Quick answer
Sea lions are intelligent marine mammals with external ear flaps and large flippers that let them walk on land. The California sea lion is a fast, social swimmer that barks loudly and lives in coastal colonies. Males can weigh up to about 390 kg (860 lb) and live 20 to 30 years.
Key takeaway
Sea lions are intelligent marine mammals with external ear flaps and large flippers that let them walk on land. The California sea lion is a fast, social swimmer that barks loudly and lives in coastal colonies. Males can weigh up to about 390 kg (860 lb) and live 20 to 30 years.
Sea Lion overview
Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) is a mammal listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 100–390 kg (220–860 lb); males far larger; lifespan around 20–30 years.
Sea Lion ecology
Diet: Carnivore (fish and squid). Habitat: Coastal waters, beaches, and rocky shores. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Sea Lions and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild sea lions are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Sea Lion profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Habitat and range
The California sea lion lives along the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia south to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. It hauls out to rest and breed on beaches, rocky islands, jetties, and marina docks, never straying far from rich coastal feeding grounds.
Conservation
The California sea lion is listed as Least Concern, and its population has grown strongly since hunting was banned. Ongoing threats include entanglement in fishing gear, harmful algal blooms that poison their prey, and conflict with fisheries. Warm-water events can also reduce fish stocks and lead to mass strandings of pups.
Sources
Sea Lion FAQs
What are key facts about sea lions?
Sea lions are intelligent marine mammals with external ear flaps and large flippers that let them walk on land. The California sea lion is a fast, social swimmer that barks loudly and lives in coastal colonies. Males can weigh up to about 390 kg (860 lb) and live 20 to 30 years.
What is the scientific name of the sea lion?
Zalophus californianus — used in research and conservation listings for sea lions.
What do sea lions eat?
Sea Lions eat fish and squid, with seasonal and regional variation in Coastal waters, beaches, and rocky shores.
Where do sea lions live?
They are associated with Coastal waters, beaches, and rocky shores. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of sea lions?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.