All comparisons

Emperor Penguin vs King Penguin

How does the Emperor Penguin compare to the King Penguin? They are both members of the Spheniscidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Emperor Penguin
King Penguin

Side-by-side comparison

Emperor Penguin
King Penguin
Scientific name
Aptenodytes forsteri
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Classification
Bird
Bird
Family
Spheniscidae
Spheniscidae
Habitat
Antarctic sea ice and coastal regions
Subantarctic islands and surrounding cold ocean waters
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Lifespan
15-20 years
15-20 years
Weight
22–45 kg
11-16 kg

Emperor Penguin vs King Penguin: who would win?

Emperor Penguin

Emperor Penguin

22–45 kg

VS
King Penguin

King Penguin

11-16 kg

Emperor Penguin wins moderate confidence

Emperor Penguin is substantially heavier (22–45 kg vs 11-16 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are birds.
  • Both belong to the Spheniscidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.

Differences

  • Habitat: Antarctic sea ice and coastal regions vs Subantarctic islands and surrounding cold ocean waters.
  • Conservation: Near Threatened vs Least Concern.
  • Weight: 22–45 kg vs 11-16 kg.

Emperor Penguin vs King Penguin: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Emperor Penguin or a King Penguin?

Emperor Penguin wins. Emperor Penguin is substantially heavier (22–45 kg vs 11-16 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Emperor Penguin and a King Penguin?

Emperor Penguin and King Penguin differ in several ways — habitat: antarctic sea ice and coastal regions vs subantarctic islands and surrounding cold ocean waters. conservation: near threatened vs least concern. weight: 22–45 kg vs 11-16 kg.

Do Emperor Penguin and King Penguin live in the same habitat?

No — Emperor Penguin lives in antarctic sea ice and coastal regions, while King Penguin is found in subantarctic islands and surrounding cold ocean waters.

What do Emperor Penguin and King Penguin eat?

Both Emperor Penguin and King Penguin have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Emperor Penguin or the King Penguin?

Emperor Penguin is listed as Near Threatened, while King Penguin is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Emperor Penguin and King Penguin?

Emperor Penguin weighs around 22–45 kg, while King Penguin weighs around 11-16 kg.

Emperor Penguin

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Emperor Penguin

King Penguin

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King Penguin