Examples of aquatic animals include fish, alligators, crocodiles, beavers and clams.
The sea is big and beautiful, but it is also full of creatures that are very different from those found on earth.
There are many animals that live in water all over the world, some of which you may not have seen before.
This blog post will go into detail about what these animals eat, where they live, how they reproduce, and more.
Let’s examine some marine animals to see how their habitats differ from ours.
Scientific NameReptile SpeciesRangethe U.S. SoutheastDietCarnivore
An alligator is a large, fearsome reptile that can be found in freshwater habitats such as marshes, swamps, and rivers.
They are top predators, meaning they are at the top of their food list and have no natural enemies.
Alligators primarily eat fish, turtles and rodents, but will also take down larger prey.
Scientific NamePterophyllumType of AnimalFishRangetropical South AmericaDietOmnivore
Angelfish are a type of reef fish that live in tropical oceans.
They mostly eat small crustaceans, but will also eat other sources of protein if they can find them.
Angelfish usually live in shallow coral reefs, with some living as deep as 600 meters underwater.
3. Angler Fish
3. Angler Fish
Scientific NameLophiiformesFish SpeciesDeep Atlantic and AntarcticDietCarnivore
Anglerfish is a type of fish that lives in warm and tropical waters around the world.
They have a long, fleshy spine that protrudes from the head which they use to attract prey.
Anglerfish usually eat small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.
They reproduce by attaching their eggs to the fins of another fish called the host, then inserting them into its body until they hatch.
Anglerfish are also known for their bioluminescent properties and the devices on their heads that resemble human hands.
Scientific NameCirripediaType AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
These small animals cling to rocks, boats or anywhere near water.
They filter plankton from the water to eat and can be found in all types of marine environments.
Scientific NameSiluriformesType AnimalFishRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Catfish are a type of fish that can be found in both fresh and salt water.
They have a long, slender body and a broad head with prominent whiskers called barbels.
Catfish use their barbels to sense near food on the bottom in rivers and lakes.
Scientific NameBivalviaType of AnimalMolluskRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
A clam is a mollusk that lives in salt water, and can be found all over the world.
There are thousands of types of clams; they vary greatly in size from as small as over eight inches in length.
Related Article: 15 Examples of Brainless Animals
Scientific Name
These fish live in the sea, near coral reefs.
They are brightly colored and their bodies look like anemones (an anemone family).
Clownfish are very friendly and non-aggressive; they will not bother other creatures unless they feel threatened.
8. Cod fish
8. Cod fish
Scientific NameGadus morhuaFish SpeciesRangeGreenland to Cape Hatteras, North CarolinaDietCarnivore
Codfish are found in the Atlantic Ocean and live near Iceland, Norway and Greenland.
They usually live at a depth of 200 meters underwater where there are many rocks for protection from predators as well as potential prey.
Scientific NameAnthozoaTypes Of MammalsWorldwideCarnivore Diet
Corals are a type of marine life that can be found in both salt and fresh water.
It is a small, invertebrate animal that attaches itself to rocks or other underwater objects.
Coral polyps have tentacles that they use to capture food such as plankton and fish eggs.
Scientific NameBrachyuraType of AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Crabs are found in both salt and fresh water, but prefer to live in estuaries, which are the water bodies that connect rivers and oceans.
Crabs can be herbivores or carnivores, depending on their species.
Some feed on algae while others prey on small aquatic animals.
Scientific NamePalinuridaeType of AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that can be found in many different parts of the world.
They live in streams, ponds and other bodies of water, and often feed on plants.
Scientific NameCrocodylidaeReptile RangeAfrica, Asia, Australia and the AmericasDietCarnivore
The crocodile is a large, carnivorous fish that lives in the warm waters of Africa and Asia.
These animals are ambush predators that wait for their prey to approach before attacking.
Crocodiles mainly feed on small mammals, reptiles and aquatic animals, but will also take advantage of fish and other large animals that come too close.
Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish
Scientific NameSepiidaFish SpeciesRange the Eastern Atlantic OceanDietCarnivore
These animals are closely related to octopuses and squid, but they have several unique features that make them stand out.
Alternatively, cuttlefish can change the color of their skin to match their environment.
They also have an organ called a chromatophore that allows them to create amazing patterns on their skin.
Some examples are similar to those found in leopard skin.
Cuttlefish are also very intelligent.
In fact, they have been known for solving problems and learning from their mistakes over time.
Scientific NameDelphinusMammal SpeciesWorldwideCarnivore Diet
Dolphins are marine mammals that can be found in all the world’s oceans.
They eat a variety of things, including fish, squid and crustaceans.
Dolphins live in groups called pods, which can contain up to 100 dolphins.
These animals reproduce sexually, and females give birth to one calf at a time.
Scientific Name
These marine mammals are related to manatees and can be found in the waters around Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Dugongs eat sea grass and other plants that grow in shallow water.
They have a unique reproductive system where the male fertilizes the eggs inside the female and gives birth to live young.
Scientific NameAnguilliformesFish SpeciesRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Many people are afraid of eels because they have long, thin bodies and sharp teeth.
However, despite their scary appearance, these oddly shaped fish are not as dangerous as you might think; in fact, most people eat them regularly.
Eels live on the bottom of the sea where it is dark and muddy so that they can hide from predators or prey.
Scientific NameScyphozoaType of AnimalInvertebrateRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Jellyfish are very unique creatures.
They float around the ocean, and their bodies are made of a jelly-like substance that contains hundreds to thousands of small eggs.
Jellyfish often reproduce when they come into contact with other jellyfish or something like a shipwreck.
Read more: What do jellyfish eat?
Scientific NameNephropidaeType AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Lobster is a large marine crustacean.
Lobsters are found in water with a cold temperature, as well as at the bottom of rocks or sand to do their daily activities.
They eat just about anything.
Scientific Name
Manatees are herbivores that live in warm coastal waters.
They eat a variety of aquatic plants, and can be found near the surface or at the bottom of rivers and streams.
These animals can weigh up to 1000 pounds and reach a length of 13 feet.
Scientific NameMonodon monocerosAnimal SpeciesMammalRangeArcticDietCarnivore
Narwhal is a whale that lives in the Arctic Ocean.
These whales usually eat fish, but they will also eat squid and other invertebrates.
Narwhals reproduce sexually and give birth to calves up to six meters long.
Scientific NameOctopodaType of AnimalCephalopodRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
These animals have eight arms and no bones.
They can eat prey twice their size and live in both salt and fresh water.
Scientific NameOstreidaeType of AnimalMolluskBrackish or brackish water on all U.S. coastsDietCarnivore
An oyster is a bivalve mollusk that lives in saltwater environments.
They can be found near the beach or attached to rocks in deep water.
These animals are filter feeders and eat plankton and other aquatic organisms.
Scientific NamePygocentrus nattereriType of AnimalFishRangecentral and southern river systems of South AmericaDietOmnivore
Piranha is a carnivorous fish that lives in the Amazon River and its borders.
These fish can grow up to 18 inches in length, and have sharp teeth that are perfect for tearing flesh.
Piranhas feed mainly on small animals such as fish, but will also eat dead animals.
Scientific NameDendrobranchiataType of AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Prawns are a type of crustacean that can be found in both salt and fresh water.
They mostly eat plankton, but will also eat dead animals or plants.
Prawns are usually found in shallow waters near the coast, but can also be found in freshwater rivers and lakes.
Scientific NameLontra canadensisMammal SpeciesRangeNorth America from the Rio Grande to Canada and AlaskaDietCarnivore
The river otter is a North American animal that lives in coastal and riverine areas.
They are aquatic, meaning they live part of their lives in water and part of their lives on land.
These animals mainly eat fish, but will also eat crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians and small mammals.
Scientific NamePectinidaeType AnimalMolluskRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
A scallop is an aquatic animal that lives in the ocean.
The scallop has a very hard shell, which it uses to protect itself from predators.
If a carnivore tries to bite it inside the shell, the sharp points will cut its mouth.
Scallops are omnivores: they eat both plants and animals.
Scientific NameOtariinaeAnimal SpeciesRangeNorth America from southern Canada to central Mexico, and the Galápagos IslandsDietCarnivore
The sea lion is a large mammal that can be found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
They are carnivores, meaning they eat meat, and their diet includes fish, squid and crustaceans.
Sea lions live in coastal areas near the coast and use their strong tails to propel themselves through the water.
Sea otter
Sea otter
Scientific NameEnhydra lutrisType of Animal Shallow waters of the Pacific coastNorth PacificDietCarnivore
The Sea Otter is a marine mammal that can be found in areas such as the North Pacific Ocean, Japan and Russia.
These animals are very playful.
Scientific Name
Seahorses live in the sea and feed on plankton, which they can grab with their long snouts.
Scientific Name
Seals live in cold water, and have thick fur to keep them warm.
They eat fish, squid and crabs.
They can be found in the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Scientific NameSelachimorphaType AnimalFishRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
This big fish is a scary beast that lives in the sea.
Scientific NameCarideaType of AnimalCrustaceanRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Shrimp is a type of crustacean that can be found in both salt and fresh water.
They mostly feed on algae and small invertebrates, but will also hunt for food on the sea floor.
Shrimp reproduce by laying eggs, which hatch as larvae that live in the water until they are large enough to become adults.
Sea Slug
Sea Slug
Scientific Name
A sea urchin is a mollusk that lives in the sea.
Its bright colors and long body make it an easy animal to spot from a distance.
Sea slugs are carnivores; they eat small fish like herring or anchovies.
Some Examples of Animals that live in Water
Some Examples of Animals that live in Water
Some Examples of Animals that live in Water
Some Examples of Animals that live in Water
Living in South Africa I am happy to see many of these animals up close.