CITIZENS OF THE SEA

From Norway to New Zealand, from the frigid waters of the polar areas to the warm waters of the tropic, and everywhere in between, our seas and oceans teem with marine citizens that  prey, play, fight, survive, give birth in the water and continue the fascinating cycle of marine life.

Many fascinating creatures call the marine kingdom their home. One such creature is the Seahorse- the only animal species in which the male bears the unborn young! Some other interesting inhabitants of the sea are the Mimic octopus that changes its colour and shape in the blink of an eye and the leafy sea dragon that look like a plant! Whales and Dolphins are among the ocean's most intelligent citizens, while Loggerhead turtles, which travel 6000 km across the world's largest ocean braving hungry hammerhead sharks and other troubles to give birth to their young ones, are among its most persevering dwellers.

Some inhabitants of the aqua world have few interesting tricks up their sleeves to lure their prey. One such is the angler fish that lives in the dark, murky depths of the Atlantic and the Antarctic ocean. This angry looking fish swims around with its natural bait-a fleshy lobe tipped with luminous flesh protruding above its mouth! When any curious creatures comes to investigate this strange light glowing in the dark depths of the ocean, the angler fish quickly swallows it! other fascinating creatures include those that pump up and some that glow! When frightened the Puffer fish puffs up to a large ball several times ins normal size! A wonderful glow in the dark creature is the tiny Sea firefly that inhabits the coastal waters of Japan. These amazing creatures were harvested by the Japanese during the World War 2 to aid soldiers in reading maps and messages at night. Another interesting creature called the Flashlight fish has cheeks that glow! Marine creatures vary in size from tiny microscopic organisms to the Blue whale the largest animal on the planet.

The planet's first life form was born in the oceans. Not surprisingly, Oceans are home to about 80% of all life on Earth. Oceans are a treasure trove of life, and what makes them a world worth exploring and preserving is the astonishing diversity and the beauty of the citizens that call it home.