Like human hands, seal and sea lions flippers have five skeletal digits. However at a distance these digits are not always visible in sea lions. The front flippers of seals do have five visible claws. California sea lions are various shades of chocolate brown. Pups are born with a black coat, after about three weeks they grow their brown fur which they will lose or molt every year.
Males are usually darker in color than females.
California sea lions are polygamous. A mature male may breed with 3 to 40 females in a season, depending on his size and strength. California sea lions are warm-blooded animals with a thick layer of blubber to insulate them against the cold. Sea lions and seals tear profusely to cleanse their eyes of excessive salt and other impurities. They do not cry.