Zalophus californicus
Range
They are found in the coastal water and beaches of British Columbia, Canada down to Mexico.Habitat
They live in the ocean and on sandy and rocky beaches on the mainland and islands.Body Traits
They are about 6 – 7 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds. Males are larger than the females. They are called “eared” seals because they have ears you can see (unlike seals, who don’t).Habits
They gather into colonies on land and rafts (groups) in the ocean. They are very playful and can swim up to 25mph.Diet
They eat fish, squid and octopus.Predators
Predators that eat them are sharks and killer whales. They also are killed by accident in fishing nets.Reproduction
Males are territorial and collect a group of females called a “harem.” Females are pregnant (gestation) for 11 months and have 1 pup.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They can live 15 – 20 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Otariidae
- Genus: Zalophus
- Species: Zalophus californianus