Fat's page
Fat was the largest male ever observed on Sea Lion Island. His estimated length (from direct measurement) was 4.72 m from the base of trunk to the base of tail; his weight, estimated with a photogrammetric method, was close to 4 tons.
Fat was beach master of one of the main breeding areas in 1995 and 1996, hodling between 70 and 110 females. In 1995 his dominance was uncontested, but, in 1996, he was challenged by another huge, very powerful male, Blob. They required three fights to settle their dominance relationship. At the beginning of the breeding season Fat took control of the first harem of the breeding area, but was defeated by Blob and lost control of the harem. After a few days of rest, was Fat to challenge Blob and take over the harem. The result of the figth was not completely clear, and the next day Blob tried again to take over the harem, but was then definitely overpowered by Fat, and settled as harem holder of a smaller harem of the same area.
Fat was not observed after the 1997 molting season, hence he probably died just after the molt.
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