Zoo database

California sea lion

Zalophus californianus

Natural diet California sea lion

Fish
Invertebrates / crustaceans

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.

Feeding advice California sea lion

Feed quantity per day

5-8% of body weight

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 = 8910 g fish products
0.01 x 9 kg = 90 g supplements

Diet suggestions

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).

Common diseases

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

Renal disease
Osteoporosis
Anorexia
Hepatic lipidosis
Dental disease

Feed quantity per day

Sample percentage calculation

Feed composition

Proportions (fresh product)

DK Fish Eater Liquid

Akwavit tablet Pinnipeds

Sardines IQF - 10 kg doos

Makreel B-keuze - ca. 20 kg doos

Michiel Derks

Director Petfood & Zoos