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Aquatics Gallery > Penguin Zone
SPECIE NAME:Spheniscus demersus
COMMON NAME OF THE SPECIE: African Penguin
LOCATION: As the name suggests, the African Penguin is endemic to southern Africa with the largest concentrations along the Benguela Current, which brings nutrient-rich water to the west coast of South Africa and Namibia.
HABITAT: The African Penguin breeds colonially, mostly on rocky offshore islands, either nesting in burrows they excavate themselves, or in depressions under boulders or bushes. Historically, nests were excavated in the cap of guano that existed on most islands.
SIZE: upto 60–70 cm upto 3.3 kg
DIET: Mainly fish (over 80%), in particular anchovy. Cephalopods and crustaceans are taken as well, but to a much lesser extent.
FACT: These penguins are called jackass penguins because they emit a loud, braying, donkey-like call to communicate. There are three types of calls used: a bray, used to attract a mate; the yell, used to defend their territory; and the haw, used by mates to locate each other when one is on land and one is at sea. Each individual has its own unique vocalization that distinguishes it from the others. Also, they can hold their breath over 2 minutes and dive over 120 meters (400 feet) deep!
COMMON NAME OF THE SPECIE: African Penguin
LOCATION: As the name suggests, the African Penguin is endemic to southern Africa with the largest concentrations along the Benguela Current, which brings nutrient-rich water to the west coast of South Africa and Namibia.
HABITAT: The African Penguin breeds colonially, mostly on rocky offshore islands, either nesting in burrows they excavate themselves, or in depressions under boulders or bushes. Historically, nests were excavated in the cap of guano that existed on most islands.
SIZE: upto 60–70 cm upto 3.3 kg
DIET: Mainly fish (over 80%), in particular anchovy. Cephalopods and crustaceans are taken as well, but to a much lesser extent.
FACT: These penguins are called jackass penguins because they emit a loud, braying, donkey-like call to communicate. There are three types of calls used: a bray, used to attract a mate; the yell, used to defend their territory; and the haw, used by mates to locate each other when one is on land and one is at sea. Each individual has its own unique vocalization that distinguishes it from the others. Also, they can hold their breath over 2 minutes and dive over 120 meters (400 feet) deep!