Southern Sea Lion [Otaria flavescens]
Description
The Southern Sea Lion, also known as the South American Sea Lion, is a sea lion found on the Chilean, Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Southern Brazilian coasts. It is characterized by its robust size, with males being much larger than females and possessing a large mane, making them the most sexually dimorphic of all pinnipeds. They have a broad diet that changes seasonally and varies based on sex and age. Their main prey includes fish, squid and crustaceans.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Carnivorans
Carnivora
|
| Family |
Eared Seals
Otariidae
|
| Genus |
Southern Sea Lions
Otaria
|