symbols of coastal ecosystems, often delighting audiences with their acrobatic displays in zoos and aquariums.
Distinguished by their sleek, streamlined bodies and distinctive coloration, California sea lions exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males sporting a rich chocolate brown coat and a prominent sagittal crest atop their heads, while females showcase a softer golden-brown hue. Notably, both sexes possess external ears, a distinguishing feature among pinnipeds, along with long, narrow forelimb flippers perfectly adapted for propelling themselves through the water with remarkable efficiency.
In addition to their captivating appearance, California sea lions are revered for their exceptional diving abilities, enabling them to easily navigate the depths of the ocean. While submerged, these marine mammals can remain underwater for extended periods, typically staying submerged for around 2 minutes per dive. However, they can sustain dives for up to 10 minutes, allowing them to explore the depths of their aquatic habitat in search of prey and navigate their underwater environment with precision and skill.
Venturing into the ocean depths, California sea lions exhibit remarkable diving prowess, descending to depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet) in search of food and other resources. Although their dives can reach impressive depths, the average depths typically range between 26 meters (85 feet) to 98 meters (320 feet), reflecting their versatile foraging strategies and adaptability to varying underwater conditions.
Beyond their remarkable diving abilities, California sea lions are celebrated for their social nature and vocal prowess, often communicating with one another through a series of distinctive barks and vocalizations. These vocalizations are crucial in social interactions, mating rituals, and territorial displays, allowing California sea lions to maintain intricate social structures within their colonies and convey essential information to their peers.
Distribution
Pacific ocean
Official estimate
Pacific ocean
Official estimate
Gulf of California
Official estimate
Canada
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
