Home › Mammalia › Otariidae › California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
SPECIES PROFILE
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
Zalophus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
California (introduced Mediterranean)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Coastal (introduced)
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Otariidae
GENUS
Zalophus
📋 Description
SIZE
1.8-2.5 m body, 100-400 kg
COLORATION
Dark brown, males with crest
ADAPTATIONS
Very agile on land, loud barking
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Coastal (introduced)
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
California (introduced Mediterranean)
REPRODUCTION
1 pup per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Not established
💡 Interesting Facts
1
California sea lions are famous for their intelligence and have been trained for shows.
2
Small numbers have been recorded in the Mediterranean after escapes.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Mediterranean ports
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Only introduced/escaped individuals in Europe.
