In this stunning clip, you get to observe a group of Galapagos sea lions corralling a school of fish into a narrow bay. This highly successful hunting technique also resulted in a huge meal for the pelicans that followed the sea lions. In fact, the birds got the lion’s share during the first hunting attempt. After regrouping, the sea lions tried again, and this time the fish were chased onto the sand. Each sea lion got around 30 fish to eat in what can only be described as a feeding frenzy. Take a look for yourself and then read on to discover more about Galapagos sea lions and their remarkable feeding habits.
About Galapagos Sea Lions
As their name suggests, Galapagos sea lions are found in the Galapagos archipelago. They are generally found only on these main islands and on more isolated rocks. However, there have been rare reports of them being spotted elsewhere, including at Isla de la Plata near the shores of Ecuador. During the day, they are often basking on beaches near the water. They prefer areas that have shade and are flat. The males are larger than the females and have broader necks, shoulders, and chests. They live in social groups of around 30 individuals, made up of mature females, their offspring, and one dominant male. Living as a group allows them to hunt together, increasing their chances of success.
Cooperative Hunting
Galapagos sea lions are accomplished hunters of marine animals.
©Leslie Russum/Shutterstock.com
Hunting a school of fast-moving fish is not easy. The Galapagos sea lions usually forage at shallow depths for fish (especially sardines), along with squid, octopus, and crustaceans. In this clip, however, they are working as a team to drive the fish to a location where they will be easier to catch. The fish are stuck in a small bay and have no choice but to drive themselves onto the shore, where the sea lions can pick them off. This behavior is rarely captured on camera. Interestingly, this sea lion species has also been observed smashing an octopus on the water’s surface so that it can be consumed more easily.
Do Other Sea Lions Hunt Like This?
This behavior is most famously documented in Galapagos sea lions and is rare or undocumented in other sea lion species. California sea lions also eat schooling fish, along with cephalopods and some small sharks. However, they hunt in the water using their speed and agility to isolate prey. They do hunt in groups, but unlike the Galapagos sea lion, they do not corral fish onto the shore.
