Unlucky octopus becomes Cape fur seal’s lunch Posted by Chloe Cowley on 15 March 2022 A Cape fur seal was spotted devouring an octopus 200m out from the Blouberg rock pools on 5 March. The rocky coastline was the perfect spot for the seal to find a juicy octopus snack. Octopuses generally hide in dens, which are found in crevices in rocks or coral. Seals are often referred to as the ‘dogs of the ocean’ and are very playful and curious mammals. Cape fur seals are found from the southern tip of Angola, with colonies along the Namibian and South African coastlines, right around to Gqeberha in Algoa Bay. There are approximately 1.7 million Cape fur seals found on this length of coastline. Cape fur seals are carnivores. They usually eat pilchards and anchovies but they are opportunistic and have been known to snack on crayfish, seagulls and even the odd penguin. Squid is a preferred tasty treat that can count for up to 20% of their diet. The males can weigh up to 350kg, and the females are typically lighter at about 80kg to 150kg. It is no surprise that the seal caught the octopus so far off-shore. Seals can dive up to 200m below the surface and their eyes pop wide open, allowing them to see clearly even in cloudy water. They are kept warm in the cold Atlantic Ocean with two layers of thick fur and a layer of blubber on the inside of their skins. Pictures: Supplied / Benjamin William Pearce ALSO READ eFoiling is the most fun you’ll have all year Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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