The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens, formerly Otaria byronia), also called the southern sea lion and the Patagonian sea lion, is a sea lion found on the western and southeastern coasts of South America. It is the only extant member of the genus Otaria, which also includes the extinct Otaria josefinae. The species is highly sexually dimorphic. Males have a large head and prominent mane. They mainly feed on fish and cephalopods and haul out on sand, gravel, rocky, or pebble beaches. Breeding males typically defend both territories and individual females, though this can vary. Less dominant males may try to achieve success by causing chaos in the group.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of South American Sea Lion being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Arctocephalus australis
- Arctocephalus pusillus
- Callorhinus ursinus
- Zalophus californianus
- Arctocephalus townsendi
- Eumetopias jubatus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Otariidae
- Genus
- Otaria
- Species
- Otaria flavescens
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo