Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

UncommonOtariidaeMay bite

ID points

Has small external ear flaps, which true seals lack
The hind flippers turn forward, so it can walk on land
Males have a pronounced sagittal crest bulging on the forehead

Basics

Family: Otariidae
Length: 1.8–2.4 m
Depth: 0-80 m
Regions: Indo-Pacific reefs
Distribution: Rocky shores and sandy beaches of the Pacific coast
Diet: Fish, squid

Easily confused with

Sperm WhaleHuge squared-off head, a third of the total body length

Beluga WhaleAdults are pure white all over, calves are grey

Bottlenose DolphinShort thick bottle-shaped snout, with a crease where it meets the forehead

Fun fact

The Sea Lion can walk on land using its hind flippers, swims at up to 40 km/h and learns extraordinarily fast. It can recognise symbols and grasp simple grammar, making it one of the brightest of all marine mammals.

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