African Penguin vs Emperor Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Emperor Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Emperor Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Emperor Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Aptenodytes forsteri |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 100-130 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 22-45 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~595,000 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Antarctica |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredEmperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
About Each Species
African Penguin
The only penguin species that breeds in Africa, now Critically Endangered after losing about 97% of their historical population. Each bird has a unique chest spot pattern, like human fingerprints.
Learn more about African PenguinEmperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Emperor Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do African Penguins and Emperor Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica.