Diet & Feeding

How much food does a penguin eat per day?

The amount penguins eat varies by species, season, and activity level. A typical Adelie penguin eats about 1 to 2 kg of krill and fish per day during the summer foraging season. Emperor penguins consume around 2 to 3 kg daily when actively feeding. During breeding, penguins that are incubating eggs or guarding chicks may fast for extended periods — male emperor penguins famously go without food for over two months. Before fasting periods, penguins gorge to build up fat reserves, sometimes doubling their body weight.