Galapagos Island Animals, Sea Lions and Fur Sea Lions have Basic Differences

Galapagos Introduction

Recommended Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Pictures, Videos and Maps

Galapagos Endemic Animals

Galapagos Miscellaneous

Ecuador
Information

About This
Web Site

Galapagos in
Spanish

Subscribe To This Site

Galapagos Island Animals: Sea Lions and Fur Sea Lions

These Galapagos Island animals "Sea lions" and "Fur sea lions" have some basic differences.

Galapagos Fur Sea Lion
galapagos island animals fur sea lion

Find Cheap Airline Tickets to the Galapagos Islands here

The two pinniped species that inhabit this Archipelago are the Galapagos Sea Lions and the Galapagos Fur Sea Lions.

While the two are resident species, both came from opposite origins; northern and southern latitudes, respectively.

While the two species inhabit the shores of these volcanic islands, both have striking differences. These are mostly behavioral and physical.

Galapagos tours from well known travel companies will visit several Galapagos Sites that will offer you incredible encounters with colonies of both species.

The most common of these animals in Galapagos will be the Galapagos Sea Lion, but as you explore coastlines, looking into crevices, lava tubes, and irregular cuts, you will be able to find the other species.

The Galapagos Fur Sea Lion (incorrectly called fur seal, as there are no true seals in Galapagos) is an endemic species to the islands, and prefers rocky coastlines. Beaches are usually not part of their regular living habitat.

Galapagos Sea Lion
galapagos sea lions

See Beautiful Pictures of Galapagos Islands here

Galapagos Sea Lions, on the other hand, live in both types of habitat. Fur sea lions carry a heavy coat; an outer layer of fur, and an under fur.

With all that heavy coat, would you consider a beach for resting? Probably not.

Thus, fur sea lions prefer areas with lots of shade, and with easy exposure to sea access.

At times, both species of these Galapagos animals are seen within the same area, and they even play aqua-aerobics, but of course do not interbreed.

There are many pre-mating isolating barriers that prevent interbreeding.

Some Differences Between these Galapagos Island Animals:

GALAPAGOS SEA LIONS

Inhabit beaches and rocky shorelines

Feed mostly during day time hours

Rather pointed snout

Shorter external ear lobes (comparatively)

Thinner fur coating

Mating mostly in shallow or deep water

Sound: mostly growling and barking

Population: around 40,000 individuals

GALAPAGOS FUR SEA LIONS

Inhabit just rocky shorelines

Feed mostly during night time hours

Rather blunt snout

Longer external ear lobes (comparatively)

Thicker fur coating

Mating mostly on land

Sound: mostly growling

Population: around 20,000 individuals

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Marine Life of the Galapagos Islands: A Guide to Fish, Whales, Dolphins and Marine Invertebrates
A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never seen before, and rich with stunning color photography and underwater shots. Written for readers and divers with a passion for visiting a world-acclaimed diving destination. (This is a superb well written book)

The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises. (This is the best diving guide I've ever read)

More Galapagos Island Animals:

Galapagos Penguins

Galapagos Giant Tortoises

Beautiful Galapagos Birds

Famous Galapagos Finches

Search This Site For More Information

Custom Search

If you have questions about the Galapagos Island animals, Please post them on our Galapagos FAQ Page and if you'd like to request more information about our recommended Galapagos Island Cruise to explore this Archipelago, You can Contact us here

Back from Galapagos Island Animals to Galapagos Home Page