Diet of a Sea Lion
Sea lions are mammals found in oceanic habitats in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. They live in a range of climates, from sub-arctic to warm waters. Sea lions are able to walk on land using their flippers. Because sea lions live in ocean environments, their diet is primarily comprised of fish and cephalopods (squid and octopus).
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Early Life Feeding Habits
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After birth, the sea lion feeds upon its mother's milk for sustenance. Sea lion milk is high in fat and necessary proteins, giving the pup the nutrients required to amass a layer of subcutaneous blubber. The blubber (or fat) is required to maintain and regulate body temperature in the water.
Physical Diet Adaption
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Physically, sea lions have adapted to a carnivorous (or meat-eating) diet. They possess sharp incisors, similar to those found in other predatory animals, with strong jaws and facial muscles. The sea lion is an opportunistic carnivore, meaning it will adapt its food consumption to what is available in its environment.
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Diving for Food
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Sea lions dive to catch their food, descending to depths of 480 to 600 ft. Because they require air (and are unable to filter oxygen from water, like fish), sea lions are unable to remain submerged in pursuit of food for longer than five minutes.
Feeding Habits
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Though the sea lion can swim quickly, it preys on slower-swimming fish to avoid extra energy expenditure. Small sharks, squid, and rockfish comprise the majority of the sea lion's diet. Food is swallowed whole. Clams, crabs and other shellfish are consumed by crushing the shells between the sea lion's flat back teeth.
Quantity Requirements
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SeaWorld records indicate that adult California sea lions eat between 5 to 8 percent of their body weight daily (typically 15 to 40 pounds). In order to meet this large food requirement, sea lions can spend up to 16 hours each day pursuing food, making 85 to 200 dives.
Influence on Fisheries
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Sea lion fish consumption can impact commercial fishing, resulting in many coastal areas closely monitoring the feeding habits of the animals. The dietary needs of sea lions can reduce or eliminate fish sought by fishing companies. Research indicates that sea lion dietary habits are cyclical, contingent upon the seasons and oceanographic events, like El Nino, influencing availability of prey.
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References
- Photo Credit sea lion image by David G from Fotolia.com
