Emperor Penguin Facts Aptenodytes forsteri
Emperor penguins are the largest living penguins and breed during the Antarctic winter. Their dense colonies and coordinated huddles help them survive intense cold and wind.
- Habitat
- Polar
- Diet
- Fish, krill, and squid
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
Classification
Family: Spheniscidae. Order: Sphenisciformes.
Emperor Penguin Habitat
Emperor Penguins live in Polar and Marine habitats. Their recorded range includes Antarctica. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.
What Do Emperor Penguins Eat?
Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Fish, krill, and squid.
Emperor Penguin Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Recorded lifespan: 15–20 years. Recorded size: 100–130 cm. Recorded weight: 22–45 kg.
Emperor Penguin Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin is listed here as Near Threatened. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.
Quick facts
- Region
- Antarctica
- Habitat
- Polar, Marine
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Size
- 100–130 cm
- Weight
- 22–45 kg
Fun facts
- Males incubate a single egg on their feet beneath a warm brood pouch.
- Groups rotate through a huddle so individuals share the warmer centre.
- They can dive for more than 20 minutes while hunting beneath sea ice.
- Their streamlined bodies use flippers like wings underwater.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.