Zoo database

California sea lion

Zalophus californianus

Natural diet California sea lion

Californian sea lions are piscivorous carnivores that mainly consume fish. They eat a large variety of fish species such as mackerel and anchovies, but also squids and cephalopods are occasionally consumed. They mainly feed offshore in coastal areas.

Fish
Fish
Invertebrates / crustaceans
Invertebrates / crustaceans

Feeding advice California sea lion

Feed quantity per day

5-8%

Sample percentage calculation

If an animal weighs 150 kg and eats 6% of its body weight, it will get
 
150 x 0.06 = 9 kg feed in total per day

Feed composition

99% Fish products
1% Supplements

Proportions (fresh product)

0.99 x 9 kg = 8,910 g fish products
0.01 x 9 kg = 90 g supplements

Diet Suggestions

Recommended

Variety of fish
Supplements

Not recommended

Common diseases

An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:

  • Renal disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Anorexia
  • Hepatic lipidosis
  • Dental disease

Additional advice

  • Divide the “Feed quantity per day” over at least two feeding moments per day.
  • Feed at least three different species of fish.
  • The supplements should be given according to the appropriate dosage that is mentioned on the labelling.
  • During the winter, the daily food intake increases and they should be fed accordingly.
  • Stimulate foraging behaviour by using ice cubes with frozen fish, large fish heads and feed balls stuffed with fish (read more about feed enrichment and foraging behaviour).