Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

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Ocean wildlife

390

Seaweeds such as this

oarweed grow on the shore

and in water a few feet

deep. Seaweed provides

food and shelter for

animals close to

the coast.

Manta ray

the immense manta ray

cruises near the surface by

flapping its wings and funnels

small sea creatures into its mouth.

this ray is also known as the devilfish,

because it seems to have two little horns

on its head. the biggest mantas weigh

more than 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) and measure

20 ft (6 m) from wingtip to wingtip.

Blue-ringed octopus

this fearsome inhabitant of the pacific ocean

is extremely dangerous; its poisonous bite can

kill a human. When the

blue-ringed octopus

is threatened, the

dull-colored rings

on its body and arms

glow a vivid blue as

a warning signal.

In self-defense, the porcupine

fish swallows water and swells

into a ball shape with its spines

poking outward.

angelfish

Brightly colored

fish live around coral

reefs. the brilliant colors help

attract a mate, act as camouflage,

and keep rivals out of the fish’s

territory. the angelfish, shown

here, feed on small plants and

animals in cracks and crevices.

frigate Bird

frigate birds swoop

and hover

gracefully as

they feed at the sea’s

surface. they also harass

other birds to make them drop

food. during the breeding season,

frigate birds nest on small islands

in tropical regions.

Manta ray

continental shelf

the sea floor slopes gently around

most major land masses. these

sloping, shallow areas are called

continental shelves, and are as deep

as 670 ft (200 m). they may extend

hundreds of miles from the shore

before they dip sharply down to

deeper water. continental shelves are

rich in sea life because they receive

nutrients washed in by rivers. sunlight

penetrates these waters, so seaweeds

and other algae can grow.

grouper

grouper fish live around coral reefs and may measure

more than 10 ft (3 m) long. the grouper lurks in cracks

and often swallows victims whole with one gulp

of its huge mouth. the bright spots

on the body help camouflage

this jeweled grouper among

the many gleaming

colors of the reef.

Jellyfish

Many jellyfish can

move around using rhythmic

squeezing motions of the bell

(main body). their trailing tentacles

sting small prey, such as fish and

prawns, and drag them toward the

stomach at the center of the bell.

dall’s porpoise

there are six kinds of porpoise. the

largest is dall’s porpoise, shown here. it weighs

up to 330 lb (150 kg). dall’s porpoise lives in the

north pacific ocean, from north america to Japan.

porpoises usually stay near the coast, where they catch

small fish, squid, and other sea creatures.

coral reef

corals usually grow in

shallow waters where

the temperature is

above 63°f (17°c).

they flourish best in

temperatures above 68°f

(20°c). Most corals are made up of tiny creatures

that look like small anemones. each makes a

stony, cup-shaped skeleton around its soft body.

as the coral animals die, their skeletons merge

with the skeletons of other marine animals to

form the fragile rock of a coral reef.

Moray eel

although moray eels have a reputation for

fierceness, they prefer to hide in cracks or

caves and usually bite only if threatened.

Moray eels are predators; some hunt fish,

and others eat crabs or shellfish.

During courtship, the

male frigate bird puffs

out its bright red throat

pouch like a balloon to

attract a female.

Find out more

corals, anemones,

and jellyfish

deep-sea wildlife

fish

oceans and seas

seashore wildlife

sharks and rays

Whales and dolphins

Moray eel

US_390_Ocean_Wildlife_2.indd 390 22/01/16 4:45 pm