Marine animals are the creatures that inhabit the oceans, seas and other bodies of salt water. These animals vary greatly in size, shape and habitat, from tiny microorganisms such as zooplankton to colossal mammals such as blue whales, the largest beings that have existed on Earth.

Among marine animals, we find fish, mollusks, crustaceans, cnidarians (such as jellyfish), echinoderms (such as starfish) and marine mammals (such as dolphins, seals and whales). Many of these organisms have developed unique adaptations to survive in their aquatic environment. For example, fish have gills to extract oxygen from the water, while marine mammals, such as dolphins, have lungs and must come to the surface to breathe.

Coral reefs, one of the most diverse marine ecosystems, are home to a wide variety of species, providing food and shelter. However, marine animals face threats such as pollution, overfishing and climate change, which put the health of the oceans and the biodiversity they harbour at risk. The conservation of these animals is crucial to maintain the ecological balance of our planet.