Sea Lions and Fur Seals (Otariidae)

 

 

The family comprises seven genera and 15 extant species of sea lions and fur seals. Otariids are widely distributed in subpolar, temperate, and cold equatorial waters throughout the Pacific, the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans, but are absent from the north Atlantic. Sea lions and fur seals have streamlined bodies with limbs modified into flippers, and they use their front limbs primarily to propel themselves through the water. All otariids breed on land, usually on remote islands or sheltered beaches, e.g., below sea cliffs. All species are polygynous and have sexual dimorphism. Sea lions and fur seals feed on fish, squid and krill, although may infrequently attack birds, such as penguins.

 

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