Steller sea lion
A species of Steller sea lion, Also known as Northern sea lion, Sea bear of stellar Scientific name : Eumetopias jubatus Genus : Steller sea lion
Steller sea lion, A species of Steller sea lion
Also known as:
Northern sea lion, Sea bear of stellar
Scientific name: Eumetopias jubatus
Genus: Steller sea lion
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Rigelus , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Adult animals are lighter in color than most sea lions, ranging from pale yellow to tawny and occasionally reddish. Steller sea lion pups are born almost black, weighing around 23 kg (51 lb), and remain dark in coloration for several months. Females and males both grow rapidly until the fifth year, after which female growth slows considerably. Adult females measure 2.3–2.9 m (7.5–9.5 ft) in length, on average being 2.5 m (8.2 ft), and weigh 240–350 kg (530–770 lb), with an average of 263 kg (580 lb). Males continue to grow until their secondary sexual traits appear in their fifth to eighth year. Males are slightly longer than the females, growing to about 2.82–3.25 m (9.3–10.7 ft) long and averaging 3 m (9.8 ft) in length. Males have much wider chests, necks, and general forebody structure. Males can weigh between 450–1,120 kg (990–2,470 lb), weighing on average 544 kg (1,199 lb). Males are further distinguished from females by broader and higher foreheads, flatter snouts, and a thick mane of coarse hair around their large necks. It is fitting then that their Latin name translates roughly as "maned one with the broad forehead".
General Info
Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Steller sea lion predominantly feeds on oceanic prey, markedly favoring fish such as capelin, herring, and pollock and squids. Their unique dental structure facilitates proficient suction feeding of these marine organisms.
Appearance
Steller sea lion are large-bodied animals can weigh over 2,200 pounds. Characterized by a robust, elongated body covered in a dense coat of short fur, steller sea lion are dark brown, often appearing almost black in color. Their most distinctive features are their long, flat, and slightly upturned noses, which earn them the nickname 'clown of the sea'. Males are typically larger than females and exhibit more pronounced nose length.
Behavior
Steller sea lion are highly social, typically forming large, tightly packed colonies during breeding season. Their notable rookery behavior includes intense male-male competition and territorial disputes. Agile swimmers, these animals hunt in the open ocean, predominantly feeding on a diet of fish and cephalopods. Adapted to a harsh marine environment, they exhibit extensive annual migrations for feeding and breeding purposes.
Population
Increasing
Photo By Rigelus , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Eared seals Genus
Steller sea lion Species
Steller sea lion