African Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
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 PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do African Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.