Main Characteristics

Cape Fur Seals are large fur seals with a body length between 1.2 and 2.3 m (3.9 - 7.5 ft) and they weigh between 35 and 360 kgs (77 - 794 lbs). They are dark grey to brown in colour with a paler coloured underside and face. Males have a mane on their neck which becomes lighter in colour as they get older.

Habitat

Cape Fur Seals can be found in the coastal waters of southern Africa and south eastern Australia.

Diet

Cape Fur Seals feed on fish, squid and occasionally octopus.

Breeding

Cape Fur Seals have a gestation period of 12 months, which includes a period of delayed implantation, and they give birth to a single pup. The pup is weaned at 12 months old, although some suckle for longer, and they reach sexual maturity at 3 - 6 years old.

Predators

Predators of Cape Fur Seals are sharks and killer whales.

Subspecies

There are two subspecies of Cape Fur Seal:

South African Fur Seal
(Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus)
They are also known as Cape Fur Seal

Australian Fur Seal
(Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)

Interesting Facts

Cape Fur Seals are also known as:
South African Fur Seal
Australian Fur Seal
Brown Fur Seal

Similar Animals

South American Fur Seal
Antarctic Fur Seal
Subantarctic Fur Seal
New Zealand Fur Seal
Galapagos Fur Seal
Guadalupe Fur Seal
Juan Fernandez Fur Seal
Northern Fur Seal