25 Intriguing Ocean Animal Facts for Kids

January 3, 2023

Fun ocean animal facts are a great for sparking conversations and inspiring learning. I hope you find the perfect ocean trivia for your ocean-themed lesson plans, activities, or story times.

Want to stay on the shore? Explore 40 fun beach facts for kids.

Ocean Animal Facts PDF

Ocean Invertebrates

The ocean is filled with fascinating invertebrate sea creatures. This includes mollusks (octopuses, snails, oysters, mussels), crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, lobster), coral, starfish, and jellyfish. Each plays a vital role in the ocean ecosystem. Learn some of the most interesting invertebrate ocean animal facts below!

Oysters make pearls with the same substance that forms their shells.
Octopuses can change colors to communicate with others. They also change color for camouflage.
Lobsters can regenerate their limbs and claws.
Crabs walk sideways because they move faster that way.
Some species of shrimp become “friends” with coral. They will protect the coral polyps from predators.
Starfish don’t have blood.
Jellyfish have been around longer than dinosaurs.
Corals are animals. But they also provide habitats for other sea creatures and protect coastlines.

Activity: Kids are familiar with many ocean invertebrates. Create a sorting game where children classify ocean animals as invertebrates (without a backbone) or vertebrates (with a backbone). This is a great way to introduce the animal kingdom.

Ocean Mammals & Reptiles

Something magical happens when children make a connection between humans and ocean mammals like dolphins and whales. This can be an important beginning for future marine biologists and ocean conservationists.

Many children first learn about humans’ negative impact on the environment when they learn how pollution and fishing hurt the beloved sea turtle. Let these ocean animal facts spark a sense of wonder and protection for sea creatures!

Some types of whales only have one or two teeth. Other types of whales can have up to 250 teeth.
A baby dolphin will stay with its mother for up to six years.
Humpback whales sing. But they will stop singing if ships are nearby.
Killer whales eat 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of food daily, including fish, sea turtles, birds, and sharks.
A narwhal’s “unicorn horn” is actually a tooth!
After a baby sea turtle hatches and leaves the beach, it spends its entire life in the water. Female sea turtles only come to shore every couple of years to lay eggs.
Instead of laying eggs, some sea snakes give birth to live baby snakes.

Activity: Learn more about how humans can protect the ocean and the sea creatures who live there. Reading children’s books about ocean conservation is a great place to start. Also, talk about the importance of choosing ocean-friendly food (when feasible) and cleaning up litter.

Marine Fish

Bizarre, rainbow-colored fish and giant vicious sharks are some of the most fascinating sea creatures. Kids love to learn all the wild shark and fish trivia. These ocean animals facts should get you off to a great start!

Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean. They can swim as fast as 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour)!
Marine fish (saltwater fish that live in the sea) have to drink water, unlike freshwater fish.
A pufferfish’s teeth never stop growing. They have to wear them down on the shells of clams, oysters, and mussels.
Swordfish have a special muscle by their eye that keeps their brain and eyes warm. This helps them see better!
Male seahorses carry the eggs and can give birth from 100 to 2,500 baby seahorses.
Damselfish “garden!” They “weed” the kinds of algae they can’t eat. This helps their favorite algae grow.
Parrotfish make a mucus cocoon to sleep in at night. This protects them from predators and parasites.
Baby manta rays are called pups.
Large groups of stingrays are called a “fever.”
A shark’s white belly is a form of camouflage called countershading. Penguins use this same kind of camouflage!

Activity: Create an ocean-themed sensory bin using water, ocean toy figures, or sand. Or check out 24 Hour Family’s recipe for DIY ocean slime!