Splash Zone Coral Reef Animals

Splash Zone Home Animals Ocean Homes Web Cam Parents Guide Fun & Games Teacher Resources

Cuttlefish

CORAL REEF HOME

These animals aren't fish at all. Related to octopus, they're chameleons of the deep, able to change the color and pattern of their skin when they hunt, mate and hide.

Fun fact: Cuttlefish can shoot clouds of ink for protection. Long ago, this dark-brown ink, called sepia, was used for writing and drawing.

* Please note: In order to view this video you must have JavaScript enabled.

Floating

Cuttlefish have an internal shell called a cuttlebone that's divided into small sections. By filling these tiny compartments with gas, cuttlefish can hover above the ocean floor like submarines.

Abracadabra

To catch dinner, this ocean trickster can put on an amazing display. Waving its eight arms and flashing a rainbow of colors, it lures shrimp, crabs and fish close, then grabs them with two long tentacles.

MORE CORAL REEF ANIMALS

Celebrating 25 Years of Ocean Conservation