"Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world." The large stone like structures are built by tiny, almost microscopic animals called coral polyps. The polyps live and grow in colonies, filtering their food from the water or using energy from the sun. Read more
"The swordfish is one of the open ocean’s fastest, strongest predators." Also known as a broadbill, the swordfish can be distinguished from the similar marlin by its flat bill. Swordfish can reach lengths of almost 15 feet (4.6 meters) and weigh more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms). Amazingly, baby swordfish are nearly microscopic - yet their sword is visible soon after hatching!... Read more
Manatees are large aquatic mammals. They are slow swimmers that feed on underwater plants. There are three species of manatee: The West Indian or Florida manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the West African manatee. Similar species include the extinct Steller's sea cow and the dugong, which ranges from Australia to Japan to Madagascar... Read more
The betta fish, also known as Betta splendens or the Siamese fighting fish, is a tropical freshwater fish from Thailand that is often kept as a pet... Read more
Salmon are large fish that spend part of their lives in freshwater and part in saltwater. They have a unique life cycle in which they hatch in rivers and streams, live most of their adult life in the ocean, then return to their birthplaces to spawn... Read more
The great white shark, also known as the white shark or white pointer, is the largest extant species of mackerel shark. This animal can grow to a length of 20 feet (6.1 meters) and weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). They may live 70 years or more in the wild... Read more
The Kraken is a sea monster of ancient legend, part of the mythology of Europe's Scandinavian region. The Kraken was purported to be large enough to sink a ship at sea... Read more
The goldfish is an ornamental carp that is often kept in aquariums or in ponds. It was domesticated by the Chinese over 1,000 years ago. Today, goldfish and their relatives can be found all over the world... Read more
Oceans have always been fascinating to people due to their abundant variety and alien features. Over seventy percent of the Earth's surface is covered by saltwater, yet... Read more
Seashells are the exoskeleton, or hard protective covering, of marine animals like snails and mollusks. Crabs also use the discarded shells of other animals in this way. Shells come in many shapes and colors... Read more
Thirteen years after the release of the animated film Finding Nemo, Disney and Pixar provided fans with a sequel - Finding Dory. This film expounds on the backstory of one of the franchise's most beloved characters... Read more
The stingray is a type of fish found in both the oceans and in fresh water. Stingrays have rounded, flat bodies and long tails. Some have a venomous spine at the base of the tail, and a few river-dwelling... Read more
Seals are aquatic mammals. This means that they are furry, warm-blooded animals that spend most of their time in the sea. They must come on land to rest and raise young. There are 32 species of seal worldwide... Read more
Did you know that pearls are not ordinary rocks or mere beads made by man? Pearls are actually made by an ocean animal called an oyster. How does an oyster make a pearl.. Read more
The hammerhead shark is perhaps one of the most recognizable fish in the ocean. The strangely shaped head, called a cephalofoil, may give the shark increased maneuverability while hunting and an enhanced sense of... Read more
Anglerfish represent a unique variety of fish, so named for their ability to "fish" for prey using a fleshy lure that dangles from their head. Large fang like... Read more
Lobsters are crustaceans, invertebrates of the sea. Like crabs and insects, they wear their skeletons like armor on the outside of their bodies. Many species have intimidating large... Read more
The orca, also called a killer whale, is a type of toothed whale. At up to 33 feet in length, it is the largest member of the dolphin family. Killer whales use 40 four-inch long teeth to capture prey such as... Read more
Starfish, also called sea stars, are ocean dwelling animals. They live all over the world, from tropical coral reefs to frigid polar ice caps, from the... Read more
Crabs live in all the world's oceans. This animal is an invertebrate - an animal with no backbone - covered in a hard shell... Read more