Main Characteristics

Subantarctic Fur Seals have a body length between 1.2 and 1.8 m (3.9 - 5.9 ft) and they weigh between 50 and 140 kgs (110 - 310 lbs). They are dark grey/brown in colour with an paler brown/orange coloured underside.

Habitat

Subantarctic Fur Seals can be found on Subantarctic Islands and in subantarctic waters.

Diet

Subantarctic Fur Seals feed on squid, fish and krill. They will also occasionally feed on sea birds.

Breeding

Subantarctic Fur Seals have a gestation period of 12 months, which includes a period of delayed implantation, and they give birth to a single pup. At birth the pup weighs approximately 4.5 kgs (9.9 lbs) and it is around 60 cms (24 inches) in length. They are weaned at 9 months old and they reach sexual maturity at 3 - 6 years old.

Predators

Predators of the Subantarctic Fur Seal include sharks and killer whales.

Subspecies

Subantarctic Fur Seals have no subspecies

Interesting Facts

The Subantarctic Fur Seal was hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century for its fur.

Similar Animals

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