Northern rockhopper penguins
Eudyptes moseleyi
Known locally as Pinnamin, around 90% of the world’s population of Northern rock hopper penguins breed on the islands of Tristan da Cunha.
This small, agile penguin comes ashore to breed in rookeries in August. Penguin chicks huddle into creches whilst the adults go out to feed on krill, fish and squid at sea. In February each year the penguins lose their feathers. During this period of moult, they cannot swim.
IUCN/ Conservation Status — Endandgered
Length — 55cm
Weight —
Life span —
Reproduction — Eggs laid in early September, chicks hatch in October. Young feldge in December and January.
Sightings around Tristan islands –
Marine life on Tristan
The waters surrounding the Tristan islands are home to a diverse range of fish and invertebrates, including the commercially valuable crayfish.