Mary Ann Rogers - Ocean Animals

Ocean Animals

AnAmazing Fun Fact

PictureBook!

MaryAnn Rogers

Copyright 2013 by Mary Ann Rogers. All rights reserved. Noduplication without the express written permission of the author.

The Ocean

Oceansare large bodies of water that cover more than 70 percent of the earthssurface. As humans, our bodies arent able to live constantly in water;however, there are certain animals that have special characteristics whichallow them to. It is estimated that there are about 230,000 known species thatlive in the oceans and seas. However, only about 5 percent of the ocean hasbeen explored, and some scientists believe that there are more than 2 millionspecies that exist. These amazing animals live and thrive in a watery and oftentimes dark world, and range from exotic to peculiar to extraordinary! Letstake a look at some of them.

Dolphin

Dolphins Jumping

Dolphins are considered oneof the most intelligent animals on earth! Their sense of hearing and eyesightis very good, and they use something called echolocation, which means they useclicking and whistling sounds to call out and then listen to the echo they receiveto locate certain objects. Dolphins swim in groups called pods or schools, andoften times show playful actions such as jumping from the water, andinteracting with each other. Like whales, dolphins have a blowhole on top oftheir heads so they can breathe when they come to the surface, since they musthave air. However, they can stay under water for quite awhile. Some dolphinshave the ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes!

Jellyfish

Ajellyfish is a very peculiar creature! They get their name from the jelly-likesubstance they are made of. Most jellyfish are poisonous; they have thintentacles that flow from them that they use to sting their prey. However, onlycertain kinds are harmful to humans. There are many different species thatrange considerably in size. Some are as small as a pinhead, while others, suchas the lions mane jellyfish, can extend to over 100 feet long! They have nobrain, and no heart, but certain kinds have eyes. Certainkinds of jellyfish can be eaten, and in some countries, such as Japan, they areconsidered a delicacy!

Sea Turtle

Sea turtles live in all ofthe oceans on earth except for the Arctic Ocean. They are gentle and peacefulcreatures that help the ecosystem of the ocean in many ways. To have herbabies, the female sea turtle climbs onto the beach at night, digs a hole inthe sand to create a nest, and lays, on average, 100 eggs. She then covers themup and goes back into the ocean. After about 2 months, the young sea turtles hatchand head into the ocean to begin their lives. Of the 100 babies, only about 1of them will survive to adulthood because of predators and increasing threats.Therefore, sea turtles are considered an endangered species. Sea turtles arereptiles, which are classified by certain characteristics, some of whichinclude: they lay eggs, are cold-blooded, and have scales.

Lionfish

This strange lookingcreature is called a lionfish. The long, spiny fin rays that stretch out fromits body blow jets of water when approaching its prey in an attempt todisorient them. Once close enough, the spines inject deadly poison into thevictim, after which the lionfish swallows it whole. Despite the lionfishsvenom, they are edible when carefully filleted, and are caught by fishermen tobe served in restaurants around the world. Lionfish are considered a threat toreef ecosystems; therefore, fishermen are encouraged to catch them. The lionfish is also known as a dragonfish. Other nicknames include scorpion fish and turkey fish.

Starfish

While technically not afish, starfish, also called sea stars, are found in all of the worlds oceans.There are more than 1800 different species which range widely in size andcolor. Most starfish look like a star, with 5 extending rays or arms. However,there are some species that have 10 15 arms, and yet others that can have upto 50! In the event that a starfish loses an arm, they have the amazing abilityto grow another one! However, it can take many months to do so. Thestarfish has a mouth on the underside and in the center of its body. Itcommonly eats clams, oysters and algae.

Eel

Eels are elongated fish thatlive in oceans as well as fresh waters. They live most of their lives burrowingin the sand and mud, or grouping together in holes in the rocks of the sea.Many eels are nocturnal, meaning they come alive at night, and are therefore,rarely seen. Although they are not naturally aggressive, eels have sharp teeththat can inflict a serious wound. Certain eel species are used for food incountries such as Japan and China. A common and popular species, the electriceel, can emit up to 600 volts of electricity, enough to power 12 light bulbs!

Clownfishand Sea Anemone

Clownfish, sometimes calledanemonefish, dwell at the bottom of shallow seas and reefs in warmer climates,such as the Great Barrier Reef. They live in small groups within the protectionof sea anemones, which are strange plant like creatures with poisonoustentacles. The clownfish and sea anemone have a beneficial relationship. Thesea anemone protects the clownfish from predators, and the clownfish keeps thesea anemone clean. Clownfish are covered with a slimy mucus that protects itfrom the sea anemone's tentacles. All clownfish are born male. When it reachesmaturity, the most dominant clownfish changes from male to female!

Seahorse

Seahorses are smallcreatures with horse-shaped heads and necks. They live in shallow tropicalwaters among coral reefs and seagrass beds. The size of the seahorse can varygreatly, with some species growing to just under one inch at adulthood, toothers who grow to 14 inches tall! Seahorses swim upright, and like someanimals, they have the ability to blend into their surroundings by changingcolor, which camouflages them. Interestingly, seahorse males carry the babies!The female deposits her eggs into the males pouch, and then leaves. She visitshim once a day while he carries the babies for 3 4 weeks until they hatch. Ofall the animals in the animal kingdom, the seahorse male is the only male whodoes this.