Discover Ocean Animal Habitats

The ocean is not one place. Swim from a shallow reef out into open water and down into the dark, and you pass through completely different worlds — each with its own animals. A home like that is called a habitat.

The coral reef: underwater cities

Coral reefs are crowded, colorful and busy — the closest thing the ocean has to a city.

• Fish like clownfish and parrotfish live here.
• Sea turtles visit to feed on seaweed.
• Starfish and crabs make their homes among the coral.

The deep sea: dark and mysterious

Far below, sunlight never reaches. Animals here need ways to cope with the dark.

• The anglerfish carries a glowing lure in front of its own mouth, and uses it to attract its dinner.
• Giant squid live down here too, in water no diver could reach unaided.

The open ocean: endless blue

Away from any coast or seabed, the open ocean is a huge empty space, and the animals in it are travelers.

• Dolphins leap and play in the waves.
• Whales sing as they travel enormous distances.
• Sharks cruise steadily, almost always on the move.

Three habitats, one ocean. Next time you see the sea, remember you are looking at the roof of all of it.