Stelleri

Stelleri is a genus of marine mammals belonging to the family Otariidae, which includes sea lions, fur seals, and elephant seals. The genus is named after Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German naturalist who first described the species. Stelleri is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species, Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

Steller's sea lion is found in the North Pacific Ocean, primarily along the coasts of Russia, Japan, and the Aleutian Islands. They are medium-sized pinnipeds, with males typically weighing between 150 to 250 kilograms and females between 80 to 150 kilograms. These animals have a robust body, with a streamlined head and a short, thick neck. Their fur is dark brown to black on the back and lighter on the underside, with a distinctive white patch on the chest.

Steller's sea lions are known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of barks, growls, and whistles. They are also known for their playful behavior, often seen swimming and playing together. These animals are apex predators in their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of fish and squid. They are also known to scavenge for food, often following fishing boats to feed on discarded catch.

Steller's sea lions are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these animals and their habitats.