Conch

Conch snails are remarkable creatures with a set of eyes, a nose (sort of), a mouth and one foot. And because they’re slow, conches are commonly picked up and are a considered a delicacy in some regions.

A queen conch peers out of its shell.

Reefs of Poison and Venom

Poisons and venom have helped ocean species survive for thousands of years. These evolutionary adaptations enabled the species to hunt and thrive in different conditions. Read more about the roles of poisons and venoms in different species.

Very blue and long jellyfish

Mola Molas

Mola molas, or sunfish, are some of the heaviest bony fish in the world. They are interesting creatures who dine on jellyfish.

A giant blue-gray mola mola swims through kelp

Mystery Young

Larvae are often part of the complex life cycles of a variety of species — eels, squids, fish, jellyfish and more. Learn more about larvae and this reproductive strategy.

A larval flounder has a thingy hanging off its head

Bali’s Mola Diving

Mola molas, or sunfish, are some of the heaviest bony fish in the world. You can see these creatures firsthand in Bali.

A mola mola breaks the ocean surface and a cute bubble comes from its mouth

Descent into Darkness

Way below where the light touches, live interesting marine critters — some would even say creepy. Read more about what lurks beneath the darkness.

Ghostly looking young shark with beady eyes

Nature’s Best and Fastest Camouflage

Do you know which marine animal can camouflage the fastest and most effectively? (It can change in one fifth of a second!) Hint: It has eight long tentacles.

A reef squid uses stripes to blend in with surrounding corals

Moondance

Spawning is greatly influenced by the moon’s phases and greatly changes the spawning fish’s behaviors. Learn more about spawning.

Massive swarm of spawning two-spot red snapper

Smile, Crocodile

Crocodiles are apex predators, and in the wrong place and time, humans are potential prey. There are exceptions, but most of these wonderful and primitive reptiles won’t squander encountering a potential meal. When swimming in any reptile habitat, know who and what you may encounter, or don’t swim at all. The resident American crocodiles at Jardines de la Reina routinely share their waters with snorkelers and divers, but Jen Hayes didn’t feel the same comfort working in Nile crocodile waters in Botswana.

An American crocodile rests midwater above a seagrass bed

The Symphony of the Reef

Sounds can be found underneath the waves. A variety of marine organisms employ complex organs to both create and distinguish sounds. The perception of noise underwater is not necessarily a simple thing, but since sound travels so efficiently underwater, numerous marine creatures have developed methods of sensing it.

Split shot of a coral reef. You can see the corals below the water and the trees above.