First Children Encyclopedia

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

The ocean can be a dangerous place


and sea creatures have developed


a number of clever techniques to


increase their chances of staying alive.


Survival in the sea

Stonefish have lumpy,
mottled skin that blends
perfectly with the sea floor.

Pipefish swim upright,
making them almost
invisible amongst seagrass.

Leopard sharks have a
patterning on their skin
that helps them to hide.

Blending in


Many of the ocean’s


inhabitants are masters


of disguise.


Survival in the sea


181


On guard!
Some sea creatures will sting or attack
if threatened. Lionfish spines
contain venom that can stop a
fish moving or kill it. Divers are
careful not to touch lionfish.

Lost in


the crowd


Many fish swim


together in shoals.


When they all start


moving at the same speed


and in the same direction


to confuse predators, it is


called “schooling”.


Jellyfish are survivors. There were jellyfish in the oceans 650 million years ago.

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