California Sea Lion
→ California Sea Lions
→ Eared Seals
| In average | Males | Females | Pups | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length in meters | 2,40 | 1,80 | 0,75 | |
| Weight in kilogram | 275 | 90 | 7-9 | |
| Life expectancy in years | 15-24 | |||
| Number of animals nowadays | 160.000 | |||
| Colour(s) | ||||
| Habitat | Coast of California, Northern Mexico, Oregon and British Columbia, Galapagos Islands |
The California Sea Lion probably is the most well known sea lion at all. Many oceanaria keep these animals and use them for actractive shows, like they do with harbour seals too. The California sea lion does not seem to be disturbed because of this. They propagate very well,even in captivity.
The California sea lion mainly eats fish, squid and octopus. Its natural enemies are killer whales and sharks.
The California sea lion is very close related to the Galapagos Sea Lion and the Japanese Sea Lion , which is supposed to be extinct. These three speices together form a subfamily of the eared seals.
Due to their well developed ability to learn California sea lions are often used for scientific investigation onto memory, understanding and intelligence of animals.
© May 2003, Suzanne M. van den Bercken.
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