African Penguin vs Galapagos Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Galapagos Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Galapagos Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Galapagos Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Spheniscus mendiculus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 49-53 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 1.7-2.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~1,200 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredGalapagos Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinGalapagos Penguin
The only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild and the smallest South American penguin, Galápagos Penguins survive in a tropical setting thanks to cool upwelling from the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents.
Learn more about Galapagos PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Galapagos Penguin is "Endangered".
Do African Penguins and Galapagos Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).