Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) lives in north Pacific coast across Northeast Asia, North America. It feeds on fish and squid. Its conservation status is Near Threatened.
Fascinating facts about the Steller Sea Lion
- Steller sea lions are the only species in the genus Eumetopias and are the biggest of all eared seals. Adult females measure between 2.3 and 2.9 m and weigh 240-350 kg, while males grow to 2.8-3.25 m and can reach 450-1,120 kg, making them markedly larger than any other otariid. Their massive fore-body, broad forehead and thick neck mane set them apart visually from relatives.
- Only three pinniped species outsize the Steller sea lion: the walrus and the two elephant seal species. The walrus and both elephant seals regularly exceed the length and mass of even the biggest male Steller sea lion, whose maximum is 3.25 m and 1,120 kg, placing them above the Steller in overall size. Nevertheless, Steller sea lions remain the largest otariid, surpassing all other eared seals in both length and bulk.
- A male observed on Russia's Medny Island killed and ate several pups, marking the first documented case of cannibalism in the species. This behaviour is otherwise unknown among Steller sea lions, which are generally tolerant of pups. The incident was recorded on video and highlighted as an unusual, possibly psychotic, individual action. Such rare aggression underscores that while the species is typically non-cannibalistic, extreme behavioural anomalies can occur.
- After birth, the fertilized egg can remain in embryonic diapause for up to three months before implanting and beginning to divide. Implantation usually occurs in the fall, after the brief post-birth copulation period.
- The oldest fossil known of the species was found near Kanazawa, Japan and dates to the late Early Pleistocene, approximately 800,000 years ago.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeNortheast Asia, North America
HabitatNorth Pacific coast
DietFish and squid
About the Steller Sea Lion
In the kelp forests and rocky outcrops of the North Pacific, the Steller Sea Lion reigns as a majestic sentinel, its tawny coat glistening with seawater as it hauls itself onto sun-baked shores. With a fluidity that belies its bulk, it moves through the waves, powerful flippers propelling it with effortless ease, as it pursues the abundant fish and cephalopods that sustain it. As it surveys its kingdom, the Steller Sea Lion's piercing gaze seems to embody a profound connection to the wild, untamed beauty of its marine realm.
Hear the Steller Sea Lion, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
More ocean life to discover
