Arctocephalus forsteri primarily feeds on aquatic species such as arrow squid, octopus, barracuda and jade mackerel. The seals are found to feed beyond the continental shelf in depths greater than 22m. Because its prey includes many vertical migrators (those organisms that rise to the surface during the night to feed and sink during the day), fur seals are found to feed almost exclusively during the night. These seals have been observed feeding continuously from sundown to dawn (Department of Conservation).