Emperor Penguin vs Galapagos Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Galapagos Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Galapagos Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Galapagos Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Spheniscus mendiculus |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 49-53 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 1.7-2.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~1,200 individuals |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores |
| Regions | Antarctica | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedGalapagos Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
About Each Species
Emperor 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 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, Emperor Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Galapagos Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Emperor Penguins and Galapagos Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).