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California Seal

Zalophus californianus

Description:

They are quite intelligent and can adapt to man-made environments. The California sea lion is the classic "circus seal," although it is not a true seal. Males grow to 360 kg (850 lbs) and 2.4 meters (8 ft) long, while females are significantly smaller, at 100 kg (220 lbs) and 2 m (6.5 ft) long. They have pointed muzzles, making them rather dog-like. Males grow a large crest of bone on the top of their heads as they reach sexual maturity. Females are lighter in color than the males, and pups are born dark, but lighten when they are several months old. When it is dry, the skin is a purple color. A sea lion's average lifespan is 17 years in the wild, and longer in captivity.

Habitat:

is a coastal sea lion of western North America. California sea lions prefer to breed on sandy beaches. The sea lion's major predators are killer whales and white sharks. California sea lions can also live in fresh water for periods of time.

Notes:

Correct me if I'm wrong !

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3 Comments

tibiprada
tibiprada 11 years ago

Xiaoxuan; any web reference so I can correct the info ? Your help is much appreciated it !

tibiprada
tibiprada 11 years ago

Xiaoxuan : go it.. thank you

XXD17
XXD17 11 years ago

These are seals not sea lions

tibiprada
Spotted by
tibiprada

San Luis Obispo, California, USA

Spotted on Sep 23, 2006
Submitted on May 3, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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