California Sea Lion

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The California sea lion is an intelligent, playful, and vocal pinniped known for its distinctive barking sound. This sexually dimorphic species features males that are significantly larger with a thick neck and a prominent sagittal crest, while females are typically lighter in color. They are opportunistic feeders found along the coastlines of western North America, preying mainly on fish and cephalopods.

Max Length 2.4 m
Max Weight 390 kg
Lifespan 19 - 25 years
Habitat Seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and open water
Depth Range Up to 536 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Aggregative
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot California Sea Lion

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where California Sea Lion has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about California Sea Lion

Where can you see the California Sea Lion?

The California Sea Lion can be seen at 4 dive destinations in Mexico. The best spots include Baja California Sur (Mexico), Socorro Islands (Mexico), Guadalupe Island (Mexico), and Revillagigedo Islands (Mexico).

What is the best time to see the California Sea Lion?

The California Sea Lion is most often seen at Baja California Sur from September to May.

How big does the California Sea Lion get?

The California Sea Lion can reach up to 2.4 m in length and 390 kg in weight.

What habitat does the California Sea Lion live in?

The California Sea Lion is found in these habitats: seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and open water.

How deep does the California Sea Lion live?

The California Sea Lion lives down to 536 m.

What does the California Sea Lion eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the California Sea Lion most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the California Sea Lion live?

The California Sea Lion lives 19 to 25 years.

What is the conservation status of the California Sea Lion?

The California Sea Lion is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for California Sea Lion. Spotted something that looks off?

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