They contribute to nutrient cycling and help maintain the balance of aquatic food webs. Additionally, many fish species are of significant economic and cultural importance worldwide. Fish vertebrates are harvested for food, sport, and the aquarium trade. What is Fish? Fish are aquatic vertebrates characterized by their streamlined bodies, gills for extracting oxygen from water, … Read more

Sea Apples Overview Appearance Sea apples are stunning marine animals with elongated, cylindrical bodies adorned in vibrant and striking colors. They feature smooth, soft, and flexible skin that can be blue, red, green, or a combination of these hues, often resembling a piece of fruit. Their body is typically translucent, revealing their intricate internal structures. … Read more

Brittle Stars Overview Appearance Brittle stars are marine echinoderms characterized by a distinct central disk from which long, slender arms radiate. They exhibit a unique radial symmetry and are often covered in tiny, flexible spines, imparting a delicate and intricate appearance. These spines can vary in color and may serve both protective and sensory functions. … Read more

Sea Biscuits Overview Appearance Sea biscuits are marine echinoderms with a distinct oval or flattened spherical shape. Their bodies are covered in a hard exoskeleton, often displaying intricate patterns of small, knobby plates. The coloration varies from pale to deep shades, blending with their sandy seafloor habitats. They have a flattened underside that allows them … Read more

Heart Urchins (Sea Potatoes) Overview Appearance Heart urchins, also known as sea potatoes, display a unique and distinctive appearance in marine environments. They have a rounded, heart-shaped exoskeleton that is covered in a fine layer of spines. These spines radiate outward, giving them a spiky and textured appearance. At one end, they feature a flattened … Read more

Scallop Overview Appearance Scallops are marine bivalve mollusks known for their striking appearance. They have a flattened, fan-shaped shell with prominent ridges and a series of vivid, iridescent blue or pinkish-gray eyespots encircling the shell’s margin. The upper shell of a scallop is typically mottled in shades of brown, while the lower shell is smoother … Read more

Crawfish Overview Appearance Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are small freshwater crustaceans with a distinct appearance. They have elongated bodies covered in a tough exoskeleton, typically ranging in color from reddish-brown to dark green. Crawfish feature two large front claws, or pincers, and several pairs of smaller walking legs extending from their thorax. … Read more

Sand Dollars Overview Appearance Sand dollars are marine echinoderms with flat, disk-shaped bodies covered in a delicate, pale brown to purplish-gray exoskeleton. They feature a distinct five-petaled pattern etched on their upper surface, resembling a flower or star. Their bodies are incredibly flat and lightweight, allowing them to rest on sandy seabeds. Tiny, hair-like spines … Read more

A vertebrate is an animal that belongs to the subphylum Vertebrata within the phylum Chordata. Vertebrates are characterized by the presence of a segmented vertebral column (or backbone) that surrounds and protects the spinal cord, which is a central part of the nervous system. This vertebral column is typically made of bone or cartilage and … Read more

Overview Appearance Sea urchins are marine echinoderms with spherical to flattened bodies covered in a protective, spiny exoskeleton. Their spines are often long and slender, radiating outward from a central point. These spines can vary in color, from black and brown to vibrant hues of purple and green. The mouth of the sea urchin is … Read more

Barnacles Overview Appearance Barnacles are small, hard-shelled marine crustaceans that attach themselves to various surfaces. They appear as a series of overlapping plates or shells, resembling miniature volcanoes or cones. Their outer shells are often gray, brown, or white, blending with their surroundings. Barnacles have multiple feathery appendages called cirri that extend from their shells, … Read more

Sea Lilies (Crinoids) Overview Appearance Sea lilies, also known as crinoids, boast an elegant appearance in marine environments. They feature a graceful stem attached to the ocean floor, with feathery, flower-like arms extending into the water column. These arms are adorned with delicate pinnules, creating a strikingly intricate and ornate appearance. Sea lilies’ stems often … Read more

Amphibians are a group of cold-blooded vertebrate animals that belong to the class Amphibia. They are characterized by features such as a metamorphic life cycle, moist and permeable skin, and typically a dual life both in water (during their larval stage) and on land (as adults). Amphibians include animals like frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. … Read more