The California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus, is a large, charismatic marine mammal found along the Pacific coast of North America. These playful and intelligent creatures are a popular sight for visitors to the coastline, often seen basking in the sun on rocky shores or playfully interacting with humans.
Description & Characteristics
Adult California Sea Lions typically measure between 1.8 and 2.4 meters in length, with males being significantly larger than females. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are well-suited for swimming, and their powerful flippers propel them through the water with ease. Their fur is short and dense, varying in color from a dark brown to a reddish-brown. They possess prominent whiskers, which aid in detecting prey underwater.
Habitat and Occurrence
The California Sea Lion is a coastal species, primarily inhabiting the neritic zone, which encompasses the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. They are commonly found in areas ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. Their distribution extends from southern California to the northern tip of Baja California, Mexico.
Taxonomy
The California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus, belongs to the Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, and Family: Otariidae. This family, known as the eared seals, includes a variety of seals with prominent external ear flaps. The California Sea Lion is one of the most well-known and widely studied species within this family.
Feeding
The California Sea Lion is a carnivorous predator, with a diet consisting primarily of fish. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of fish, including larger fish, smaller fish, and even squid. Their diet can vary depending on availability and location.
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