Head to head
Steller Sea Lion vs California Sea Lion
The Steller sea lion and California sea lion share much of the same Pacific coastline, but differ enormously in size, public familiarity, and recent population history.
| Steller Sea Lion | California Sea Lion | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eumetopias jubatus | Zalophus californianus |
| Relative size | Largest sea lion species | Considerably smaller |
| Population history | Dramatic, partly unexplained crash | Recovered near carrying capacity |
| Public familiarity | Less widely recognised | The classic marine-park and pier sea lion |
| Demonstrated cognition | Less extensively studied | Abstract logical reasoning demonstrated |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Increasing |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Steller Sea Lion vs California Sea Lion: common questions
Which is bigger, the Steller sea lion or the California sea lion?
The Steller sea lion is considerably bigger, ranking as the largest sea lion species in the world, while the California sea lion is smaller but far more numerous and familiar, being the species most commonly seen barking on piers, buoys, and in marine park shows.
Why is the Steller sea lion less familiar than the California sea lion?
The California sea lion is the species most commonly kept in marine parks and most frequently encountered by the public along piers and harbours, while the Steller sea lion, despite being larger, occupies more remote parts of the North Pacific coastline and has a smaller, more specialised population, especially in Alaska.
Has either sea lion species had population problems?
Yes, the Steller sea lion experienced a dramatic, still only partly understood population crash across parts of Alaska in the late 20th century that left its western population segment classified as Endangered, while the California sea lion has instead recovered so successfully that it now sits near the maximum population its ecosystem can support.