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California sea lion

Zalophus californianus

Photo by LuisStevens
Published on Project Noah
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37.8107, -122.412

Field Notes

Description:

Being sexually dimorphic, California sea lions differ in size, shape, and coloration between the sexes. Males are typically around 2.4 m (7.9 ft) long and weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb), while females are typically around 1.8 m (5.9 ft) and weigh up to 100 kg (220 lb). Females and juveniles have a tawny brown pelage, although they may be temporarily light gray or silver after molting. The pelage of adult males can be anywhere from light brown to black, but is typically dark brown. The face of adult males may also be light tan in some areas.

Habitat:

California Sea Lions have been always present in San Francisco Bay. They started to haul out on docks of Pier 39 in September 1989. Before that they mostly used Seal Rock for that purpose.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

They all look so happy. Nice photos!
First photo is great nothing like sunbathing!

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