Which penguin species has recorded dives deeper than 500 metres?

The emperor penguin has recorded dives deeper than 500 metres, including a measured dive of about 564 metres.

Emperors dive beneath Antarctic sea ice to catch fish, squid and krill. Their bodies tolerate pressure and low oxygen through adaptations that include efficient oxygen storage, controlled heart rate and the ability to reduce blood flow to less essential tissues during a dive.

A depth record describes an exceptional dive, not the routine depth of every feeding trip. Many dives are much shallower, and depth varies with prey availability, sea-ice conditions and the bird’s energetic needs.

King penguins are also capable divers and can remain underwater for several minutes, but emperor penguins are the penguin champions for recorded depth. Their diving ability is especially important because they often forage far from breeding colonies during the Antarctic winter.