Natural History Adult male subantarctic fur seals are about 180 cm long and weigh about 165 kg. Females are about 145 cm long and weigh 55 kg. This fur seal is the only one to show a clear colour pattern. A pale or yellow face to behind the ears is also noticeable. Males are usually darker than females and have a conspicuous crest of longer guard hairs on the top of the head.
Males also have a thick mane.
Males reach sexual maturity between 4 and 8 years of age although they probably do not mate until about 8. Females reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6. Pups are born between November and January with peak births occuring in December. Pups are born weighing 5 kg and measuring 65 cm and are nursed for 9-10 months. The diet varies with locationa dn season and includes fish, cephalopods and euphausiids.