What does the Adélie Penguin eat?

The Adélie Penguin's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily krill, also fish and squid)

How it forages

Primarily feed on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), but also consume small fish (e.g., Antarctic silverfish) and squid. They are pursuit divers, using their powerful flippers to 'fly' underwater. Dives typically last 1-2 minutes and reach depths of 20-70 meters, though deeper dives up to 175 meters have been recorded. They often feed in large groups.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours for foraging and colony activities.

Explore the Adélie Penguin