Sea lions vs seals: what’s the difference? When you hear the words “sea lion” and “seal,” you might think they’re the same animal, but these two marine mammals have several differences that make each unique. Both belong to the pinniped family, meaning “fin-footed” animals, which also includes walruses. However, sea lions and seals have distinct traits that help them survive in their environments. This guide will explore the key differences, fun facts, and commonly asked questions about sea lions and seals.
Table of Contents
Key Differences: Sea Lions vs Seals
Ears
- Sea lions have external ear flaps that stick out from their heads.
- Seals have small holes for ears with no visible flaps.
Movement on Land
- Sea lions use their large, strong front flippers to walk on land, allowing them to move quickly and even climb rocks.
- Seals move on land by wriggling their bellies and flopping around since their front flippers are much smaller and not as useful for walking.
Swimming Style
- Sea lions swim using their front flippers to propel themselves through the water, similar to how a bird flies.
- Seals swim by using their back flippers to steer and glide through the water, relying on their bodies for propulsion.
Body Shape
- Sea lions have long, slender bodies with visible muscle definition, which helps them move gracefully in water and on land.
- Seals have a more rounded, plump body shape, which helps insulate them in cold water but makes them less agile on land.
Vocalizations
- Sea lions are noisy animals that bark loudly, especially in large groups.
- Seals are much quieter and usually make soft grunting or snuffling sounds.
Social Behavior
- Sea lions are very social and are often seen resting together in large groups, called colonies, on beaches and rocks.
- Seals tend to be more solitary and spend most of their time alone or in small groups, usually coming together only during breeding season.
Fun Facts About Sea Lions vs Seals
Sea lions can “walk” on their flippers, making them much more mobile on land than seals.
Seals are excellent divers and can hold their breath for long periods, some up to 30 minutes, allowing them to dive deep in search of food.
Sea lions are known for their intelligence and are often trained to perform tricks at aquariums and marine parks.
Seals’ blubber helps them stay warm in icy waters by providing insulation, while sea lions rely more on their fur for warmth.
Sea lions’ whiskers are sensitive and help them detect vibrations in the water, allowing them to track prey.
Both animals eat fish, but their diets can vary. Seals also enjoy squid, while sea lions may eat octopus and shellfish.
Baby sea lions are called pups, just like seal babies, but they stay with their mothers for up to a year, learning how to swim and hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look at their ears! Sea lions have visible ear flaps, while seals have just small ear holes. Also, sea lions are more agile on land and tend to be noisier than seals.
Sea lions are social animals that use barking to communicate with each other. They may bark to defend their territory, attract mates, or signal danger.
Yes, sea lions are generally faster swimmers because they use their large front flippers for propulsion. Seals rely on their back flippers and are typically slower, though they are excellent divers.
Seals can hold their breath much longer than sea lions. Some seals can stay underwater for 20 to 30 minutes, while sea lions can usually hold their breath for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Both animals live in coastal regions but often in different habitats.
Sea lions are commonly found on rocky shores or sandy beaches, resting in large groups, or colonies, on exposed coastlines. They can be found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, including the coasts of North America, South America, and even parts of Asia.
Seals prefer colder waters and are often found in both Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, some species, like harbor seals, live in temperate coastal waters as well. Seals may haul out on ice sheets, remote beaches, or rocky shorelines, and they are more likely to be solitary than sea lions.
Some species of sea lions and seals are considered threatened or endangered due to factors like habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. The Galápagos sea lion and the Hawaiian monk seal, for example, are endangered.
Sea lions are highly trainable due to their intelligence and social behavior, which is why you often see them performing in shows. Seals are less commonly trained but can learn basic behaviors.
Both sea lions and seals have adaptations to keep warm. Seals rely on their thick layer of blubber, while sea lions have a combination of fur and some blubber for insulation.
While sea lions and seals might look similar at first glance, they have many differences in their physical traits, behavior, and habitat preferences. By understanding these unique characteristics, you’ll be able to easily distinguish between the two and appreciate the role each plays in the marine ecosystem. Whether you’re observing sea lions barking on a rocky shore or watching seals glide silently through the water, both animals are fascinating examples of how marine mammals adapt to life in the ocean.
Gabrielle Kotkov is an AMI-trained 3-6 Montessorian and educational consultant. She has a Master's Degree in Child Studies and is certified in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She is particularly interested in the intersection between Montessori education and multilingualism, which led her to create the Multilingual Montessori website and podcast. Gabrielle has taught in schools in NYC, Sicily, London, and Austin, and is currently on the teaching faculty of the West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program, an AMS training center in NYC.