Aptenodytes patagonicus or King Penguin Skull Replica measures 8.2 inches. King Penguin Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA.
The King penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second largest species of penguin. They appear very similar to the larger, closely related emperor penguin, with a broad cheek patch contrasting with surrounding dark feathers and yellow-orange plumage at the top of the chest.
The King penguin stands at 28 to 39 in. tall and weighs from 21 to 40 lb. Although female and male king penguins are monomorphic they can be separated by their calls. Males are also slightly larger than females.
Emperor and King penguins typically do not inhabit the same areas in the wild, with the possible exception of vagrants at sea, but the two can be distinguished from one another by the King’s longer, straighter bill, larger flippers, and noticeably sleeker body.
The juvenile Aptenodytes patagonicus or King penguin with its long bill and heavy dark brown down is completely different in appearance from the mostly grey emperor chick with its black and white mask. Once moulted of its brown juvenile plumage, the King chick resembles the adult, but is somewhat less colorful.
King penguins often breed on the same large, circumpolar islands as at least half of all living penguins, but it is easily distinguished from other species by its much larger size and taller frame, colorful markings, and grizzled sooty-greyish rather than blackish back.
Aptenodytes patagonicus or King penguins eat various species of small fish, squid, and krill. Fish constitute roughly 80% of their diet, except in the winter months of July and August, when they make up only around 30%.
Lanternfish are the main fish taken, principally the species Electrona carlsbergi and Krefftichthys anderssoni, as well as Protomyctophum tenisoni.
Slender escolar (Paradiplospinus gracilis) of the Gempylidae, and Champsocephalus gunneri, is also consumed. Cephalopods consumed include the hooked squid, sevenstar flying squid and Onychoteuthis species.
