Emperor Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | Antarctica | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
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 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, Emperor Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Gentoo Penguin's 90cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Emperor Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.