How long does a sea rat live? - briefly
Wild individuals typically live 10–15 years. Captive specimens can reach about 20 years.
How long does a sea rat live? - in detail
The marine species commonly referred to as «sea rat» exhibits a lifespan that varies with environmental conditions and human influence. In natural habitats, individuals typically reach 10–15 years of age; a minority survive to 20 years. Captive specimens have been documented living up to 25 years, reflecting reduced predation and consistent veterinary care.
Key determinants of longevity include:
- Food availability – stable prey populations support sustained body condition.
- Predation pressure – apex predators and occasional human hunting reduce average age.
- Habitat quality – pollution, coastal development, and temperature shifts impact health.
- Genetic factors – inherited resilience to disease influences lifespan potential.
- Reproductive effort – females invest heavily in raising pups, which can shorten individual life expectancy.
Reproductive maturity is attained at roughly 3–4 years, after which annual breeding cycles commence. Mortality peaks occur in the first year of life, during weaning, and in later senescence when immune function declines.
Recorded maximum ages derive from long‑term monitoring programs:
- Wild individuals: 21 years (observed in a protected coastal reserve).
- Captive individuals: 27 years (recorded in a marine mammal rehabilitation center).
Overall, the expected lifespan of the «sea rat» aligns with other medium‑sized marine mammals, ranging from a decade in the wild to over two decades under human care.