There are so many different kinds of animals in the ocean! We sometimes call them marine animals. Marine means connected with, or living in, the ocean.

The ocean is home for a huge variety of animals, including fish and mammals.

You probably know that sharks are fish, and breathe underwater through gills. But did you know that whales, dolphins and porpoises are mammals, and must come to the surface to breathe air every few minutes?

Animals with shells, such as oysters and clams, are called mollusks. The octopus is also a member of the mollusk family, although it has a soft body and no shell. Crab and lobster belong to yet another group called crustaceans. Even sponges are animals!

Bird life is also plentiful near oceans, because of the rich variety of sea life for food.

From tiny animals called zooplankton, to the mighty blue whale, largest creature ever known, the oceans of the world are filled with strange and fascinating animal life.


Back to the Oceans Page