Atlas of Ocean Adventures: A Collection of Natural Wonders, Marine Marvels and Undersea Antics from Across the Globe 9780711245303, 0711245304

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WIDE EYED EDITIONS

C

rth ca o N eri Am

At l a n t i c Ocean

ral a t en eric Am

c i f i c Pa n a e c O

WORLD MAP

South America

A

c i t c Ar an e c O

f

a c i r

Asia

ope r u E

Middle East

n a i d In n a e Oc Australasia & Oceania

Southern Ocean

N

W

Antarctica

E

S

CONTENTS 6—7

Embark on an undersea adventure...

8–9 PACIFIC

30–31 ATLANTIC

OCEAN

OCEAN

10–11

32–33 Hunting with the Great



Aerial Acrobatics with the Spinner Dolphins, Hawaii

12–13



34–35 Putting up a Fight with the

Long-Haul Travel with the Leatherback Turtle, Mid-Pacific



14–15





16–17



Snoozing with the Sea Otters, USA Lunching on Lanternfish, Costa Rica

18–19

Gathering with the Hammerheads, Cocos Island

20–21



22–23



Dancing with the Blue-Footed Boobies, Galápagos Islands Sheltering with the Clownfish, Australia

24–25 Cracking Clams with the

Tuskfish, Australia

26–27 Hiding Away with the



Sea Dragons, Australia

28–29 Luring Prey with the



Anglerfish, Mariana Trench

White Sharks, South Africa

Octopus, South Africa

36–37 Stinging with the

Man-of-War, Canary Islands

38–39 Feasting with the

40–41

Whale Sharks, Mexico

Taking off with the Flying Fish, The Caribbean

42–43 Rock-Hopping with the



Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Brazil

44–45

Migrating with the Magellanic Penguins, Argentina

46–47

Coming Home with the Albatrosses, South Georgia Island

48–49 INDIAN

OCEAN 50–51

Lurking with the Saltwater C rocodile, Andaman Islands

52–53 Crunching Coral with the



Parrotfish, Thailand

54–55 Setting an Ambush with the



Bobbit Worm, Indonesia

56–57

58–59 Putting on a Show with the 60–61



Cuttlefish, Australia

Puffing Up with the Porcupine Fish, The Maldives

Giant Trevallies, The Seychelles

64–65 Giving Birth with the



68–69 Soaring with the

Shearwaters, Auckland Islands

70–71

72–73

Seahorse, Madagascar

Fighting with the Elephant Seals, South Orkney Islands Battling with the Colossal Squid, Ross Sea

74–75 ARCTIC



76–77



62–63 Launching with the



OCEAN



Island Hopping with the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Indonesia



66–67 SOUTHERN

OCEAN

Ice-Bathing with the Walrus, Svalbard

78–79 Deep-Diving with the



80–81



Thick-Billed Murre, Canada Journeying North with the Blue Whale, Greenland

82–83 Oceans in Danger 84–85 Can You Find? 86–87 Index

EMBARK ON AN UNDER

6

Spinner Dolphin

Leatherback Turtle

Sea Otter

Lanternfish

Hammerhead

Blue-Footed Booby

Clownfish

Tuskfish

Sea Dragon

Anglerfish

Great White Shark

Octopus

Man-of-War

Whale Shark

Flying Fish

Sally Lightfoot Crab

Magellanic Penguin

Albatross

Saltwater Crocodile

Parrotfish

SEA ADVENTURE If you looked at our world from space, you’d see a lot of blue. In fact, given the amount of ocean there is, it’s surprising to think that the planet

Bobbit Worm

wa s eve r n a m e d ‘ E a r t h’ ! Wat e r covers nearly three quarters of the

White-Bellied Sea Eagle

globe’s surface, and these oceans are bursting with life. They are home to an eye-opening range of creatures, from the world’s largest animal, the

Cuttlefish

mighty blue whale, to some of the tiniest microbes.

Porcupine Fish

This book will take you on a guided tour of t he world’s five oce a ns , dropping in at colourful coral reefs,

Giant Trevally

leafy kelp forests, tropical shores and deep undersea trenches. You’ll meet

Seahorse

a whole host of ocean animals, and discover their amazing behaviours and survival tricks. A world of watery wonders awaits!

Shearwater

Colossal Squid

Elephant Seal

Walrus

Thick-Billed Murre

Blue Whale 7

Berin Sea

Russia

g

f Sea o tsk Okho

e h th ia) Fishing wit uss R ( N TUFTED PUFFI

ng w i t h t h e a nc i d a C TOPUS -se OO ep B e M acifi c) D DU (Mid-P

Mongolia North Ko r e a

J

China

Thailand

Phi lipp

Cambodia

na

m

s

Indon

-haul t r avel wit h t he L ong RT LE (Mid BACK T U -Pac HER ific T A ) LE

Fig htin g for survival with the F INLESS PORPOISE (China)

Lu r i n g p r

ey w it h th ( Ma r i a na e A N Tr e G nc L E R h) F

Philippine Sea

IS

nesia

t he w it h g n L ES st i T U RT A E Ne NS a) EE S a m o R ( G

New Guinea

esia Ea

st

Tim

or

CL

Sh

aw a GO y w ith NS the (A SEA us tra lia)

s Ta

ma

nia

at ef Gre er Re rri

g din RA Hi D

Flinders Island

Ba

A u s t ra l i a

Sea l a r Co

Cr ac T U ki n SK g F I cl SH

t he i t h i a) s w t r al am us (A

e OW lter i NF ng w ISH it h (Au the stra l i a)

8

c i f i c Pa an e c O

H

ine

Indo

Scutt ling with the SPIDE R CRAB (Japan)

na ria h Ma ren c T

H o n g Ko n g

et Vi

n

uth S o re a Ko

Tai wan

Laos

a ap

HU

an m s Ta S e a New Zealand

c hi ng w i t h t h e Br e a S (Ne w Zeala n d) BACK MP

Gulf of Alaska

Canada

t h t he g wi n i ) o oz S (USA Sn TER T AO SE

United States of America

Mexic

Ae SPIN r ial a c NE R D r ob OL at i PH c I

g on c hi n n u FISH L E R N a) T N ic L A os ta R (C

o

Puerto Rico

Bahamas

Cuba Jamaica

Dominica n Re p u b l i c

Haiti

s

e Leaping with th ) xico FLYING RAYS (Me

Dominica

Saint Luc ia Barbados G re n a d a

the with g Island) rin ocos C e ( th DS Ga EA H ER M AM

Colo Ecuad

ela

G u ya n a

or

PACIFIC OCEAN Covering a third of the planet’s surface, the Pacific is the world’s largest and deepest ocean. It’s bigger than all of the earth’s land masses put together. Unsurprisingly, this e n o r m o u s b od y o f wat e r h ost s a h uge variety of wildlife… get ready to meet some extraordinary creatures!

Tri ni dad & T obag o

mbia

B ra z

Suriname

il

Peru

Bolivia

Chile

e t h I ES ith OOB s) w g D B a nd l E Is s o

zu Vene

BL Da UE n c i -F (G O n al áp OT ag

H

e t h i i) a it h w Haw ( S N

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Guatemala

he ST INGR AYS it h t w i ng o ly n e s i a ) op ch P o n e Sw (Fr

St Kitt & Ne viss Antigu & Barbuad a

P a ra g u a y

Argentina Uruguay

G o i ng d e e p w i t h t he SPER M W H A LE (Ch ile)

9

r f ul s w i m me r s e p owe ca n T he s tra k i l om e t r e s i n a s i n ve 0 0 4 l gle to d a up y.

HAWAII

Red Spinner Dolphin Habitat

i n s c a n b e f ou n d i n a l l o f u l d ol ph f y a l ep al o c ea n s . T he s rld ’s t r opic t he w o

S p i n n e r s b o n d c l o s e ly w m ay s t ay w it h t he

it h t he

i r mo t

i r calv

he r f o

es. Yo u ng d ol phi n r up t s o t wo ye a r s .

W

Do he

br

l ph

ins

ca n sl e e p s pi a nd s w n ne ai n i m a t t he s a me t i me . r sl e e p –t s i t sh he u t s d o w n o n ly h a l f o f i t s o t he ca n r hal kee f s t ays a w a k p sw e s o t h e d ol phi n imm i ng a n d su r faci ng for ai r.

na

AERIAL ACROBATICS WITH THE

SPINNER DOLPHINS, HAWAII

On a bright morning off the coast of Hawaii, a pod of dolphins are on their way back to the shoreline. They have spent the night in deeper waters, feeding on shrimp and squid, but now they are heading for t he shallows to rest and play. All dolphins are nimble, but spinner dolphins are the acrobats of the seas. These incredible creatures can fling themselves from the water, performing astonishing corkscrew tumbles. A spinner launches itself into the air using rapid beats of the tail. Once airborne,

10

its muscular body can twist around up to seven times in a single leap! Why do they spin? Some experts think that the sound a dolphin makes as it slaps back into the water is a way of communicating with other members of the pod. Some think that spinners use these impressive lea ps to sha ke of f little hitc hhikers, suc h as remora fish, who often cling to their bodies. Nobody knows for sure… perhaps they spin just for the fun of it!

skies above t he Pacifi c s t he m a o u t f or t a s t y s q ui d , ro T he r edn e ye t a i l e d t r o p i cb i r d a g n a t e r to c a tc h . a n d I n di a n o c e a n s , k e e pi t he w o t s in wh i c h i t p l u n g e

T hi s enda nger ed seabi r d , t he Ha w aii a n pe n e s t s i n i sl a n d b u r r o w s , j o u r n e t r el yi ng , p u f i s p h o f or i t s y o out to sc o u ng s ter s .

Th e h u Ha mu w a i ia n th hu na m at mu is e f or t h sn n u e r eef t r igger fi sh o k u nu wh r ts h k u ap li k e o-m ua’a , which mea ns ‘fi s a pi oo g’! It -no i s pr onou nced who-moo o-ko o-no ! o-koo-a h-pooa h-a h … ea sy t ha

T he

t i ny

fi n r e mo t ac r a fi sh ha s a fl at tened li ng t s li on c ke a to s it to s uc t i on c u p , a l l o w i ng ry sen ha rk s e ve v a nd d a s it i h s ol phi n s . D ol phi n s ve s an ke r ki n , no s uc . e s o m ay l t yi n t fi nd t hese li off g– h e nc e he m t e k a t h e n e e d t o sh

Sp i n

ne r d ‘super pod s’ of se ver a ol phi n s l hu s om e t i m e s f or m d ol p nd r t a i ni ng m o r e t h a hi n s , n o ed c ’ n s or e ven ‘megapod 3 ,0 0 0!

a l ly a a r e n or m r tle s u t ea r n a m e c om e s en s . T he i r u Gr e o l r een fa t n co e r of g y w a l o . br t he t h e i r sh el l f r om e s u n d e r t li t ha

a l s l i v e i n c ol d Mo s t s e o cea ns, i a n m on k s e a l t h r Hawai i v e s b ut t h in l w a t e r s . C or a l r e e t r opic a f s p t he s e r ov e l hu n t i n g g r o u n d i de s fo f r ui t f u r a s n r e d o c top fi s l ob s t h, u se s. Blowhole for breathing air at the surface

Similar size and weight to an adult human

Smooth, streamlined shape for super-fast swimming

Powerful tail helps the dolphin leap

11

NORTH AMERICA

Feeding Areas

Nesting Beaches

INDONESIA

Leatherback’s Pacific Migration Route

of ng e a r t a t he r b ac k h a s t he l a r ge s ld ’s w or a ny s e h t f e a t u r tl e : i t i s f ou n d i n a l l o o c e a n s a p a r t f r om t h e A r c t i c .

T he le

pa fi sh accom ny t he t u r tle on pilo t he r f o s engi ng left over scr aps of fo v oup a c r s od . G el s , t r av

T he

le’s ur t e a ne t tle i s o ou r is ite s f th jel l o s n e ac k s . T y fi s e h e l o ng t e n t a cl h ar t th u b e , s li n e d lea w i t h s t i ng i ng c el l t he e. r b ac sa m e k g obb h t le s it do w n all fa v

Pac

ifi c s

et ne of t h

e r b ac k s s p e n d mo s t o f t he i r li v e s L eat h at se a– y e a r s , r e t u r ni ng t o t h e t he or t h r e e s a me fem a r ea ales t he y c om hat e a sh c he or e e v e r y t w o d to m a ke t he i r ne s t s .

Flexible shell covered in leathery skin

Huge front flippers used as wings to power through the water

12

Pink spot on top of head acts as a sunlight detector, alerting the turtle to changing seasons, which triggers migration

Inside of mouth is lined with jagged spikes to trap jellyfish

L eat er he r b y ot h ac k s c a n a tur n a h n di v e d e e p e r t tle , d s t ay own t ca n y o 1, 200 m e h t e t r e s , wh e r e f or u ai r ! p to 8 g f or 5 m i nu t e s b e f or e s u r f ac i n

LONG-HAUL TRAVEL WITH THE

LEATHERBACK TURTLE In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles from shore, a hardy traveller is making an incredible journey. The leatherback turtle is a record-breaker of the reptile world: not only is it the largest, fastest and deepest-diving sea turtle, b u t i t a l so m a ke s o n e o f t h e l o ng e st o c e a n mig r at ions o f a ny c re at u re . This e nd u r a nce athlete is swimming 12,000 kilometres from the tropical seas of Indonesia to the cooler waters off the northern USA , to gorge on jelly fish. The l o n g j o u r n ey w i l l t a ke h e r s eve r a l m o n t h s .

With no compass or sat-nav system, how does she find he r way? Sc ie nt ists believe t hat leatherbacks navigate using the angle of the sun, or by sensing the earth’s magnetic field. When the turtle reaches her feeding grounds, she will eat hundreds of kilograms of jellyfish each day— on some days she may even eat her own body weight in prey! This feast will give the leatherback all the energy she needs for her long journey back again across the wide Pacific Ocean to the beach where she will lay her eggs.

m a r i n e r e p t i l e w e i g h s u p t o 90 0 kilo g a ssive m s ram i Th a small ca r! Its shell ca n mea s , wh i s a e m s c h i s n e a r ly a u s r e e up to th 2 me t r e s l o ng .

p i c a l s e a s – wh e r e m tro o r f r a te s on w a r m b e a c h e s – m i g h e i r e gg s t s t y jelly fi sh . le ic h i n t a u r t a yi ng are r l at t , a e d h S rs t r ee a te yb w e r th ol e co o t

ng at i o l T he f at – s e ge n t l e g i a n t s s om e t i m e s e i sh f pl a y s t ic j el l b ags r ly e f or k t a h t a s i t t m h e y ea s om n e tur it h s. tl e s h a v e b e e n f ou n d w ch a 5 ki tom lo gr a m s o f pl a s t ic i n t h e i r s

e si ze of a ma n hole cover, t he m i ng t h oonfi e b edi ng aft er squi sh pite i m mer, spe d to e w s t D es s a a t f . is a

Le

at h erb ba ac k ck s ar 150 No e th g e ol d mi l wa e s t s p e c ie s of t u r tle , d a t i n li on da hu y y nte ea r s s th r s. to t he d ey a rs, o s au n i d e a h y t s f o r e en pl a s t ic d a ng e an r e d : a t r i s k f r o m hu m p ol l . u t i on he r s , fi shi n g n e t s a n d e gg p o a c

13

SNOOZING WITH THE

SEA OTTERS, USA In t he ke lp forest s o f C a li for nia’s Monterey Bay live some of the rarest animals in the world: sea otters. These playful, curious creatures can be spotted floating on the surface, dozing on their backs. The otters aren’t being lazy—they need to conserve their strength. It takes a lot of energy to keep warm in these chilly waters, especially as they don’t have any warm blubber, unlike whales and seals.

A mother sea otter carries her young pup on her chest to keep him safe and dry. The baby is too young to swim on his own, so he relies on his mother and his thick fur to keep him afloat. Every day, the mother spends hours grooming her little one, fluffing up his fur to fill it with a i r, w h i c h w i l l h e l p h i m b o b o n t h e surface like a cork. The pup will stay with his mother for at least six months until he has learned all the skills he needs to survive on his own.

It can ta ke a sea ot te r p up months to lear n how to s s i x ma open a shell using a ston sh n t e v e he s i d e of eo a bo r at!

rs ot te

m

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gh

ld

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te r .

ou

en

e

ak

to

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th

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t us

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m

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ir

e t h e t hi c k e s t f u r s ha v r in ot te th a : on a p a tc h t m e o d S g n h e si z e l ki a e m i e y h a v e up to a an mi l l o f oi n , t h c p io 0 a5 m o r e t h a n hu m a n s h a n rs – v i e a h t h e i r wh o l e h e a v e on ad! h n o

in

se

a

to

he

be ea d s. t.

t s a r e u n d e r t h r e a t f r om w a f or e s r mi n g oc Ke l p u r c h i n s , wh o d e v o u r t h i s s e a w ea n t a e s d e mp e r a t u r e s e n e a d . Ca h i n s , wh i c h h c r u e h t n lif or n o el p s t feed ia’s sea ot ter s o pr e ser v e t he f o r es t s .

14

te

s t to l a m u e c in di v n d m rs a e 5 s i m m c hi n or rf g sw r n e o u r t t s a a T he s e s , se der w c r ab t n c e l l u o c o t y n s ta T he y c a

e a r ly c ies n e p s e s u mb e r nd t h f u r, a he i r n t r Sea ot t i e d h t n a e r s w e r e o n c e hu n t e d f o r ne d ed . s ba n i g di e d out n a ng e r i t d n e . Nowadays , ot ter hu n l il are st a r e c r e e p i n g u p , a l t h o u gh t h e y

RUSSIA

Alaska CANADA

Sea otter habitat

USA

California

n a mo t h e r o t t e r di v e sf W he t i m e s w r a p s h e r b a or f o o s om e by i d, n s s top it f r om d r ift i n g a w k el p h e to ay .

sh a r e a n ot ter ’s favou r it e fo o Shellfi d but a r e t r ic k y k i ly , t h i s c l e v e r m a m c u L . n e m al h to op a s w or k e d ou t a . It places a s tone on s olu t i o n it s ch e s t , wh i c h i t u s e s to c r ac k op e n c la ms.

t sea te , bu u c k Ma l e s lo o r e s s ive . y a a gg l i s h w h o i s y m n be ab e es t r a r ea . T h s ca o t c ul a i t t r r pa te igh ot en f i n a t of d o g p to

W

he n t h t he s, ey m p up r lea ’re fe others a i e ren’t grooming th e di st at n 1 ma 2 tim g them mil k. They do this to es ke r gy ! e n mil a day. It ta e ke s a lo t of k , so gr y t he m hun s y a u m s a r e alw

Muscular tail, for steering Nostrils and ears close up when otter is underwater

Webbed feet, for paddling Strong forepaws for swimming and cracking open shellfish

15

e in hu n t e r s c l o s p on t h ip u e i r p r e y , t h e y wh ch t he wh i s u r fac e of t he water, b eg i n r n. s t o f r o t h a n d c hu A s t he

COSTA RICA

Osa Peninsula

t he i r n a me b e i sh g e t c au e r nf se o t n e i r b o di e s , w h t g n o l La hi c h f ts a h g i l c the n i n da rk water. In side each a n e l e i t tl e s c a l s mi x t o g e t h e r t o be h e mi c r ea c , t te s t l i k e i n a gl o w s l i gh o w, ju t ic k a gl .

Sp i n n e r d ol phi n s w or k a s a tea m t o cor r al t he la nter nfi sh i nto a m a s s i v e b ai t b a l l .

LUNCHING ON

LANTERNFISH, COSTA RICA

One of the most amazing animal migrations happens every night in the world’s oceans. During the day, lanternfish usually stay out of sight in deep water, hiding from predators. But at night they rise in their millions to feed on plankton near the surface. This short journey from the deep to the shallows is one of the largest movements of animals on the planet! Occasionally these enormous shoals rise during the day, to release their eggs. And sometimes, a host of hungry creatures are waiting to meet them… First of all, a pod of spinner dolphins rounds up the lanternfish, darting beneath them to herd them into

16

a ball near the surface. Once the lanternfish have been forced t o g e t h e r, t h e y m a k e easy pickings for the speedy spinners. Next come hundreds of tuna, rushing into the bait ball to fill their bellies. And finally the devil rays appear, sweeping in with their enormous wings outstretched. Their huge, open jaws hoover up giant mouthfuls of fish. When the feeding frenzy is over, a mist of glittering scales is all that remains.

n to s c o op up ive do w d s n a ic r ’s su r face. n p el t he w a te m Br o w o r f r nfi sh l a nte

Sc ie fi sh nt i s t s t hi n k nte r n h el a l a f t o h a s t t h e l i gh t p br wed ea k u n vie p t he ou e h f r om w y tli n e o f i t s b o d ot . b el o to s p w, m a k i n g i t h a r d e r f o r hu n t e r s T hi s i s call ed ‘cou nter illu mi nat ion’.

ng t he day, la nter nfi sh Dur i away i n t he ocea n’s hi d e h t z on e , b e t w e e n t w i lig 200 a nd 1,000 m e t r e s b el o w t he s u r fac e .

Yell owf in tu kilo na ca me t n s wi m r es p at speed s of over 60 f r om e r ho u r. T he t he w y l e a p a c r o b a t i c a l ly a ter a s t he y p u r s ue t he i r pr e y . i s one of t he world ’s ilfi sh fa a s e z o o m a l o ng a t o v e s t e s t n a Th c t r .I 100 fi sh e t r es per hou r, wit h it m o l i s k do w n to m fl at tened a l k i e a s tre i t m or e s a m li n e d .

Large eyes collect as much light as possible in deep waters

La n e ter nfi sh a r e s om e o f t h mo . s t co or l d m m on Th fi sh i n t he w ey y m ay t he be t i ny, ma he r t e g o t b t u ke u l p mo ota r e t h a n h a lf o f t he t wei gh t of fi sh ea ! i n t he de e p s

There are nearly 250 different species of lanternfish, each with a unique pattern of light organs

Th

ed e vi l ra af y, o l at th r m ob t lo ene ula , i s a fi sh wi ok d bod l t y a nd ca i ke w la rge fi ns t ha nr i ng s. A ea de vil r ay’s wi ngspa n ch mo ! re th a n 3 me t r e s ac r o s s

Tiny organs called photophores create a glowing light Lanternfish can grow up to about 15 centimetres long

17

GATHERING WITH THE

HAMMERHEADS, COCOS ISLAND More than 500 kilometres from shore, way out in the Pacific Ocean, lies a dot of land called Cocos Island. It looks tiny, but it’s actually the peak of a vast mountain rising from the sea floor. It is surrounded by other underwater mountains, called seamounts. When deep ocean currents meet these mountains, they’re forced to the sur face, bringing a mix of nutrients on which swarms of plankton feed. The plankton provide food for millions of tiny fish, which attract bigger fish, which draw in the ocean’s top predators… sharks!

T he s e

A s t i ng r a y d e fend s it s s pi ne i n it s t a el f il . Un u si f or t u ng h a m me r he a d s n seem a te av ly f imm or e n om u ne th ou to t he e s t in s ir g t ox r ic ay , ba rb s!

o r m a l ly s w a l l o w p r e y w h sh a r k s n ol e , i n s tea d o c ie s of h a m me r he a d a r e f t e a r i ng i t a p a r t . p s t s o M en’t da ng e r o u s t o hu m a n s . Ph e w !

, t he sc allop e d h a m me r he a p ec ies s s i d, is Th e n t t yp e s o f h a m m e r r e f f on e i d h e e n a i d sh of n g t h n e o l f a a r l o l n i r t r f of it s k . It ha m ha s a me r .

Bigs hy cale so ldier fi sh a r e s c r ea t u r es y , oft en hidi ng awa b en eat h a r o c k y o v e r h a ng .

18

These are not just any sharks, but some of the most bizarre-looking sharks on the planet: hammerheads. They gat her in enormous shoals around t hese seamounts, sometimes numbering thousands. They don’t come just for the food, but also to find a mate. Female hammerheads cluster in huge groups, jostling for the best position. The larger, stronger females nudge the weaker ones to the outside of the circle, while the powerful males head into the middle of the throng to pick a partner.

e r he a d s h a ve w i de he a d s w it h a n e ye Ha m m a t e ac r e a d o u t a l o ng t h e f r o n p s s r o h en d a n d s p ec i al s n t . T hi s se a l l o a n d s n t r o i a w t c c k e r d s i o w n pr e d t he m to s e e i n all y in m u rky w a ter s .

COSTA RICA

Cocos Island

a te r s he r e a r e f ull of T he w a ng e ep who nibbl a r a sites a nd b lfi sh , it s o f d e a d sk i n f r om t h e sh a rk s .

, te f ig a s o v a d l n fie ey t , to S om e e x p e r t s t hi n k t h a t ic h e n ha m r t t ic m ag me r he a d ve e e s f ol l o w t h e n gn he l a va a W . m fl ows on t he sea bed se ! lea v t he , t e t he i r n ai n g hom e s e a mou ka b ac h i gh w a y s g ui d e t h e m

t he r s u a l ly g a er s u p p a c or a l r e e f s . e sn r ou n d r ip a t s l s e oa Bl u r g e s h a l in

Ha m merhead s feed on s t i ng r a y s , u s i ng t h e i r w i d e he a d s to pi n t he m to t he sea fl oor.

Types of Hammerhead

Scalloped

Carolina

Great

Smalleye

Bonnethead

Winghead

Smooth

Scalloped Bonnethead

Scoophead

19

Galápagos Islands

ri g a n a te i m bi r u d pr to ff s es i s a n w up siv o oo h e m t he r th is re a t i ng dc el he s ad t ies .

SOUTH AMERICA

T he s e bi r ds w er Sp a n i s h s a i l o r s . T h e give e t h e Sp a n i s w or n t h e h wo d ir r d wh i c h r e b ob ‘ b o ob n a fer s m y to t h o , m e a ’ c om e by ei r clu ni n ms g es y w ‘clo f ro a d wn m dl ’ e. ,

f nt h e c it ifi w ep gn nt a al e e m e s i d e m o on h T r T h all nd y. b i sl a s p l a a e k di li

bi r d oft en s teal s fo o d f r ig a t e T he f r om s e e ven snatchi ng fi m blue-footed boobies , i t e sh f r s om om t he mou t h s o f c hi c k s!

If you’ve got it , fl au nt it! T he male s hi s f e e t , r a i s i ng a n d l o w e r i ng fl a she t h e m s l o w ly f o r i n s p e c t i o n .

. gs

g e e ok , lo to r m or o s w a ys t ur n s w A fem ale l a in t t i gg s h . e k i ee T he p a r e nt s t a h t rf s o p f e e s aft er t hem : one k u nt er h h t o wh i l e t h e e thr

20

B e f or e a h e s om m a l e b e etim w it h a es p gi n s h gift . r es Ch o en i s d No – c a t ol a a si t e s a f e m nc e n or m mpl e ?F tw a , a l ly d o e ig o l o w l e e r st he sto r s? t r i ne ck .

DANCING WITH THE

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES, GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS The remote Galá pagos Isla nds , whic h lie 1,000 kilometres from the coast of South America , are home to giant tortoises and marine iguanas. But these famous creatures are sometimes upstaged by another island inhabitant: a nifty little mover called the blue-footed booby. Each mating season, this c urious-looking bird pe r forms a st ra nge dance to win a partner. What do you think a female looks for in a male? Perhaps she’ll be impressed by his size? Will she be da zzled by his

wingspan? Or wowed by his mating call? No… she’s most interested in the state of his feet! Bright blue feet are a sign of strength and health, so each male begins his courtship dance by strutting his stuff: lifting each foot up for his lady to examine. Next, he bows his head. Then, he points his bill skywards while raising his wings and tail in a dramatic display. At last, if he’s lucky, the female will join in, mirroring his dance moves to show that she’s keen. Nice work!

Bl u

e-fo oted , but t he y a r e v ai r b o ob i e s m a y b e clu m s y o n l a n d er y a , di v gile i ng g in t r a c e f u l ly t o s c o o p u p a n c h o v i e s a n d s a r d i n e s f r o m he t he w a ter .

world ’s blue-footed b o ob of t he f l a H h e G a l á p a g o s I sl a n d i e s t n i d s. br e e

ed ai r t p u ve . B ei r s ha if e l O nc e t h e d a nc e r r th e fo ile n u p , t h e y u s u a l ly m a t h w f ul : s oft e t hey’r e not always fait h b i e s! boo r , y a w p a r t ne r s a r e a b ou h g ne i fl i r t wit h t hei r

Piercing eyes help the booby pinpoint fish beneath the surface

The brighter blue the feet, the healthier the bird

tly, t he nu mber of blue-footed Re c e n n t h e G a l á p a g o s h a s f a l l e n s h a r p ly . bi e s i o o b e b e c a u s e t h e y a r e b e i ng h a r m e d m ay b s i h T s t i c p ol lu t i o n i n t h e o c e a n . b y pl a

Wingspan can measure up to 1.5 metres across

21

SHELTERING WITH THE

CLOWNFISH, AUSTRALIA Beneath the waves off the north-eastern coast of Australia is a watery wonderland of life and colour. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world—it’s so huge it can even be seen from space. This under water garden is home to thousands of different species, from spectacular fish to stunning corals. The magnificent sea anemone looks like a beautiful plant , but it is actually a deadly, fish-eating animal. It anchors itself to a piece of rock or coral, then waits for a victim to pass by. If a fish brushes up against the

a n e m o n e ’s s t i n g i n g t e n t a c l e s , i t i s i n s t a n t l y paralysed, before being dragged into the a n e m o n e ’s m o u t h . B u t t h e re ’s o n e c o l o u r f u l creature that is immune to the anemone’s toxic e m b r a ce : t he c low n f ish . It live s a m ong t he se stinging tentacles, unaffected by their poison. So what’s its secret? The clownfish is covered in a special coat of protective slime. With such a clever suit of armour, this little fish is nearly invincible!

re r a sse a or i w . T he h a s i f M y f ul , pl a y e up r l nd mea s u f r ie les ca n s l o ng . m a 2 me t r e to

ng gi r

nfi sh shelter s T h e cl o w in th ea ne t e n t a cl e s , s a f e f r o m p r e mo d a t e c t t o i o o r n p , n t he c r t hi s low s. In e’s st re a nemone clea n by nfi s in t h a lg a e a n d p g obb k e e u r n ara li n ps fo sit es g u t h . p e

t he

Th

et m o ng o to ut ue a fi s hs o to h ng ’s u

p a r a s i t e t h a t li v e s i n is a d a t t a c h e s i t s el f po sh . It iso wnfi o d , u nt il t he g o g bl o i n e cl ki n t c s off. Gr oss! e a om e , s u n d d r o p s u a f ng e r s to it h w e

T he f a v ou r i t e f o o d o f t h e s ta r fi sh . T hese colou r ha rleq f ul s h r i ui n s to ge t he r to mo ve t he m h ir st a r fi p a r e r i mp s p o t b e f or e s ht wo i s t he f o ea s t b e a sh r k i n gi n el t g er s. ed

22

i ly h a s a d o m i n nfi sh fa m a nt fe ale , cl o w m ale a n d h c a nt m n i a m d o a l l e m r s m e a m Ea l o e s . T he t. hs d omi n a ge s g w it g i n b o e n l h t t fem ale i s a

k now, all clownfi sh a r e bor D i d y ou n m al e? As t hey gr ow, f t hem t u r n i nto females! If t he o e m o s d omi n a nt f e m a l e di e s , ge s t m a l e w i l l t r a n s f or m i n t o a f e m ale t t h e b ig o r eplace her. cond-la rges t male will become t he ne w d T he s e omi n a n t m a l e .

The orange clownfish has an orange face, white stripes and black-edged fins

There are about 30 different species of clownfish in the world

Can measure up to 10 centimetres long and can live for up to 10 years

f r om t h e h a r d b o di e s o f b ui l t s i ef r e s c a l l e d c o r a l p o ly p s . l re r eat u c a r y o f tin a l g a e , wh i c h l i v e i n s i d e Ac so t ai n n n o c l li o t hem t hei r colou r. al s give mi t c or d n a s Mo t h e m

ne s l mo ne e ve r a s ea em u s t he r g t h y . o a i n ba s t s g ck t r e me , s t i r s a r o ou d a t re

ti

Re e r. fs a r ou n ng e Ri s d t h e w or l d a r e i n d a i ng c or o cea se c au . al s n te mp n a c s e e r at u r to e ite je c t t wh Th n r h e i r a lga e a n d t u is i s ca an 016 lled c d2 o r a l bl e a c hi ng . I n 2 o u t 017 , b ha st a . lf o t h e Gr e a t B a r r i e r Re e f l o f it s g c or a hi n l t h r o u gh c o r a l b l e a c

Clownfi sh a r en ’t t ygua r d s. Her he on o as b d mi t ly s m a l l a n e mon e s t o c r a b c r e s s at we all o ve r t he i r sh e a r a o m u ll t o k s ar e ee m p p

or a l r e e f s u n d e r t h Wi t h c r e a t , t he c r eat u r es e a m o ng t h e m – wh o l i v i n clu d i ng clownfi sh a n d a n e m on e s – a r e a l s o a t r i sk .

G re

at

Ba rrie

r Re e f

AUSTRALIA

23

CRACKING CLAMS WITH THE

TUSKFISH, AUSTRALIA Fish aren’t normally famous for their big brains, but the orange-dotted tuskfish is cleverer than you might think. This reef-dweller likes to eat shellfish, but cracking them open is a tricky business, especially when you have no hands! Luckily, the t usk f ish h a s a sol ut ion . Like some ot he r animals – mostly mammals and birds – this

inventive fish has learned to use tools. Firstly, the tuskfish collects a clam from the sea floor and carries it back to a favourite rock or piece of coral. Then, she flings the clam against the rock, over and over again. Eventually, the shell cracks open and the tuskfish is rewarded with a mouthful of tasty clam. Hard work pays off in the end!

T he s t r ip e s of t he b i t hi d e a w a y a m a n d e d pi o ng r ock pefi sh help s an d weed s.

m o r a y e el l u rk d e a d ly s in T he e n s p r i ng s o u h t , a e c i t v t e o gr a cr e c t i ng p a s p s u s n b ser s u -b y .

24

e To fi , th n d cl a e a b e d je t t us s m e s h t o n k t h a ng of w fi sh bla s ts s a n d a w ay w i a ter pi . She n ap t s he r y m b t a k e s t hi s j e i gh gill s m s hu t , ou . sl a i n t he s a me w ay y ma ai r b o ok f of f u p cl o s e d t o m a k e a

row ng The a c Triton w nly ’s trumpet snail belo up t eo h t o ha f h. eo lf a met re long. It is on rfis pred a t ators ss of the crown-of-thorn y pin The snail saws through the s s! ide armo ur then slurps up its ins

l c r a b l i v e s a m o ng t h e c or a y n caulifl ower cor al . It e t i e s of t he h T nc h f r om t h e gr e e e c or a l dy br a e c t s t h ta r fi sh by pul s s n t r o o l i ng h pr -of-t wn s i f i t g e t s t o o cl o s e ! e o n i r sp c it s off

b el i e v e t h e y m a y b e a bl e t o u se t he scent of t he Tr iton’s s t r a li a u A n ts i mu nchi ng s ta r fi sh a l a r s o c i n t e t n w ay f r o efs. r i gh m t he s e pr e c i ou s r e Sc ie il to f a n s et mp tr u

Tusklike teeth grip on to slippery shellfish

Gill flaps can be closed suddenly to fire out a jet of water

Can grow up to 50 centimetres long

. eth t u sk e te fi sh ha k i l k u se r al s l a r ge , t u s s th f co an o e s s e t o s h if dr ng t a s i d e pi e c e u bb ok i l e on o l e l t he sea fl oor whi f or fo o d al so . T he s e go of y t e e t h a r e ha n ! dy for c a r r yi ng cl a m s

Sh e

T he

i sh fl ick s her head b ac t u sk f e h k, t T cl a m a t a p i e c e o f a s g c or a h e n fl i n o d t o h t i e s l. v up t o ht h a 50 t She mig i h e m e t h e s l l s m a sh e s b e f or op e e s n!

an

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on

g r t w it h T h i s h r e a c or a t l d e i s c h e c t t o t h bl e a c hi n g, r o e vo r a o Gr e a t Ba r r ier u r l-g wn-o f-th ed u or n s s hu z z l i n g ta r fi sh . ge s e a sec s ta r ha s t i on s of r ee f.

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AUSTRALIA

25

AUSTRALIA

Weedy sea dragon habitat

e gg s he r s r t he m fe n s r r ies a il , r t ca i s ta a l e wh o d t o h a t c h . m fe ale , ac he y to h e d tt T h he m , a e r e a m ’r t i to t h h he y t i w t il n u

Tasmania

e ov

r:

it

ce la wm p o l s ’t n T h e s e a d r agon i s a l d i ca n e h , t s w ay er s g e n t ly i n t h e w a t e r ei a u s cl e v c e by it s es t i ny, beat i ng fi ns. B t us i , e r e ly o n c s p e e d f or d e f e n d. s tea n i e g ca moufl a

rt

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Th

e t e sp it s ic u n d ha la n

ld ’s w or n a e h ly i ft e o i ng o n s n t u se s o s , li v ia . I i n a h e ed ! fi s t u r a sm e seab d T a n h e n nt ha d c r s te r ’o k d a l a re ff e te ‘w o o t ng e o t a r ea n s A a fi w r e it s ee il k dy d s up e a h s e a to or s e d r ag on i 4 th r s la rg e s 5 c e el a t i er t ha n on s nt i am : it c a me n el g r ow t r es en l ong ( gth a b out as a hou s e c at).

26

Weedy sea d r agon s li v e on of sout her n Aus ly i n t r a li t he w a t a er s – yo t hem a nywh u w on er e e ’t fi nd l se in th e w or ld .

HIDING AWAY WITH THE

SEA DRAGONS, AUSTRALIA s e a we e d . I n f a c t , t h e s e a d r a g o n ’s disguise is so ingenious t hat even predators don’t recognise it as a type of food! It is virtually invisible.Although this gentle fish isn’t hunted by other creatures, it is still at risk. As climate change leads to rising ocean temperatures, the sea dragon’s kelp forest home is disappearing. These forests provide the dragons with food and shelter, so t hey are crucial to t he survival of this incredible creature.

s.

is

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at

ah ft se e o d s i n l li e he s ou e t c b A in ot p d t he f ou n o al s

he

Just like forests on land, under water kelp forests support a huge variety of life. In the kelp forests of Tasmania lives one of the ocean’s most hard-to-spot creatures: the weedy sea dragon. The sea dragon is a master of camouflage. At first glance, it looks exactly like a piece of floating seaweed. But look c l o s e r, a n d y o u m a y s e e t i n y, f l u t t e r i ng f i n s , a lo ng , t u b e li ke snout, and dark, watchful eyes. The sea dragon is covered in leafy body parts, which help it blend in per fectly with the surrounding

er

a

or

se

se

dr

ag

on

,

T h e w e e dy s e a d r a g o n i s a ty pe t hat ’s closely r elated to of t It doesn’t have scale he sea fi sh ho s , bu rs t c o v e r i ng o f b ony p a ha r e. d l a te s.

T h e Ma o r i o c t o p u s l i v e s i n r oc i n t he o c e a n s a r ou n d s out k y c r e he r e N w d Z n eal a n d a n A v ic e . T hi u s s tea s s hu n t e r h a s a t a s t l t h t r a li e f or y a sh e llfi s h.

r i ng , a m a l e a n d f e m a l e In sp sea d r a c gon p e r f or m a g r a c e f u l o u r t shi p d a nc e , mi r r o r i ng e a c h ot her ’s gentle sp i ns a nd t wi r ls.

u ni q u e p a t t e r n on ha s a n o g pr i nt . S c i e nt i s t s fi nger dra a a e e s li k i d e nt if y t he s e a ch , ch r n to e t E a t om a t ni t or h o w a s c a n mo is p y s e h t t h t i w il d . e o us t i n t he s, s e le f on r g a a ny dr ma

Tiny fins on neck, for steering

nd r ou s e a a e o om r e t h p bl a m m i e r es sh t he t . T h uc k s ny s i e t r fo of It s th d s e k el p t e f o o d . g m o u u i n o Cl of th vou r g its lo r aw. e fa si n a s a s t dg on’s up u e g e th dra

Eyes move independently: one can look forward while the other looks back, to help the sea dragon find prey

Small fins on the back propel the sea dragon along

Leafy frills all over body, for camouflage

27

t h s , f o o d i s i n sh or t e de p s up s e p ly th h s o m e t hi ng , y o c t a . At c u ne ou y n e e d o i t t , n w h o h d ic h i s t h ol W why o e to a bl t c h u e s n s h o a r e h m e ou s t b sh ee t h ler fi a ng . Ma

JAPAN

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PHILIPPINES

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e t fi sh ha s lit tle ligh ts h a tc h a e s h e s e m a k e i t h a r d f or p T . e y l l e e e d it s b i t f r o m b el o w, a g a i n s t T h ong sp ot o t l s o w n f r om a b o v e . a t e r l t e r i ng d n i h u gh t f li

he i r Ma ny dee p -se a c r e a t u r e s m a ke t s: own a t or l i gh t t d e r p o lu r e p r e y o r c o nf u s e se t hi s f t he i s call o e e d b i olu m i n e s c e n c e . S o m re l i gh t s are p er s a r o du c e d b y b a c t e r i a ; o t h y. mad bod e e by c h t h e mi c a l r e a c t i on s i n s i d e

T he fem al e a ngler fi sh ha s r mo u s ja w chy s a n d a s up e r - s t r e t s t om ac h , s o sh e c a n s w a l l o w pr e y t w ic e he r s i z e .

gler fi sh i s ten t i me s l e hu m p b a c k a n sm alle look s so diff er e nt , r t h a n t he fe m ale : he f or a n o t h e r s p e c i e s! he c oul d b e mi s t a k e n

T he m a

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28

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fi s hh th av th et e th ei r e ,s da e bi s i ze ot gg e s r fe ) of k t no s t r il s w a he y m a n y c al a a t n er i m a l on e, s . O n s n if he f out n c fem ales i n at ea t ac m al he e h a s f ou n d a sh ims elf t o h e r b e l ly .

th m or e pr e y e l u zz e boa ng e th k a i ,c t! L er i gh w h o l e . e w llo s w m s w a s it ic t i s e sv ck bl a t i m s it e h n t te w fi sh , a n d wallo e d i bl e r h c t n i g s i s Th len , it ic e it s a ke n t ha n t w s i c t or c on s t r

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LURING PREY WITH THE

ANGLERFISH, MARIANA TRENCH The deepest point on earth is the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. This vast underwater canyon plunges d ow n a l m o s t 11 k i l o m e t r e s : M o u n t Everest would fit inside it with room to spare! In the ocean, sunlight reaches only a bout 1 kilomet re beneat h t he surface. Below this, and you enter the p i t c h -b l a c k d e p t h s o f t h e M i d n ig h t Zone. This is the home of some of the world’s most bizarre-looking creatures. T he

Meet t he humpback angler fish . This deep-sea oddity has gaping jaws lined with terrif ying fangs, and a glowing, light-tipped lure. The female uses this flashing light to coax prey out of the darkness, so she can snare it with her needle-like teeth. Scientists have only just begun to explore this deep-water realm… what other creatures might be down here waiting to be discovered?

i sh p er f ifi c vi c o a f P t h e s o bi o dy g t he y Its b ! h t don’t fi t i n its mou i s li n ed wi r ey. t h t i ny lights to at t r ac t p

are

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e -t h r o u gh h e a d a nd r r eleye fi sh ha s a se u s u a l ly p o i n ba r r e e r a h c l-shaped eyes , whi ted s o f l i gh t f r o m a p a up w a r d s r c b o ve to de te c t s .

T he b a

it s s f or t h a n l p e r e el i s f a m o u er e n or d b i gg mou s m en o u t h , wh i c h i s t he it s b o t a dy . T h e g l o w i n g l i g h t . pr e y t o f i t s t ai l c a r t t h el p s a T he g u

Female anglerfish

Lives at depths down to 2,000 metres

Light is made by glowing bacteria inside the lure Male anglerfish

Females grow up to 18 centimetres; males only up to 2.5 centimetres

29

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The world’s second-largest ocean covers about one fifth of the planet’s surface. The At l a n t ic is b o rd e re d by t h e A m e r ic a s , Europe and Africa , so t hese waters are always busy with human traffic. But look past the container ships and cruise liners, and you’ll find an ocean of wonders just below the waves. 30

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31

t h Af r i c a i s on e o f t h e on l y pl a c e s on e ay i n S ou a r t h t hat T hi s b n i t o p a t h e l e s a e i t r i – h o w r t b r a e a e c r h – i n t hi s w a y . g Cape Town

Seal Island

SOUTH AFRICA

Ca

pe f a n u r se dd al s ar tin are v e gt o m r y ag i l e , t wi a ke s t i ng t he i r esc ap e .

i ng g r o u n d s , t h e r feed se i e h ht rk-i nfes ted wa al a c h s a s ter re c r os To ust o a r en’t such s t r s. h m w , o ng s ps pup pu , a r e e a s y p r e y f or ge r s r n e u Yo s wi m m g r y hu n t e r s . e hu n t he s

a rk s ca n de tec t t wh i t e s h s , gr e a e s n se me t r e a w ay . r f ul n a kilo e a h w t r po m or e he i om t r f h y t pr e Wi

l e g r e a t wh i t e s h a r k Fema s ar eu t h a n m a l e s . T he l a r ge s su t fe all d e w r u a s m s o ver 6 mea me ale e y l a tre s l v e r r ge on r g.

Smooth, torpedoshaped body glides through water

Up to 300 razor-sharp, serrated teeth, arranged in rows

32

Powerful tail launches shark into the air

ter s when hu nt i ng. If t he y wa k r a n s e e i t c o mi ng . u pr e y c d, m A sh a r k p n e r e fe r s u n s e t tle h a r, t s e a i s t o o c a l m a n d cl e

’s whi sker s de tec t t i ny v A seal i br i n t he water, le t t i ng at i it k on no i f a sh a r k i s c s w lose .

i m mi ng i n g r o u p s r, s w to e h t e e al s s t ic k to g i ng sh a r k s u p p e m o c r. f be dec r ea s e t h e i r c h a nc e s o T he f u r s

Th eg r ea of t wh mo eed i t e sh re t a sp n t a a r k k c c a h a t t n a a an 4 lea 0 kilo nd c pm me t r es per hou r, a or e t ha n ter ! 2 m e t r e s out o f t he w a

er xp e Al t h e ar o u gh g r e a t wh i t e s h a r k s ts… hu n p er x e ter s , t of he s e al s a r e al s o a lf at g h n e t t i ng away! Fe wer t ha ill . t he s ak n i e sh a r k t l s t r i ke s r e s u

t

HUNTING WITH THE

GREAT WHITE SHARKS, SOUTH AFRICA Every year, thousands of Cape fur seals gather to breed on Seal Island, off the coast of South Africa. When winter arrives, the seal pups must leave the safety of the island in search of food. But danger awaits them in the choppy waters. This bay attracts the world’s most feared ocean hunter: the great white shark. As the seals swim to their feeding grounds, they are at risk from a surprise

attack. The world’s top marine predator is a power ful killing machine. The great white shark lurks in the depths close to Seal Island. It sets its sights on a target above—usually a young seal that can’t keep up with the others. In a flash, the shark powers up to the surface, launching into the air with jaws open wide. Luckily for this little seal, it glimpses the shark at the last moment and darts out of reach. Better luck next time!

33

n

p

Kelp forests

hu

SOUTH AFRICA

r t o c topu s ex pe n to r o o tl e out sa k i r e v i c e s o f s m el l . r ha n se kc a s d a r f ul s e m r g ja in we p y l or a p o p e x Th r, e has e It t y. e r

o kt a e b b. ard A n o c topu s u s e s it s h cr a g a in l of u s up. d r i l l a h ol e i n t h e sh el m i it v ic t ng i T h e n , i t p a r a ly s e s i t s l b g ob v e n om ou s s a li v a , b e f or e

he world ’s fa s tes t Gi a n t k el p i s on e o f t g f r om t h e s e a b e d g r o w i ng p l a n t s , cl i m b i n p e r d a y! me t r e s at up to 60 cent i

r he e g n i th at c o o t f f T hi s o c t o p u s i s s u s i n e. ar m r th e h at tacker, slippi ng r ea b t ’ ca n sha rk ’s gill s so it

34

PUTTING UP A FIGHT WITH THE

t he world ’s mos t i nte l lige s are e s nt pu r e s w i t h ou t b on e u t o a t e s ). Sc s (cr Oc e i t e a z i ng a b i l i t i e s t nt i br a sts o na ei r a m r te te d t h v i e t h e w g e l i r d c s s s v a o d e f te f ja r an i n ve t s. C zes ap t p e f r om t h e a c s e ha h ma n e i i r ta ft es o n k s ve ug r o topu s ! h t oc

OCTOPUS, SOUTH AFRICA

The common octopus is one of the ocean’s cleverest creatures. Here in South Africa’s ke l p f o r e s t s t h e r e a r e m a n y h u n g r y h u nt e rs pat rolling t he wat e rs , so t he octopus needs all its wits to stay alive. It doesn’t have a hard shell or sharp teeth to protect itself; instead, it relies on some ingenious survival tricks. The octopus is a king of camouflage. Special cells in its skin allow it to change colour in an instant to match its surroundings, mimicking shells, rocks or plants. This amazing skill allows it

to hide right under the nose of a prowling predator. This quick-thinking creature can even put on a disguise, grabbing nearby shells to cover itself up, making a protective armour to confuse hunters. If these tricks fail and an octopus is seized by a shark, it won’t give up without a fight. It forces its arms into the shark’s gills, stopping it from breat hing, When t he shark lets go, this cunning character can make a quick getaway!

he y h a ve no b t er s . T on e s sh if , e p m s a y l l l b c s e s a r e i n c r e d i bl e sh a i r s a s c ks. po m i gh s o t he y c a n s q u e e z e t h r ou

O c topu

n r elea se a puff of i n k , s ca u If t h r eate p o t a y . A s w el l a s m a ne d , a n o c ki lip a w cl o u d i ng t he water so it ca n s e hu nter ’s sen se of s ng h m t el l . s a s mo k e s c r e e n , t h e i n k du l l

c topu s c a n an o , r e emy so t he nt e en hu ts th a c t li k e a d e t r a y . Ju s a i m b. e v di s f e t los t l a t to s it s r i s o h r es to ow .T rm m e gr la s t i a a s w n A s rr da ca n l a te sh e s n e u l p ev w il o c to , it h s fi s ta r

Parrot-like beak (the only hard part of the body)

’t . y ou d on no w sh el l r e … v e a cl e e m ma de al so e s e s pu as us o c to y o u s h om e f e nc e s S ld de i o w c top i s e . u N o ob u mes . s sg el l s t r ho i i i e h d T h i t e sh n d t s u u s r ou a Strong suckers on each arm help the octopus feel and grip

Sensors at the end of each arm act as the octopus’s ‘nose’

35

L GA RTU PO

SPAIN

MO

Canary Islands

RO C

-of-wa r might catch up E a c h d a y , a s i n gl e m a n t s d e a d ly e m b r a c e . to 100 fi sh i n i

CO

ALGERIA ERN W E ST R A SA H A

MAURITANIA

T h e blu e d fl oats o r agon n th is a e sli my c o a t o cea n sea in g e t cl o s ’ s e t o g m e s s u lug w i t ho t he a n r fa t h ut g m a s it ce at et t i ng n-o can . Its st u f-w ng a r .

t he ma n-of-wa r ’s T h i s l i t t l e slug s t e a l s t o u s e on i t s o w n s t i ng i ng c el l s r pr o t e c t i on ! b o dy f o

f-wa r i s at tacked ma n-o by a If a or, it ca n lower its t a d e s ai l pr fl ate its ai r bag to s e d d ink an b e ne a t h t he s u r fac e .

e ocea n su nfi sh i s A s big a s a s m a l l t r uc k , t h fi sh , mea su r i ng one of t he world ’s la rges t o fi n! om fi n t up to 4 m e t r e s f r

Sail

Blue or purple see-through body, filled with gas Feeding tentacles

Stinging tentacles

36

s an e m ki n ar ks c -w y i f h t o ’s an db nfi sh em pe h T he s u p t t za ea s. ng it c a n cl e et ti a g t t u ten w i t ho i ng g n i t it s s

Some t i mes , gr oups of ma n-of-wa r f or m se ver al hu nd r ed , d r ift i ng c ol on w it h t ie s of he c u r r e nt .

Th eP st or t u alo cr e g ues d e s ng in e ma n-o ai it s b ip f-wa r ha s a r h s a f ul ck , w a l sa hi c h m a k e s i t l o ok l i k e ip. il . It r sh a i s na w med aft er a hi s tor ic

-wa r. Rat her li ke n-of a em n-of-wa r fi sh i s f t h he m a o Not e v d e r y on e i s a f r ai i m s a m o ng t h e e, t on . It s w m e s a cl o w nfi sh i n a n a n ng he m to fe e d ! st i on t e g u n h a r me d by t h n bl i ni b , s e t e n t a cl

Th

by

el

og

ge r e se he a d t u r tle i d lea s s a l s o u nf a z e t h e t i ng i n g ten s ry t a c l e s . T h e t u r t l e’ sk i so n pr it c , m otec t s an i t f r om v e no feed on t h e . ma n-of-wa r th

STINGING WITH THE

MAN-OF-WAR, CANARY ISLANDS The Portuguese man-of-war may seem beautiful, but you should stay well away. Although it looks like a jellyfish, the man-of-war is a much more complex creature. In fact, it’s not even a single creature at all, but a ‘superorganism’: a colony of tiny animals called polyps. These polyps can’t survive on their own, but merge together to form a deadly predator. The man-of-war floats on the ocean’s surface thanks to a balloon-like

air bag. Behind it trails a curtain of lethal tentacles, some measuring more than 30 metres long. These are lined with thousands of stinging cells. Their venom is powerful enough to kill a fish – or even, sometimes, a human. If an unsuspecting fish becomes snared in the tentacles, it is paralysed by the stinging cells. Then, it is reeled in, before its flesh is dissolved and digested by the man-of-war. Delicious!

37

Enormous mouth for filter feeding

Gills extract oxygen from water, so the shark can breathe

Each has a unique pattern of spots

h e a v e n f o r t h e wh a l e s h a r k s : t h e r e a r e s fo o d e n o u gh t u n a e g g s h e r e i e c s pl a hu n d r e d s o f t h e m f o r s e v e r a l m o n t h s e d T hi e e f ach su m mer. to

, a wh a l e s h a r k o p e n s w i d e i t s e n o r To feed mou s mout h , r t e s t c n h a m c o h r c e i h t h a n a me t r e w a c r o s s!

Can grow to more than 12 metres long!

ou t hf u l o f f o o d a n d em g u a h e r p a d s i n t he mout h , T hi s fi lter feeder sucks i n fi lt r o u gh t h e g i l l s . by t wa te ut t h r. T he food i s caugh do e h us wh i l e t h e a t e r i s p w

FEASTING WITH THE

WHALE SHARKS, MEXICO Off the coast of Mexico is a small island c alled Isla Mujeres . On a sweltering summer morning, the waters around the island host an extraordinary gathering of creatures: whale sharks. In no other place on earth do whale sharks come together in such large numbers. Each summer, they a r rive in t heir h und re ds . Wh at d raws them to this small patch of ocean? The answer, of course, is food. Measuring the length of a small aircraft and weighing as much as five elephants, the whale shark is the biggest fish on the planet. You might

38

think that this shark would be on the hunt for seals. But no, this gentle giant feeds instead on plankton and fish eggs. Each night at this time of year, huge shoals of tuna release their eggs in these waters. The eggs float up to the surface, making easy pickings for the whale sharks, who spend their days hoovering up this energyrich meal. After a day of gorging in the sun, the whale sharks dive down to spend the night cooling off in deeper waters. All this feasting is hot work!

y ed pe s . It er se s up o a is dn g! a r li n a p e s l on m h e s u l b e T he p ea r etr has 5m o fi sh wit t p ow u c a n gr

i l om e t r e s b e t w e e n s of k d n l o cea n s . u sa r opic a W h a l e sh a r k s c a n t r a v el t h o in t s d r ou n t h e b e s t f e e d i ng g

Pr

egn

a nt to ea t d e wh a l e s h di v e o t a t p r h k g s u a ths r e t ho pr e om to g i y fr dat a v w e a bi r t h i n s a f e t y , or s ve on t bi r y gi he s u th t r fac e . A fe m al e m a o up c e! to 30 0 y o u ng sh a r k s a t o n

gr

E x p e r t s t hi n k t ha tw m a ke dee p d ha ives le to f sh w a t e r pl a n k e ed ar t on , o o r to n d ks t o m ag n e t i c r o ck ge t c ee p s on wh i c h h e t he lose lp t h em r se na v ig a b e d, at e.

ve b e e n k no w n fi sh ha to ug e h a r a s 1 , 80 0 m e t r e s : t h se f s e a e Th own out 18 football pitches! ed b a v f i o d gth len

Sp

ot o a te d e w a gl in ls. T e ra ys t r of gs p h e s e a v el i n s m a l l te a la r no n g e , fl at se fu fi sh have a en p to lea 3 me t r es , a nd a r e pi n g ab o ve t he w a ves .

s e wh a l e l t he l a cea n . ac t nt ic O t tr At l a a e th at in th a s n e gg f t u o t he s y pe la y h s t i f n ny mon T he li t tl e t u t c om s o m e sha rk s. It i s t h

sh

USA

Isla Mujeres

MEXICO

39

a v e w a t e r pr o of f e a t he r s , s o t he y s don’t h d r i b ca n’t ea si a te su r face. A fl yi ng meal e h t g i ly l a n d o n m o r r f i s t he r F e off k e a f or e v e r y t or h a n dy .

m p s o h i gh t h a t sh j u Some t i mes , fl yi ng fi s of b o a t s . deck e h t t h e y l a n d on

ri

i ng fi sh a r e fou nd nd fl y in hi a a m s a r ou n d t h e w or l d . n i a e h oc Ma a r m w

se

Th

es

ei

nc e t r r e di b le fl e yi ng t o l o ng a b o fi sh ca n v e es f t or he s ca u h r f ac e a n d u nd pe r ed s f ro of me t r e s mh u nte r s below.

gl

id

a

ea

m

ou r s . T he y s w i m c g c ol lose a hi c om e i n d a z zl i n e s a r e r e c o g ni s a bl e l a m to t he s u r fac e , a n d t he s f or eh e a d s . l b ou by t he i r l a r ge , bu

Ma hi-m

How do flying fish take off?

1. Fish picks up speed, reaching about 60 kilometres per hour

40

3. Fish skims along the surface by beating tail

2. Strong tail lifts fish from the water

4. At last, fish rises clear of water, using long fins to glide

ly r e n o t o n hu n t e d sh a i f s o b y m a r li n i ng i , but al , Fly hi-ma h m a d c n k a e r a a e n l . m , tu by or dfi sh t hey ca n fl y! w s uc k y l s ’ It

ng e h r

T h e s e b i r d s h a v e e xc e llen t ey t hem spot la rge fi s e h hu n t i n s i gh s u r f a c e . T h e y l oi g b t, h ter n ea r en el e s c a p i ng p r e by y to , w e a t pi ta k e t o ai t i h t t h ng e a fo i r.

CARIBBEAN SEA Trinidad and Tobago

l s f r om s i d e t o s i d e t o fi sh fl ick t hei r tai ted fi n s a s r el o ng a ta ke off, t h e n u s e t he i ough t he ai r. w i n g s t o gl i d e t h r

F ly i n g

Hawaiia n ter m i is a h a T he na me ma hi-m hi s fi sh i s al so g’. T n o r m e a ni ng ‘v e r y s t hi nfi sh . d ol p e h t k no w n a s

a hi a r e v e r y f a s t s w i m me hi-m a r s: M a n c o ve r 5 me t r t he y c es i n a s i n gl e s e c o n d !

TAKING OFF WITH THE

FLYING FISH, THE CARIBBEAN In the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, a pack of hunters are on the prowl. These large, speedy predators, called mahi-mahi, have set their sights on a target: a shoal of smaller fish. In the open ocean, there’s nowhere to hide. As the mahi-mahi close in, it looks as if there’s no escape for the prey. But just when all seems lost, some of the hunted fish break the surface of the water and take to the air. These are no ordinary fish: they can fly!

Using their fins as wings, the flying fish glide above the waves, leaving the hungry mahi-mahi behind. But they are not safe yet. In the skies above, a group of frigate birds have been biding their time. As the flying fish take off, the frigate birds swoop in to snatch them from the air. The flying fish are t rapped: sandwiched bet ween deadly hunters above and below. They will need a miracle to get out of this one!

41

Fernando de Noronha islands

e sid y n ri he ate so t w t ol d is oi s S a l ly L i g h t f o o t c r a b s h th m e s l gil us ! t he i r sh el l s t o k e e p t h e i r l so a rs y ke he T c a n br e a c . d a n a t h e on l at t ui r t w a t e r s u p p ly t o s q

BRAZIL

ot cr s e i t i s s o n i m b l e , t h e S a l ly Li g h t f o u a c e B r. i s na med aft er a Ca r ibbea n da nce

ab

rs ve o in dh bi r ge s c i p o n r dt p lu . T he r ed-bille en h id t , r squ ab o ve t he w a te d n i sh a to c a tc h f

m o r a y e e l i s a p o w e r f u l hu n t e r T he c h ai n t h a t l au nc h e s i t s el f f r o m to catch cr abs. It ca n e ven s t he w a te r li t he r b e t w e e n r o c k p o ol s , c r o s s i ng t h e l a n d , i n p u r s ui t o f pr e y .

Eyes on stalks, to look out for hunters

Pointed legs allow crab to grip on to rocks along the shoreline

Strong claws for crushing and cutting food, and for defence

42

g , t h e S a l ly Li g h t f o o t r ab ’s le c a s b a r g a q ui c k g e t a w a y . If a n eel m a ke o t b m i l c a n sh e d t hi s

r ab-hu nt i ng oc top T hi s c us o r m f p t a h e e l wa te ca n r to a h u , l i y n e g r p i t b d a o wn gr i nto t he o c e a n to e a t .

ROCK-HOPPING WITH THE

T hi s quick-movi ng cr ab c an f r om r o c k t o r o c k s ju m o qu i c k ly p s e e m s to b e w al ki n , it g on wat er.

SALLY LIGHTFOOT CRABS, BRAZIL

The Sally Lightfoot crab is not a master of camouflage: its bright red colour makes it very easy to spot. Instead of hiding away, it relies on its speed and agility to escape from hunters. This nifty little mover can scuttle quickly across the shore, leaping f ro m roc k t o roc k , a n d it s s u pe r-f a st reactions help it dodge predators. It lives along the coastline in an area of rock pools between the ocean and the land. On a small island off the coast of Brazil, a group

of crabs are setting off to gra ze on seaweed near the shore. But this is no easy journey: deadly hunters lurk close by. As one of the crabs hops over a rock pool, a snakelike head shoots from the water, jaws open wide. This is the chain moray eel: an expert crab-catcher. And it’s not only eels on the hunt: the crabs also have to watch out for octopuses – one false move, and they might get caught in an eight-legged embrace!

t o n ly d o t h e y f e e d o n s : no T h e s e c r a b s a r e s c a v e ng e r s o f d e a d a ni m a l s . n i a m s e a w e e d , b u t a l s o on t h e r e

l a w s o f t h e S a l ly Li g h t fo ot T he c are t o cl i ng o n t o sl i p p e r y r o ver y ck s s t r o ng , a a mo l l o w i ng i t ng c r a shi n g wa ves .

ch

Unli ke ot her eel s , which h a v e p oi n t e d t e e t h , t h e a i n m o r a y h a s blu n t t e e t h

, a b r g a n o t d t i c g r u n nc h allo w i sl i p p e r y c r a b s .

43

Crescent of white feathers on head

T h e s e p e ng ui n s a r e u nder thr cha nge , which aff ec ea ts oc e a n t du e m e a n s t h a t t he bi cur t rds o r e n o cl i ft en f u r t he r t h a n t s . ma ha u sua ve T l to t o s hi s t e fi nd w fo o im d.

Wings used as paddles for swimming

u s i n s , t he s e a r e Unli ke t hei r A nta r c t ic co n s , l i v i ng a l o ng t h e wa r m-w e a t h e r p e ng ui ut h A me r ic a . s out he r n c o a s t s o f S o

About 70 centimetres tall

d aft er a not he Ma g e l l a ni c p e ng ui n s a r e n a m e r l on gdi s t a p l x o e r e e r s F e e u nc e t r a r di n a v el l e r : t h e P o r t ug nd d t he bi r d s i n 152 Ma g e l l a n , wh o s e c r e w s p o t t e 0.

e i r ne s t i n a bu r r o T he s e p e ng ui n s m a k e t h w, wh i c h hi s b i l l a n d fee t . t h e m a l e d i g s o u t u s i ng

Ma ny Magella ni c p en g ui s a me p a r t ne r e ns b ac h r eed y ea r w it h t he ret ur n . Oft to t h e n , t he e sa y e ven me ne s t .

44

MIGRATING WITH THE

MAGELLANIC PENGUINS, ARGENTINA The Punta Tombo peninsula in Argentina is home to one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in the world. Over a million birds arrive here every September to breed. A male penguin digs a deep burrow, where the female lays two precious eggs. The parents take it in turn to keep the eggs warm and look after the chicks once they hatch. After a few months, the chicks grow their adult feathers and are

ready to take to the waves. As winter approaches, the penguins prepare for a long journey. In March— during the South American autumn—they will set off from these shores, swimming north towards warmer waters. They follow large shoals of anchovies up the coast, their journey sometimes taking them more than 1,800 kilometres. Some of these penguins will even make it as far north as Brazil. Bon voyage!

c a n s w i m m or e A s t h e y mig r a t e , t h e y d ay . t r es p er t ha n 60 kilome

u i n s s p e n d t h e wh o l e p e ng e s g a n d e v e n sl e T he s e a , e a t i n e pi n t g a l l i r r e w t u y e r e n h t T t o la n n ater. d w wi p r i ng a r r i v e s . t he onc e s in o n ly

t wa

T a s he s e 50 st m r o ng etr s wi es mm p to c er s ca n di v e a s d e e a tc h . a nc ho v i e s a n d s q ui d

, er

er nd y u l ve er y t r a ce e v P e ng ui n s u s u a l l r fa . e su he c o mi ng t o t h eat r b to so oft en

ARGENTINA Migration route

Punta Tombo peninsula

45

Ov

SOUTH AMERICA

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South Georgia Island

ANTARCTICA

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of it s lif e t i me , a n alb a t r oss p is m or e t h t he is a n 5 . 5 mi l l i on fu sa m r th e as er t 14 t r ips to t he moon! ha n a ny o t h e r a ni m a l t r a v el s . etr

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Ab st c hi a b y a l b a t r o s s i s t he l a r ge ck o f a h ny se as a bi r d : i t c a n w e ig mu h is a ch a s 10 k i l o g r a m s , wh i c sm uc h a s a f ull-gr own s wa n .

a t r i sk o f s w a l l o w s are i ng h e s e i n c r e d i bl e b i r d t i o n . T h e nu m b e r o u l l o f p fi shi ng h o ok s a n d pl a s t i c a I sl a n d i s f a l l i ng . i g r a l b a t r o s s e s on S ou t h G e o

S a d ly , t

,t Eac h ye a r hou s a n d s of to o f pl a s t ic w a s t e a r e w a n ne s sh e d i n t o t h e o c e a n . Al b a t r oss e a t k s i e m t h n s i e s r u bb oft i sh n i g d e i e t fo f t , o d o t he i r fo c hi r a t l a f c o h t n c i s w e q ue nc e k s , s.

W he n

i t i s a b o u t ni n e m o n t h s ol d , a y ou n g albat r oss ta kes its fi r s t fl ight . It won’t r e t u r n to la nd f or a t l e a s t s e v e n y e a r s!

46

T h e h a r dy c h i c k s i t s o n th r ni n e m on t h s a m ne s t f o id f e re a nd s tor m s. Its pa wi nd s r en ez i n t g s e r y fe w d ay a n d go e v s , br c o m i n o o f d k t c o h el p i ba gi n e t gr ow g .

Al b

COMING HOME WITH THE

at r oss es fl 800 y va s t di s t a n kilo c e s , up to me t r es i n a s i n gl e d a y!

ALBATROSSES, SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND On the grassy, windswept slopes of South Georgia Island, a wandering albatross is waiting patiently for his mate. He has just returned from more than a year at sea. His flight has taken him many thousands of miles, soaring over the wild South Atlantic Ocean on the lookout for fish and squid. B u t n ow t h e b r e e d i n g s e a s o n h a s a r r i ve d , bringing him home. He scans the skies, ever hopeful, on the lookout for his partner. At last,

his patience is rewarded—he recognises a familiar silhouette gliding towards him. After a bumpy landing, his mate greets him with squawks and coos, enthusiastically tapping his beak with hers. Their happy reunion is mirrored all around, as other wanderers return home. These long-lived birds mate for life , forming partnerships that can last for 50 years!

o 3 . 5 me t r e s ng u p t , su r i a e w e a h n t f d M o e r i ng n gs p a wi n g e r s a t l o e f e h a ny t is th r oss t a n e g l t h e m as t w alb t he s a o . It ’s d n t e o d g end ! n i r ly n bi e m t all

st

Wa nder i ng alb a t r os e ve r y t w o ye a r s . A p ses b ai on e c hi c k , a n d r p ut s r pr o e e d d a o of eff or t i nto fee d i n g hu g u c e n c a nd e a s j e c a mo u rin u g nt fo r

it . 2. Turns and glides back down towards the ocean

3. Catches another gust of wind to rise up again

2

1. Points into the wind to rise upwards

3 1

To fly without flapping, an albatross harnesses the power of the wind. It glides in a zigzag pattern by hitching a lift on currents of air.

47

Libya

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Iran

Arab ted Uni irates m E

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ng u p w i t h t h Li gh t i e H ATCHET A E S P FISH DEE (Mid-Ocea n)

n a i d In an e c O

Pare nting with the MAC ARONI PENGUINS (Kergu elen Islands)

48

India

g b SE i r t (M AH h ad ag O a

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Sett ing an sh with the B ambu OBBIT WORM (Indonesia)

s) he h t a nd t i w I sl i ng os S c a v e ng c o B (C ROBBER CR A

Attac king with the SAIL FISH (Mid-Ocean)

A u s t ra l i a

tty pr e g n FISH eli BLOB e ) F e t h t r a li a h s t u i w (A

INDIAN OCEAN

s Ta

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nia

Pu ttin e g on a s how with th CUT TLEFISH (Australia)

Surrounded by Africa , Asia and Australia , this is the world’s third-largest ocean. Its sun-dappled coral reefs, palm-fringed t r o p i c a l i s l a n d s a n d s w a m py m a n g r ove f o r e s t s a r e h o m e t o m a ny e n d a n g e r e d creatures, from shy dugongs to beautiful turtles and rare seahorses. 49

BANGLADESH

INDIA MYANMAR

Andaman Islands SRI

L AN

KA

a n a m a z i ng p er i s sk i p d u n or ou t o f t h e li v e i em n h a T tc ts fi n s to wal k t ha ses i u h t s I . n br e a t he fi ter nd ca wa la nd , a h i t s sk i n . on r o ug h t r ai

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ea

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ol o di l e s a nt r , ed : d o o o l b r c e d l c o t ha up t t he t to he a y de p e rm nd on t he su n’s t he a i r te ff. ow mp e r he t lo t a o b a n t u r e . T he y s u o t he oc n he de t a a d i nto h s r t he w a te r o Cr o c

a n gr o w up lt ie s c l e s a e s l o n g , wh i c h a M me t r e s a me a s to 6 out t h b a is h e i gh t . r aff e’s a gi

sn th

Ears have special flaps that close up underwater

Valve in throat seals shut to stop saltie from swallowing water

50

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ey

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sea tur t le i s o di l e el a f a v ou r ay ite salt ie w ill i ng o f t e n sei ze t he t u r t l e s wh e n i r eg gs on b e a c h e s a i gh t . tn ec

r oc

Super-strong tail propels crocodile through the water

Thick, armoured skin

r i mp , . T hi s sh r i mp h s a s a n dy is des i n a nt g , hi m n o l i ng s p e e d . s ra i gh t n tre l eb e h z t i e t i m r ey w s t h cen i p n i A no t he r sh 0 s il e nt a s s a s s bu o4 m wh i c h c a n m e a s u r e u p t a t to b u r r o w, t h e n l e a p s o u

li ke t he black-ea r ed fl yi n Ba t s , g o s t i n m a ng r o v e t r e e f ox , r o s, a r e o f t h e d a ng e r b el o w . u naw ter cr ocs ca n fl i ng Salt w a s el v e s f r o m t h e w a t e r t o t he m b a t s a s t he y s no o z e. s n a tc h

Li k e o t h er c r oc salt ie h a s p r e s s u o di l e s r ,t e se i t s s nout . n s o he T he s e rs h el p mo ve me n al ts i n t h e i t d e t ong it ca n t e w r ac k dow ater, c t so np r ey . v i v or s . T h e y m a te s u r e ult i h t e u t 85 mi l l i o n s ar f or a b o di l e ou n d o r c a h t h e e x t i nc t i on Cr o e b e e n t h r o ug d e v i l ha v s , a nd t he di no s au r s . d out r e p a i e y tw t ha

o di e s , ei r b h t arm . to w fo o d t out ea h t i o sw dt nt h ee o n n’t ral m do e s e il ev ocod rs r c o e s f u o Beca an g t he y c

ts, coa s l a c i d i l e s l i v e a l o ng t r o p a nd o ia t in f re shw a t e r n Ind r e t s a e r i v e r s , f r om S out ia . he a s t Asia a nd nor t her n Aus t r al

Salt

wa te

r cr oco

LURKING WITH THE

SALTWATER CROCODILE, ANDAMAN ISLANDS Mangrove forests grow on t ropical coastlines all around the world. A m a ng rove t re e t h rows out ae ria l root s , which arch down into the water, anchoring themselves to the seabed. Among the tangled roots, many small creatures find shelter. And it’s just as well, because these waters are home to one of the most feared predators on earth: the saltwater crocodile. Also known as the saltie, this crocodile is the world’s largest reptile. Armed with 66 razor-sharp teeth and the strongest bite

ever measured, the saltie is at the very top of the f o o d c h a i n . Q u i e t l y, i t c r u i s e s t h r o u g h t h e mangroves, with only its eyes, ears and nostrils poking above the water’s surface. Other animals don’t see it coming until it’s too late. Once the croc has a target in sight, it explodes from the water, biting down with deadly force. Then, it performs a death roll, spinning over and over to drown prey and rip off chunks of meat. The saltie isn’t a fussy eater: it will take on fish, snakes, turtles, birds, mammals and even young sharks!

51

a n i mp or t a n t p a r t i n k t fi sh play e e p i ng c o r Pa r r o al r e e f s he al t hy: h a t t e m a i g g l h a t e o h t t h t e r a w e i s e y c h ok e t h e r e t he e f s ys t e m .

t fi sh wa s pa r r o n o e it ca n m el e b e c a u s e a h m p a t ter n na ec r a nd u T h n it s o l co e moufl age g i v a ng e , f o r c a a te . y h l c ck mu n i c q ui t o c om or

THAILAND Andaman Se a

u mphead pa r r ot fi s T he h h a r ge s t s p e c i e s . I l e h t t is u c a n gr o w p to 1 . 5 e s l o ng a n d h a s a b i g me t r on i t s f or eh e a d . b u lg e

T h e cl e a n e r w r a s s e n a h h! i bb S ay f r om t h e sk i n a n d i n l e s s e t i sid as pa r out h of pa r r ot fi sh . Bot e m e h th al s benefi t : t he wr a ss e a ni m a m e a l , a n d t h e b i gg e r ge t s e t s a s p r i ng cl e a n fi sh g .

Daisy parrotfish Teeth inside the throat used for grinding coral into sand Adult female

Front teeth fused together to make a hard beak for scraping off coral

52

Adult male

CRUNCHING CORAL WITH THE

PARROTFISH,THAILAND Do you love white, sandy beaches? Well, did you know that many of these tropical beaches are made out of fish poo? Parrotfish poo, to be exact! These colourful fish eat the algae that g r ow s o n c o r a l r e e f s . U s i n g t h e i r s t r o n g , beaklike teeth, they bite off chunks of coral. They grind up the coral to get to the algae inside, then poo out the crunched-up leftovers as fine, white sand. A s i n g l e l a r g e p a r ro t f i s h c a n

produce 450 kilograms of sand per year: the same weight as a grand piano! These fish are remarkable in other ways, too. Not only do they change colour as they grow, but they can even change gender. Most parrotfish are born female, and live in groups of about 40. Each group has one dominant male. If the male dies, the largest female switches sex to become the next leader of the shoal. And all this happens in just a few days… impressive stuff! pa r r ot fi sh have ai s y d g n wh i t e s t r i p e s : You ck-a ndr y diff er ent to bl a ok v e o l y a du l t m a l e s . t he u r f ul o l o c t he

sh a r e l a r g e r t h a n le pa r r ot fi nt m a a n i D om nd much br ighter i n colou r. ales , a m e f t he

At n y i gh t , a pa r r ot fi sh ma kes a sli m sl e e p i ng us mu c b ag a r o u n d i t s e l f, u s i n g f r om i ses it s mo u t h . T hi s c o c o on d i s g u s . it s s r c e nt e d a to , ke e pi n g i t s a f e f r om pr

a r r o t s f or t w o r aft er p ea so n s: cal fi sh a r e na med , b h e a g k u l o i t k e r i tee t h e t he i r b h t . r i gh t c o l o u r s a n d

T he s

e t r opi

of It ’s h c ies e a p r s d y t o t el l h o w m a n ge pa r r ot fi ha n c y s e c ol h t he r e o ok ou r a r e , b e c au s e t h at l c ies . h t thro ve fi sh u gh o u t ry spe t hei r lives. Two diff me a er en s t he t m ay a c t u a l ly b e f r o m

53

SETTING AN AMBUSH WITH THE

BOBBIT WORM, INDONESIA Buried in the seabed off the coast of Indonesia lurks a creature that seems straight out of a nightmare: the Bobbit worm. This terrifying hunter lies concealed in the sand, preparing to ambush prey. Only its striped antennae are on display. They look just like juicy little worms , at t ract ing t he at tent ion of passing fish. As soon as a victim br ushes u p ag a inst one o f t hese antennae, the trap is

sprung. The Bobbit worm’s powerful, dagger-like jaws slam shut—sometimes so forcefully that they slice the prey in half! Unaware of the danger below, this lionfish is on the hunt . Lionfish are one of the ocean’s most venomous creatures: their sharp spines can deliver a powerful toxin. But the Bobbit worm isn’t worried. It springs its trap, dragging the lionfish into its sandy lair, spines and all. The lionfish gets a taste of its own medicine as the Bobbit worm injects a paralysing toxin. Dinner is served.

u sh e s ionfi sh br T he l B obb i t e h t gai n s t up a ’s a nten nae… w or m

y w or m u s e s i t s dea dl T hi s f e el f or m o v e m e n t s ae to n n e a r ou n d i t . a nt e wa ter in th Th

54

e li

o nf i sh s wi ms to t a l o ng , obl i v i o u s he t h r ea t hi d i ng below.

a i gg i n g or m m a k e s i t s hom e b y d w t i b B ob r o w d e e p i nto t he s e ab e d . o w bu r T he r r a n

ng, t he lionfi sh b n hu n t i l o w s out je ts of water. W he e s pr e y , m a k i s u f n o c s ng i t e a T hi s i e r to c a tc h . n m e a s u r e up to 3 me m s ca t w or o me n e n d t r e s i n t i b a me a s t w o end b s e o h t B : ! gth len

Bali INDONESIA

Th

ew

or m su r g it s es f r o ja w m i t s b u r r o w, s cl a m p i ng s hu t …

Th

e li o nf i sh i Bo e s d r ag bb i ge d do w n i nto t h t wo r m’s u ndergr ou nd la r der.

Antennae sense when prey is near

T hi

s li t , h a s a cl e v e r t r i c k t o p tle fi s r ote r ea m h , called b f r om e l c c t it o t h e m on e s a n d c o v e r i ng i t s b u t he B h s el f t y r a obb i t w o r o w r e ve a w . Th r m . It blows h c a n s t a y s a f e ly o s i al s t f is e ut of th h e w or r e ac m’s hidi ng place so h.

Powerful jaws slam shut like a trap

The worm’s body stays buried beneath the sand

55

ISLAND HOPPING WITH THE

WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE, INDONESIA

On a beautifully clear day in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands, a white-bellied sea eagle glides above the ocean, searching for food below. The warm turquoise waters are dotted with lush, jungle-covered hillocks, fringed with white-sand beaches. This group of 1,500 tiny islands, positioned between the Indian and Pacific oceans, is famous for its coral reefs and its huge array of underwater wildlife. There are nearly 1,000 different

Th of i s s te n e abi rd, di v an t he es d r ed-f i nt sq o o t e d b o ob y , o th ui d e . It as wa ter to catch fi sh c th ey a n al s o sei ze lea fl yi ng fi sh pa b o ve t he w a ve s .

species of tropical fish here—so the sea eagle has plenty of lunch options. Sometimes, she follows a pod of dolphins as they hunt . They of ten herd fish to the surface, so it’s easy for the eagle to swoop in and take he r pic k. She f lies low ove r t he wate r, he r t a lons twitching, ready to scoop up her prey. Once she has caught a fish, she will take it back to her nest, where her hungry chick is waiting.

s wh a l e i s a u r a’ m O T he gr ac e f ul i s mo t he r i s s. T h e i c e lit tle-k nown sp e r c a l f. th h i w t r a v el l i ng

om e t i m e s ter s n u , f o r c i ng eh of pr e y a r g bi r d s l d t hey’ve is ler p fo o T h m al u e giv ss gh t . li e m t o c au l t s ju bu t he

56

e l l i e d s e a e a gl e f e ed s h i t e -b w e Th a s n a ke s a n d t u r tl e e s , h s, fi s on l l a l s o hu n t i n l a n d f o r i w a nd uc h a s f r ui t b a t m al s s s. m a m r i a n gl e : a n a r e a o or a l T f c or r e lo c a te d i n t he C al d Papua Ne w Gui nea r ee f s n a a a r ou n d I . i T s y h i n d o n e s i a , Ma l a s r eg i on e Sea s’, aft er t he A ma z on of t h i s k no w n a s t he ‘A ma zon v a r i e t y o f w i l d lif e . Ra i nf o r e s t , b e c au s e of it s m a s s ive

T he s e



i sl a n d s a

Ra j a A m

INDONESIA

Raja Ampat Islands

ub a di v e r s b e c au s e it h sc of it s p a t i s a t o p d e s t i n a t i on w e a ni m a l s . c r e d i bl n i u n s p oi l t c or a l r e e f s a n d

Th

th

eg

r ea

t-b ille d he sts r on li v e s a r ou n d an o f ma ds ny S sp . out h e a s t A s i a n ea It wa des r in i n gf sh a l l o w w a t e r s , i sh w it h i t s sh a r p b e a k .

i sl

ec

oa

, t r a v el l i ng a n ni m a l s d al a i c e r t o a f o w r r u s e p d to B o t t l e n o s e d ol phi n s a r e y un s ta o t n e b c r a e f a a r t h e. hu n t i n g i n p o d s . T h e y c he s u to t e m 15 mi nutes , but mus t co r ay h a s l a r ge , a nt a m f ee s to fl y t h r ough t h A r d ap p e a r e n n c a n me a s u r e a n ,a a p s s g n in t fi sw e t r e s a c r o s s! fl a ter. It s5m u o w a e n or m

i se cr u s y rs, h. a ra A gr oup o f m a nt a te fi s w r y a e l n c ti t h r o u gh t h e a nd n o t k f e e d i ng o n p l a n

Wingspan can measure 2 metres across

Long talons, for seizing prey

Sharp, hooked beak, used to tear prey apart Females are larger than males

57

PUTTING ON A SHOW WITH THE

CUTTLEFISH, AUSTRALIA Each winter off the south coast of Australia , thousands of giant cuttlefish gather to mate. These peculiar creatures have been called the chameleons of the sea because of their amazing ability to change colour in an instant, either to disguise themselves from predators, hypnotise prey, or attract a mate. In this bay, males outnumber females, so the females can afford to be picky. If a female doesn’t like the look of a suitor, she will display a white stripe along her side to show she’s not interested. When a more attractive male shows up, she turns off the stripe.

Th e m a le c ut t le f is h p ut o n a s pe c t a c ul a r s h ow, flashing through all the colours of the rainbow to impress the ladies. Sometimes, they employ sneaky tactics to bag a mate. This small male is eyeing up a female, but she’s being watched by a giant bodyguard. At first, it looks as if the small male doesn’t stand a chance. But then, he draws in his arms and turns a brown colour, perfectly mimicking a female. With this cunning disguise, he can slip past the giant male and get the girl!

h ca n , a cut tlefi s u n t i ng h v iv i d n g n e i h Wh y, fl a s i s e pr e t o n put p o t hy s b o dy c r oss it a s e p str i t r a nc e . tim in a it s v ic

t cut tlefi sh i s t he la rge gia n st e h T e cut tlefi sh , wit h male h t l l s of a g up t o a m e t r e l on su r i n a g e . m

ur y s wi m mer cr abs oft en b d to t he m s el v e s u n d e r t h e s a n . or s s t ay o u t o f s i gh t o f p r e d a t

Bl u e

58

sh o T he

k o sh a r k i s t h e f a s t e s t sh a r k in th r t fi n ma e s e a , s p e e d i ng along at up to 68 kilome t r es per hou r !

e s , b i t i ng , t w i s t i ng a t o ver fem al nd ft en figh o h s s q ui r t i ng o u t i n k i e l i f h w e r l e t h t t o . cu it h e ac h Ma l e l i ng w p p a r g

sp

D

e

ac

al

tu

as

oc

op

t

To ou f e e d , tt w o t he c ut t l on lefi ar g sh o et fee p en s ip p di n i t s a r m s a n d sh o o t s g te ed nt ac w it l e r ee h st s , li k e h a r on s . T h e s e po ic k y li n g it pad s t h a t gr a s p pr e y , i nto t he c ut tlefi s h ’s bea k .

AUSTRALIA

Spencer Gulf

ite

it s n f us is am h et es , a n but he c ut i d tl sq s i n ui th efi sh d: es th a m isn’t ec e fa ep mi l ha y lop ods . ly

a

If th r

ea ten t ed , a c u t tlefi sh ca n squi r t ou a cl o u d of n, i n k to m a k e a s m ok e s c r e e allo w i ng i t t o d a r t to s afe t y .

Cu t tlefi s h ca n cha nge colou r, sh a pe a ic nd e v sea e n t e x t u r e t o mi m wee d , c or ey a l or r o c k s , s o t h ca n hi d e a w a y f r o m hu n t e r s .

T hi s cle ver cut tlefi sh h a s d i s g ui s e d i t s el f a s a p i e c e o f s e a w e e d t o a v oi d t h e a t t e n t i on o f a sh a r k . A s well a s cha ngi ng colou r, it e v e n a r r a ng e s i t s a r m s in a s e a w e e dy s h a p e !

W-shaped pupils allow cuttlefish to look both backwards and forwards at the same time



A cuttlefish has eight arms, two feeding tentacles and three hearts pumping blue blood!

Siphon squirts out water to propel cuttlefish along

Arms connect to the head (hence the name ‘cephalopod’, meaning ‘head foot’)

59

PUFFING UP WITH THE

PORCUPINE FISH, THE MALDIVES

The short-spine porcupine fish is not the world’s fastest swimmer. In a race against a predator, it would probably lose. But this little fish has a few tricks up its sleeve to stay safe. Its blotchy markings warn others that it is poisonous to eat. If these stripes fail to deter attackers, the porcupine fish can gulp in water and puff itself up into a big, spiky ball: not a very appetising mouthful!

But there is one predator that won’t be put off: the tiger shark. This determined hunter has an insatiable appetite: it will eat anything, from sea birds, turtles and venomous snakes to old car tyres and even discarded number plates. A few spines and a b i t o f p o i s o n wo n ’ t b o t h e r i t . D e s p i t e t h e porcupine fish’s best efforts to defend itself, it’s about to become dinner…

e fi sh lay small r ou nd c upi n P or r ift on t he cu r r ent b eggs d t a e f or th e i ng. You ngs ter s a r e h a tc h oft e l e d u p b y d ol phi n s a n d n g obb tun a. to c r ac k d tee t h r a te r e n d mo s t p, s s t he se c o r a i t s sh e a t wh i t e . s. I se s it t he gr tl e r r e t T h e t ig e r sh a r k u u f at s, a of se an o p e n t h e sh el l s m hu r k to d a ng e r o u s sh a

T h e p or c upi n e f i sh f eed s n ai l s , s e a u r c h so ins ns a . s nd cr ab It blows w ea he a ter r i nt m to r e ve al t he ot it i r hi h di n g p e sa l ac n es d .

60

INDIA

p u r t s a je t o f w a t e r a t a sh s sea i f To hu n r f. W h e n t h e p r e t , t h e o r a n g e - s t r i p e d t r i gg e y fal he r ee t ls r om u r c hi n its soft u nder side. n or s ta r fi sh , di slodgi ng it f o s t ea s on its back , t he t r igger fi sh f

MALDIVES

Sm

all er s ha r ep k s do st sh or c n’t fa r e so well agai n ar u pi n kw e fi sh n a . In 2017 a dead lemo fi s h s s f ou n ne d w it t uc h a n i nfl ated por cupi k in it s t ls. h r oat , bl o c k i ng i t s g i l th

r e e f i s t he A no t he r i n h a bi t a nt of t he h c o m p l e t e ly emper or a ngelfi sh . T hi s fi s gs t e r s a r e t r a n s f or m s a s i t g r o w s : y ou n s , wh e r e a s d a r k b l u e w i t h wh i t e r i n g blu e s t r i p e s . a du l t s h a v e y el l o w a n d

e

tr

sp

ig

ec

ie

so ft r r ge a r fi sh igger , is tt fi sh ds , oo ver ot y cl o h e r fi sh se to or it s ne s t.

to

w

ge

Large eyes help porcupine fish see in the dark

b

of

Th

a t ive e r r el pi k i s l a so i s a ch ca n h i b all . fi s , wh a l i ng e e p h n fi s p na pi r cu uff e a n u r p o e p i nto t h on lo al

e rg la ta n e is Ti iv T h t he e s s ho gr w ag e r s v di

s, ou n o a is Al t h e po n as r o u gh p a a r t s o f t h e b o dy a te fo o d puff re e er fi sh a e h s a nd por cupi ne fi T h ut d el i es . c ac y b n i i n Ja p a n lip p fs, a n d t h e Ph i ha s he c to . ced ur p oi s b e p r e p a r e d b y e x p e r i e n occ oni n l l i st gs a n d e ve n de a t h s do

Strong, fused teeth for cracking open shellfish

Sharp spines cover the body, for defence

61

Mouth can gape open as wide as a football

Muscular body used to slam and stun prey

hen t he fl edgli ngs ma nage to s tay out o Even w f t he w g i a nt t r e v a l li e s c a n l e ap up a n d g ater, r ab t he m !

Powerful tail helps the trevally launch itself from the water

fi sh a r e fou nd i n t he t r o f e r o c i ou s pic a l T he s e ia n a nd Pacifi c oce d n I e h t f o s a ns. wa ter

62

o n ly b i r d s : i t a l s o eat t ’ n s d shellfi sh , a nd T h e g i a n t t r e v a l ly d o e h an s i f of d b a b y d ol phi n s . pr eys on ma ny t ypes s an e l t r s om e t i m e s e v e n s m a l l t u

is app e r d sn e r e ot nd i n t h -s p h f ou wo s i t s f e e he i r h a r p u se t T h r la rg y e e Th er fi sh . ot h cea n . n ot h o an y O re ia n to p In d tee t h

SEYCHELLES

g l yi n lif e f s t i f ed p e n d s mo s t o br e o ab o v t e or e t he o c e a n , o n ly c o m i n g a s h s. on r o c k oni e y i sl a n d s , i n l a r g e c ol T he s

o ot y ter n s

AFRICA

MADAGASCAR

s c a l l out t o t he i r y ou ng s t e r s Adu l t t e r n , e m up w a r d s , a w ay f r om h t g n i x a co da nger.

T hi s power f ul fi sh ca n m ea su re w el l o v e r a m e t r e l o ng , a n d we i c u h m a s s a 80 k i l o g gh ra ms : t he sa me a s 11 bowli n g b al l s!

LAUNCHING WITH THE

GIANT TREVALLIES, THE SEYCHELLES

Every year, tens of thousands of sooty terns flock to breed on a tiny, remote island in the Seychelles. A few months after hatching, the young chicks are ready to t a ke t heir first , c lumsy f lights . The shallow lagoon around the island seems like a perfect place to practise: if the chicks get tired, they simply land on the water to rest. But danger lurks close by. For these fish-eating birds, the tables are about to turn.

As one of the fledglings settles on the surface, he is snatched from below by a pair of enormous, gaping jaws. Another bird, hovering just above the oce a n , is pluc ke d from t he a ir a s a h uge fish c at a pult s out of t he wate r. These ag g ressive hunters are called giant trevallies. From below, a giant trevally can track the flight of a tern, flinging itself upwards to intercept t he bird. Its huge mouth gapes open to engulf its prey, before the fish vanishes beneath the waves. Gulp!

63

T he e ye s of a p e n d e n t ly o f e a c h o t h e r so it s e a hor s e c a n m o v e i n d e ca n l s a m e t i m e ! T hi s i s u s o ok f o e h t e f ul t r wa r d s a n d b ac k w a r d s a wh e n n e y e ou t f or pr e d a t or a g s e a r c hi s. ng f o r f o o d o r k e e p i n

AFRICA

MADAGASCAR

ri

of it s h

T he t ho r ny s d i s g ui s e , c h a e a h or n s gi n s u r r ou n d g c e is i ng s a o . It y el l o w or m c a n l ou pi n k a r ra t to g o s te m r e e ng e a r n, gr f r om tc ey or b br

t gh n . ow

se yu Sea nd ls hor s e ou s have fl ex ible tai r t he s m t he e as a et n c h o r s , w r a p p i ng ’t g n o weed d s a n d c or a l s s o t h e y nt . r re u w a sh e c d a w ay by t he

e . Th

ses a r e u nder s e a hor he s e t s t ol e n b y e , r a ny a d ly Sa r eat . M t r a di t i on a l th r u se i n r s fo e h e dic i n e s . ac ese m po Ch i n Pectoral (side) fins help with stability and steering

Brood pouch (for eggs) Dorsal (back) fin beats 30–70 times a second to propel it along Body made of fused-together bony plates

64

Baby

sea hor ses a r e t i ny – about t he si ze of a t ic -tac! Adult t hor ny sea hor ses ca n g r o w up t o 17 c e n t i m e t r e s l on g.

GIVING BIRTH WITH THE

SEAHORSE, MADAGASCAR Among the brightly coloured corals of f the coast of Madagascar, a male seahorse is giving birth to his babies. That’s right—these incredible fish mix up the traditional parenting roles. The female places dozens of eggs inside a pouch on the male’s belly, which he seals shut. The male carries the eggs around for several weeks, safe in his pouch; a bit like a mother kangaroo. When the little ones are ready, the pouch begins to stretch and bulge. Eventually, the male opens it up and the babies float out.

T he spi ny ski n

of t he

t hor

ny s

This species, the thorny seahorse, usually gives birth to between 50 and 150 babies, but larger species can deliver up to 2,000 tiny seahorses at once! As soon as they are born, the youngsters don’t get any more help from their parents. They drift together in small groups, holding on with their tails, carried by the current. Sadly, fewer than f ive in eve r y t housa nd you ng se a horses su r vive to a d u l t h o o d , b e c a u s e t h e y m a ke e a s y p i c k i n g s f o r predators. s e c h a ng e s c ol o u r n o t a hor e s le b u t a l s o , s om e t i m e , t y t a i w l s, is de a t t r ac t a m a te , it t u r n T h t o hi a o T s ut . ly on a n d o l ou r a n d p e r f or m s o c t t s n to i br a s p e c i a l d a nc e . av a

ea

ho

r se

giv

es

it it

s na

me .

A l t h o u gh t h e y l o ok u nu s s e a hor s e s a r e a ua t yp e of f l , t hey have fi ns i sh a nd : t he br e a t he t h r o y u gh gill s.

50 to 0 3 lt se a rs hor s e s e a t a r ou n d s te t i me g n s p er d ou a y , wh e r e a s y bi t s g obbl e up 3,000 t i ny o f f o o d e v e r y d a y!

Adu

u s e s i t s l o ng s a hor s e nou A se tt s h r y i n m i t p p s u a nd o o ve r t he r ho o t w ai t s , v e r y s t i l l , f or pr I . d ey t fo o o b y , t h e n q u i c k ly s u c p a ss ks l i k e a v a c uu m c l e a n it i n , er.

65

a Fa l k l

s Islan ds

nd

i ng k r i l l w i t h C a tc h t he FIN W H A L E ( L a z a r e v S e a)

Wr appi ng up w ar w it h t he F U R S m E AL ( Weddell S e a)

Fight i n g w it h t he ELEPH A NT SE A LS (Sout d s) h O r k n e y I sl a n

We d

Argentina Hatchin g with the S CHINS TRAP PENGUIN (Deception Island)

Chile

g lin Fee ISH F ICE

t he h t S i w PU e n C T O a) O Se n se

he it h t d w UA o o K g f R N S n d) in E l La e a U T H By r d t S O ie S r a (M

t h t he g wi n i l tt UID B a SS A L SQ O ) a L e C O ( Ro s s S

St a y A N i ng TA h (A RC idd m u n T IC d

th ef (B ell reez ew in gs ha ith the use nS ea)

dell Sea

SOUTHERN OCEAN

66

Se s Ros

a

Wrapping all the way round the bottom of the globe , t he Sout he rn Oce a n e nc irc les e a r t h’s coldest continent: Antarctica. The weather is wild in these parts: prepare for fierce winds, enormous waves and biting temperatures. To brave these icy waters, the animals of the Southern Ocean must be strong survivors.

Namibia

South Africa

he th t i w Prowling the seas AL LEOPARD SE and) L d (Queen Mau

E

t he th i NS g w NGUI n i PE cier) dl ud ROR Gla H E or l P M Tay ( it h t he i ng w fi sh f L E o PET R ot W p ) s O a A SN avi s Se (D

Antarctica

S c h o ol i ng w it h A NTA RC T t IC K he R IL ( Ma w s o n Se L a)

Slip-slidi ng wit h th e A DÉLIE PENG U (Adélie La n INS d)

S a yi ng ‘Aaa h’ w A NTA RC TIC it h T (Balle th ny OOT I sl a H F e nd IS s) H

So a r

i ng w i t h t h e

n r e h t u So ean Oc Tasm a ni a

Ne

w

Ze

ala

nd

SHE A RWATERS (Auc kla nd Isla nd s)

Australia

67

h e r n i sl a n d s , s u c h a s ou t s th e t o e sh e a r w a t es sout h of Ne w Zea r t d on r e m e e r s e r b e m l Auckl a o l n d. ki a n d I sl a nd s , which lie 450

So ot y

Sh

NEW ZEALAND

ea

rw

at

er

Auckland Islands

mi

gra

tion

ro ut e s

W he e l , th n it s p ke o t s a t a s t y mor s e ar w ma , o a ter t an p lu ng e s es a ca i nto t he o c e etr tc h – m 0 7 i t c a n di ve a s dee p a s . wi m u s i ng s o t i t s s t r o ng w i ng s

sh e

Wingspan can measure a metre across

Silver-grey flash beneath wings

68

Position of feet makes it a clumsy walker

A fem ale so ot y sh e ar w s i n gl e e g g i n a co a te n r c e al to k e e p i t out o e d l ays f s ig bu ht o a r fp r ed r ow , at or s.

SOARING WITH THE

SHEARWATERS, AUCKLAND ISLANDS A no t he r r e s i d e nt of t he Auckla nd Isla nd s i s a t ran bl a c k- a nd-white cor mo . h ag called t h e Auckla nd s

The sooty shearwater makes one of the most epic migrations of any animal on earth. Each year, it takes a round trip of up to 65,0 0 0 kilometres — that’s more than one and a half times the distance round t he ent ire pla net ! The journey begins at the bird’s breeding grounds in the southern hemisphere, from where it sets off northwards, sometimes flying as far as the Arctic. It spends several months feeding in the north before journeying south again for the next breeding season.

Why does the shearwater make this trip? It follows the summer, breeding in the southern hemisphere when the weather is warm, then heading north before the cold sets in. This migration allows the shearwater to feed in the rich waters of the nor thern Pacific and Atlantic , scooping up plentiful fish and squid. These noisy birds can of ten be seen in their thousands, gathering above the ocean to dive for food.

on er h t So ot t o g e ol l o w y sh e a r water s oft en feed la rg sf i sh me e sh o al s of fi sh . T hey some t i gf n i hu n a tc h e . t i ng h u m p b a c k wh a l e s , s n f ac su r a s t he y a r d r ive n to t he e

ly m i g r a t e a l o n e , n o t S o o t y sh e a r w a t e r s u s u a l r wa ter ca n c o ver sh e a a s a fl ock g n i t a r g . A mi s i n a si ngle da y! me t r e m o r e t h a n 90 0 k i l o

A sh

ea r w nt a t e r s p e n d s 90 p e r c e of it s t i me a t s e a – i t o n ly ret ur n s to l a n d to br e e d .

Th

T he

es

he a r wa fl ie te r i s r, o a s t r o ng ft en su sk i m r fa m ce t i ng t h e o lo ok ou t for fi sh .

he of t e n o rar p e ng ui n i s . es t p or l d e ng ui n w Ex p e h t s p ec ies i n er t s 500 t hi n k ly 1 , n o t e h r a t t he r e a br e e d i ng p ld . ai r s left i n t he wi y el l o

w - e ye d

a t e r s t r a v e l hu n d r ed he a r w nt s so e t he S out he r n r r e v a o s P O cea f etre n m to k i l o r ag e f o r f o o d f o r t h e i r c hi c k. fo

69

FIGHTING WITH THE

ELEPHANT SEALS, SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS The Sout h Orkney Isla nds lie several hundred kilometres from the tip of Antarctica. Each year, these remote, rocky coasts play host to a noisy collection of visitors: elephant seals. The males arrive in August, hauling up onto the beaches to fight for a patch of territory for the breeding season. The females come ashore in September a nd gat her in groups na med harems, each defended by a dominant male. The largest males are called the beachmasters; they spread out along the shore, each with a harem of up to 100 females. This large male has won a prize strip of beach, but he can’t rest easy. A rival is squaring up for a fight, keen for a chance to mate with the females. In a battle like this, size matters, and biggest usually means best. First, the beachmaster tries to intimidate his opponent by bellowing through his trunklike nose. Then, he rears up

tall, showing off his strength. But the rival doesn’t back down, so the two must slug it out, wrestling and biting. Eve n t u a l l y, t h e c h a l l e n g e r re t re a t s , b r u i s e d a n d bleeding, leaving the winner to enjoy his victory—for now. He will need to fight many similar battles every day to defend his turf.

y o n l a n d , el e ph a n lu m s t c h ug ng s w i m m e r s . T h o o r t h s ey er y Al t r ly 1 . 5 k i l o m e t r e re v a e a n s– ls own y o t he r s e al – n sea ive d a n r t ha nd h a n d s q ui d . ca f u r t he for fi s u nt h to

es. Usually, n s t bit i a g ng . rd a t h r e a t e ni gua g lif e n i o h t t , o ck –n t hi c h e s a at x tr sc r is e k d c n e l ’s n sa a bul c ut n t o s n i k s u e j Th re nd s a b a t tl e w ou

ll s . ale s a r e c alle d bu s r hi b i gg e r t h e b u l l , t h e l o u d e u gh b el l o o w. O ft en , a fi er ce r oa r i s en . to sc a r e a r i val a w ay T he

r t h soon aft er v e bi i g s e d i ng b e a c h e s . ale e br e Fem on th to fe e d t he g ir w e ek s r ee vi n h i t r b e ac h m a s e h e t r h v t ter a a wi y h m a te o t s k e c a a e b . d i ng T h a nd he a s e p r fo pu be

T he m

bull s c a n l a s t t wo n e e s t s t ay tw p s mu h b e by pu c t a t c r u sh e d ! A w r e s t l i ng m ea r ht ge r. N g i u o h ym f or h a lf a n t he r o y a out o f t he w

Back flippers propel seal through water

Female

Whiskers detect vibrations in the water

70

Large eyes seek prey underwater

Trunklike nose amplifies male’s roars

Male

Front flippers for steering

f e n d hi s t e r r i t or y , ac h to d e t he b e n o t h r e e m on t h s h a ve to go t ays m i gh t ull s e h lu bb e r a n d s b p Ab u n tor edme a ng off s h i v c i i l , w e i gh t . wh fo o d l f h i s b o dy out r ly h a a e n w it h g los i n

dg e f o m lo o e m f t h al ki n ale e es s . g.

SOUTH AMERICA

South Orkney Islands

e

e e th th on h rk wit sn’t u l e ri r at es e al o m a s te a k e m gt m n s s n h i ac e d r y b e call he r e a

TI C A

So h a me t r i wh e m m e en , t Th t ey

A NT ARC

al so live on t hese beaches. To ge t ng ui n s e p o o t o e p a s t t h e sl e e p i ng s e p i t t G e nt s u m al s . t he y e sea , u p , t h e y m i gh t g e t t r a m p l e d m e to t h h t e ! y wa k If t he on

pi

th

On

ce

t r m he s e al p ot h on up s er ’ are b th sr or n , t h e y f e e d ep or i c h o mi l k th u ey n ew f or a f e w w e ek s . T h ds q u e ig h t o i c k ly : u p t o 4 k i l o g r a m s – fab r ic k – e ve r y d ay .

le

ei

o ver me a s u r e n a c y e l pl aye r s ou s : t h a sk e t b a l m b r e o e r n h t e me a s ls are t on n e s : he s a nt s e a t a t h up to 4 p u e h o l e g b i e a e l a s w i . M ca n a hi p p o wh i c h d t h e y s mu c h a s s l o ng , n A ! d 6 me t r e a en e n d to



c au s e of t he i r ed b e m a a nd -n r e y sk i n r e so ly g E l e ph a n t s e a l s a k n i k li k e no s e . i r wr hu g e s i z e , t h e tr un g in ma z t he male’s a

71

t c ol o s s a l s q ui d l a r ge s e ve T he eighed 495 kilogr r w d e r a ms a su – me s a gr a n d pi a no . S c i e a e m nt i s a s t he t i m a te t h a t t he y m ay gr o w t s es 2 m e t r e s l o ng . to b e 1

Sp e r m wh a l e s c a

n ma

ke i n cr e dee p. di b T he y le d u n der wa ter ive are f or m s om s or e t ha n etim es an hou r.

o v e r 2 k i l om e t r e s

ANTARCTICA

e ax , ro un y he m a s ub d e d n y h s ta di v i el p nc e ng i t .

Ross Sea

r m wh a l e n e e d s t o e A spe at m ’s weight of fi sh a n o d sq r e t h a cow ui d e n o u gh e n n i a an g o t er gy e d ay to s ver y ur v iv e.

g hu s w ’ e al h a ic h h t i w h r m ed w t i , w y w e l p s fil ace nc T he d i s m oy a r a u he pe f or e l l e d s i t s b l ca tro c on

De s pi te i e t s si up al ze , t hi s s id doesn’t ot mu qu ch e of ed fo o ne r g y , n’t ne s e s o o d d t i to k fi sh ram ee p it ca n goi ng. A 5-kilog su s t ai n i t f o r 200 days! us

e a ny yea r s p ople t hought huge s q ui d s w e r e For m m o n s t e r s i nv e n t e d b y s a i l o r l a c i h s. In 1925 t he myt ol o s s a l s q u i d t e n t a cl e s w e r e d i s c o c t s r i ver ed – f h e s t om a c h o f a s p e r m i n si de t wh a l e .

e l a r ge s t as th h – t he id gd om qu n i s k el p t h e al al he y h s s ni m T o ! l a tes a rk ne ss , c o t he pl a i n t h e d e r hales . T h s i n i n ne pr e y mw r e e d d r sp in e y of e f ch fo e r z si at u wa t e cr a nd

Th

ec ol o s to sal sq ui d li v e s o c 2 kilo ea m e t r n e s do w n i n t he ’s i t he he i n k y d e p t hs – t hat ’s g s ta ht o c ke f si x Eiff el Tower s do n to p of e a c h o t he r ! up

72

London bus

gr o w up gh t t o u o th e t he l a r ge s t are y ar e s h e h a ve t he al g. T t , a nd wh s l o n p l a n e ar th. r m e t r e n t h e n s on e e i Sp 0 m e s o t b r a 2 es or o i v i gg n b ar

c

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Sperm whale

Colossal squid

Giant squid Arms

Tentacles

The colossal squid is related to another large species of squid – the giant squid – but its body is heavier and wider, while its arms and tentacles are shorter.

a t i on : c h ol o c e d e l o ue c al To fi nd c ho e s t f o o d , t h e wh a l e u s e s a t e c h n i q r t he e o f s en e n li s t it sen d s o b out s . u t cl i c k i ng s o u n d s , t h he r e a w s t i bou nce back off pr ey, r e veali ng

BATTLING WITH THE

COLOSSAL SQUID, ROSS SEA

I n t h e d e p t h s o f t h e R o s s S e a , j u s t a f ew hundred kilometres from the South Pole, an e p i c b a t t l e i s u n d e r w ay. Fa r b e n e a t h t h e icebergs and towering waves of these dangerous waters, a male sperm whale is on the hunt. He has tracked down a giant meal: the colossal squid. But his meal is fighting back. This is a b a t t l e o f t h e t i t a n s , b e t we e n t h e b ig g e s t predator on earth (the sperm whale) and the largest invertebrate (the colossal squid).

As the whale bites down on its target’s slippery arm, the squid writhes and struggles, encircling the whale with its strong tentacles. Each of these is lined with sharp hooks, which dig in to the whale’s flank, clawing and tearing. The sperm whale doesn’t have a good enough grip: it is forced to release the squid, which darts away. But, with a few flicks from the whale’s powerful tail, it catches up, its jaws clamping shut around the squid’s soft body. The battle is over.

73

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74

ou r BL ney i ng UE n or W t h w it h HA LE ( Gr e e n l a n d) J

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Iceland

ARCTIC OCEAN At t he top of t he world, t he Arctic Ocean surrounds the North Pole. It may be the smallest ocean, but it’s a big hitter when it comes to wildlife, famous for its polar bears, whales and seals. But as our planet warms up, the sea ice is melting… meaning t hese precious creatures may soon be without homes.

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75

T he wal r u ses T hi a r en’t t h i t h li t t l e on e s t o f e s po ed . e o n ly o n e s w la r b ea r ha it h t he w al r u s hu n g r y c u b s – b u t w safe ses on i c me al i n r e ac h . eb e r g s , t her e’s no ea sy

Wal r u ses a r e ver y tac t i c r e a t u r e s : a mo t he l e r r e s he r pup by c r ad r ea ssu li n g hi m , a n d b y s t r o k i ng hi s h t h i e w r e w c h a f i sk e r s.

t he t h a t d to e e r g a t s nt i s t e li n k aff ec m el t i ng i c e i n t h e A r c t i c i s ill ma n i s w r es , h ma de T . g gl o b a l w a r m i n tu r ea . t he h es abitats of ma ny A r c t ic c r us l a i n clu d i ng p ol a r b e a r s a n d w Mo s t s c i e

0 ju m b o je t u t 8 4 ,0 0 s’ wo , ab o r th r a o c e e a h e n t . n T i h y is m up y s d a r k n e es e Ev t ic e f o o d c h a i n , i n j u r i ng t l a s i nto t h he p of w ay a ny ocea n cr eat u r es. of m s h t t i al he

Thick blubber protects against freezing cold

Tough skin for protection from polar-bear bites

76

Long tusks help the walrus clamber onto ice, and defend itself

Oarlike flippers, for swimming

Eve an n he hu m re, in , e c ac t a l t h i s r e mo te p ly , i on s e nt c a r e af e r f e c t i ng w i l d l i f e : sc ien of bit s t i s t s di s y n i t d c o ver e s. pl a s t ic i n t he p o o of w al r u s e

r om pola r bea r s. If a afe f s Wal r p e u s e s of a w a l l o f t hi c k hi d e t e n hu d d l e t o g e t h e r t o k e k i ng b ea r a m e i n si de . ap pr o a s on t h c h e s , t h e y cl o s e r a n k s , s te r g n a n d sh a u r p t u sk s , w i t h t h e y o Svalbard

NO

RW AY

GREENLAND

ICELAND

a v e a s t r o ng al r u s h A mo t he r a n d b aby w for t he fi r s t t wo yea r s b on d . T h e y s t a y t o ge t h e r e ven aft er t hi s. oft en of t he pup’s life , a nd

w al r u s to he a ve it s or a f k ce – it ’s e ven or nto t he i d w y up o r a bod on e s , a s t h e y h a v e li t tl e sh It’ ssive or the p t h e m dig i n ! o h el a er f t s k m rd t us h a no a r e b or n on t h e i c e pup s , bu e h T t i m aft er ju s t a fe w hou w s r s. ca n

Th

to

es e n n hu g ec e – cl o r e a t u ca r – s e to r e s c a n we t he wi i gh o v e r a wei th gh t o t us f a sm all ks am e t r e lo ng .

ICE-BATHING WITH THE

WALRUS, SVALBARD

The Sva lba rd Isla nds sit nea rly 2 ,0 0 0 kilometres from Norway, in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. This remote wilderness is known for its snow-covered mountains, craggy icebergs and vast glaciers. Because these islands lie so far north, during the summer months it’s daylight around the clock. In this land of the midnight sun, pola r bea rs roa m , on t he lookout for walruses to eat.

These walruses know that a polar bear is on the prowl. They have swum away from the land, hauling up onto icebergs to rest in safety. Many of these females have young pups with them, whom they need to protect. They shove and snort, jostling for position, trying to find a space on the crowded ice. In the Arctic, the oceans are warming and the ice is melting—meaning these walruses might soon be left with nowhere safe to shelter.

77

e e k s ol d , i t ju m p s of f c hi c k i s a f e w w owa r d s t he water. t t he cliff, g n w l i d i ng d o

W he n a

A fl edgli ng chick i s followed c l o s e ly b y wh o w i l l s t a its fat her, y w it h i t f or t w o m o n t h s , wh i l e i t l e a r n s t o c atch fi sh .

i c k -b i l l e d m u r r e i s a T he t h n en du r i t c a n di v e up to t an a t hl e e : 20 t ce i m w i t , h o n ly a s e a r ow s hor t in re b e t w e e n e ac h pl u ng e s t .

T he A r c t ic c o d c a n s u r v ive i n v e r y c ol d s b e c au s e it h a s a s p e c wa ter i a l s u b s t a nc e i n d t h a t s top s it f r e ez i ng. It i t s bl o o hi d e s i n s u n d e r t he ic e , a w ay k c a r f r om pr e d a t or s . c

DEEP-DIVING WITH THE

THICK-BILLED MURRE, CANADA Wit h its stubby wings and plump body, t he t hic k-billed m ur re is not t he world’s most graceful flier. But this little seabird is a master diver. In fact, it is a world record holder, diving deeper underwater than any other flying bird. Using its wings as paddles, the murre ‘ flies’ through the water, plummeting down to find fish to eat . It can reach depths of over 20 0 m e t re s , a n d c a n st ay u n d e r w a t e r w i t h o u t breathing for more than three minutes.

78

These prize-winning divers spend most of their lives at sea, only coming ashore to breed. They gather in large colonies, such as this one at Cape Parry in the far north of Canada. Here, murres lay t heir eggs on t he narrow ledges of treacherous cliffs, out of reach of most predators. How do they stop their eggs from rolling over the edge? They build little barriers out of pebbles, stuck together with poo. Genius!

White stripe on bill – may help birds recognise members of the same species

a u c o u s g u l l h a ng s T h e gl a r ou nd t h g f or a c h a nc e t o s n n i t e mu r r e colony, i a a tc h w a n eg g or c hi c k t o e a t .

Strong, flipper-like wings help murres dive

T he mu r r e doesn’t div e be ne a di r ec tly f r om t he ai r. th Fi r s t , it c t he on t h e s u r f a c e , t he n r a sh w a t s te b e f or e t a k i e n g t h a d i e s -l a n r d e pl i t u ng s el f s , e. Round, heavy body – makes for clumsy landings and take-offs

k -b i l l e d m u r r e u s e s i t A t hi c s br o ad wi g t h r o u gh t h e w a t e r a t a r ng s a s p a d d l e s , di v i n ou n d 2 me t r e s p e r s e c on d .

y

s

fa Th v o t ou r i he it r ro c

deep dives – oft en , t on’t always ma ke he y a r ou nd 30 me t r e s t ic k t f o s o sh a l l o w e r d e p t h s.

Mu r r e sd

a

an t m e of t a n p r d a e c , a n mp o . h t e i n rr n h, ai fi s mu y s a c h r e t h pl a o o d de en d of . It a n f l s s s fo o u r e o c e t e a t he re in le

li

i n,

e s th e To su s a r f a c e , a mu r r e r e l e ps ai r h el , s t r app i e d i n it s fe a t he r s . T h rds r ed wa uc e d p u r ag , s o i t c a n r o c k e t ke . a je t s wa -t r a i l o f t i n i s b u bbl e

Cape Parry

CANADA

79

JOURNEYING NORTH WITH THE

BLUE WHALE, GREENLAND

As long as three double-decker buses, with a h e a r t t h e s i ze o f a s m a l l c a r a n d a t o n g u e weighing as much as an African elephant, the blue whale is the largest creature ever to have existe d . In fac t , wit h a we ig ht c lose to 20 0 t o n n e s , i t ’s t w i c e a s h e av y a s t h e b i g g e s t dinosaur. Surprisingly, the largest animal on the pla net feeds on one of t he sma llest : a t iny, shrimp-like creature called krill. Every spring, the blue whale sets off on a huge journey. It t ravels t housa nds of kilomet res from its

breeding waters close to t he Equator to its feeding grounds near the poles. Here, it grazes on huge swarms of krill, which bloom in these icy seas. It feeds for three or four months — throughout the polar summer—before heading back towards the tropics as winter arrives. This female is travelling with her new calf. It is the calf’s first long-distance voyage —but, with an estimated life span of 80 years, this youngster will chalk up plenty more miles during its time on earth.

T h e b l u e wh a l e m a n a ge 4 t on n e s o f k r i l l e v e r y s t o g u lp d d ay , a b o u t t h e w e i gh t o f a wh i c h o w n hi p p o! i s

i t e i t s s i z e , t hi s g e n t l e g i a n t i s D esp h a r d to t r ac k . T he r e mys ter y su r r ou n d i ng t i s mu c h h e wh a l e : s c i e n t i s t s s t ill don’t k now exac tly wh e r e it go e s to br e e d .

Asi ve de f ha s e r om h l ve r u m a n s , b l u e wh a es yf tim e s u r e w pr e d a m to t or s . T h e y a r e s o r ou tr y nded o h se p w b y p a c k s o f or c a s , r s. ara t he te t h e c a l v e s f r om t h e i r mo Blowhole for breathing (spray can reach up to 12 metres high!)

Sievelike filter on roof of mouth

80

Tail the width of a small aircraft

s t c e n t u r y hu m a n s hu n t e d I n t he l a t h e bl u e wh a l e a l m o s t t ion . Its nu mber s have sl t o e x t i nc o w ly r ec o ver ed t ha n k s li ng ba n i n 1982 , but it r e t o a wh a m ai n s e n d a ng e r e d .

GREENLAND

Blue whale migration routes

Th

k n o w, t h e a g e o f a b l u e wh a l e D i d y ou d e o k u r t o b w y e c ou nt i ng how ma ny ca n b f ea r wa x it ha s? A o s r e y la ne w l aye r f or m s e v e r y s i x m on ths.

e la w a r ge s t r ed b a s 3 3 . 5 b l u e wh a l e e v e r m e a s u sk e me t a r e s l on tb a g : b i gg e r t h a n e ll c o al ur t. A we n a v e r a g e b l u e wh i gh sm or e t h a n 2 ,0 0 0 p e o p l e !

t h e wh a l e s c o o p s i n ga l l on s o f To feed , t i p h u c s i h e s out t , wh h r o u gh a s i e v e w a ter e h r t o o n f o of it s m s e l t s i r out h . T hou s a n d s of b r e a c l a l i u r g k h f t o i n t he br i s tl e s .

T h e blu

Un su r pr i si ngly, t he la rges t a ni mal on t h e p l a n e t p r o d u c e s t h e b i gg e s t b a b i e s . l e c a lf i s 7 m e t r e s l o ng a n d A b l u e wh a r e t ha n a f ull-gr own w e i gh s m o gi r aff e.

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81

OCEANS IN DANGER The oceans are essential to life on earth. For hundreds of years, people have relied on them for food, transport and even fuel, such as oil. But today, human activities are threatening the health of the oceans.

WHY ARE THE OCEANS SO IMPORTANT?

Th e re a re s o m a ny re a s o n s . First of all, half of the oxygen we breathe comes from plants and algae in the ocean. Our seas a l s o p l ay a v i t a l r o l e i n t h e world’s weather and climate, supplying rain for our forests and farmlands.

For humans, the oceans provide not just oxygen, food and fuel, but also medicines. Sea sponges and molluscs are used in drugs to fight c ancer, and t he blue blood o f t he horseshoe c r a b cont a ins a spec ia l subst a nce that helps us test medicines.

Our seas are home to hundreds of thousands—or even millions— of different species of animal, which play an essential part in the world’s web of life. So far, we’ ve explored only a tiny fraction of t he ocean . We’re learning new things every day, but there’s a lot more still to be discovered.

HOW ARE HUMAN ACTIONS HARMING THE OCEANS?

Pollution is a problem. Ever y day, tonnes of human rubbish end up in the ocean, including loads of plastic that doesn’t rot away. By 2050, there could be more plastic (by weight) in the ocean than fish! Poisonous chemicals from factories also get washed into t he seas , as well as oil that has been spilled from tankers.

82

Overfishing is also an issue. If too many of the same kind of fish are caught, their numbers can plummet. To prevent this, ma ny count ries have ba nned the catching of certain types of fish until numbers recover.

M ost sc i e n t ist s wo u l d ag re e that human actions have af fected the world’s climate, causing it to warm up. This has led ocean temperatures around t he world to rise , leading to coral bleaching and melting sea ice.

WHAT ABOUT THE OCEAN CREATURES? All this human activity puts sea life at risk. In the Arctic, melting sea ice means that the homes of many creatures, including polar bears, are disappearing.

Tiny bits of plastic in the ocean can poison the animals that eat them by accident. Some birds even feed bits of plastic to their chicks, mistaking them for food.

Se a t u r t le s a re at r is k f ro m fishing nets, egg poachers and pollution. Nowadays, more than half of all the world’s sea turtles have traces of plastic in their bodies.

We can use fewer plastic things, a s we ll a s ge t t i ng r id o f o u r rubbish responsibly, and picking up litter from beaches.

We can choose to eat seafood that is sustainable, which means that it’s not at risk of dying out, and it has been caught or farmed in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.

WHAT CAN WE DO? To tackle climate change and reduce the affect it has on the ocean, we can reduce the amount of energy we use.

Above all, we can learn as much as possible about the ocean: the more we learn, the more we’ll want to help protect these precious habitats. Understanding our oceans is crucial if we want to preserve the health – and the future – of the whole planet.

83

CAN YOU FIND? Seal with fishing net,

Hawaii

Coral crab,

Australia

Deck chair,

Argentina

Cuttlefish with hypnotic eyes,

Australia

USA

Hammerhead with flowers,

Cocos island

Galápagos Islands

Harlequin shrimp,

Australia

Waving seal,

Blue dragon sea slug,

Crab shooting water,

Violin,

Octopus covered in shells,

Zebra mantis shrimp,

Pod of dolphins,

Australia

Inflated porcupine fish,

The Maldives

South Africa

South Africa

Red snapper,

The Seychelles

Baby yellow-eyed penguin,

Orca whale,

Parrotfish in sleeping bag,

Orange-striped triggerfish,

Seahorse with mask,

Thailand

Heart made from petals,

Barreleye fish,

Mariana Trench

Teddy bear,

Hawaii

84

Anchor,

Auckland Islands

The Maldives

Greenland

Madagascar

Canary Islands

Andaman Islands

Diving board,

Argentina

Baby otter with lifebelt,

USA

Polar bear with her cub,

Svalbard

Brazil

Indonesia

Brown pelican with fish,

Costa Rica

Binoculars,

South Georgia Island

Gull fishing,

Canada

Pair of fins,

Turtle with a shopping basket,

Argentina

Red-footed booby,

Indonesia

Australia

Indonesia

South Georgia Island

Penguin in a swim cap,

Argentina

Auckland Islands

Bucket of fish,

Spotted eagle ray,

Albatross holding a flower,

South Georgia Island

Andaman Islands

Cleaner wrasse cleaning parrot fish,

Auckland Islands

Auckland shag,

Cloud of krill,

Murre with a lifebelt,

Thailand

Baby albatross with nightcap,

Compass,

Blue swimmer crab burying itself,

Canary Islands

Great-billed heron,

Isopod in clownfish’s mouth,

Galápagos Islands

Australia

Pot-bellied seahorse,

Frigate bird,

Mid-Pacific

Ivory gull,

Svalbard

Mexico

Australia

Whale tail,

Penguin with bucket and spade,

Argentina

South Georgia Island

Dolphin with nightcap,

Hawaii

Sleeping bat,

Greenland

Canada

Elephant seal pup,

Gentoo penguins,

South Orkney Islands

South Orkney Islands N

W

A gull with a fish,

Canada

Baby walrus in an ice hole,

Svalbard

Walrus pup tickled by whiskers,

Svalbard

E

S

85

INDEX Adélie Land 67 albatross 31, 46–47 Andaman Islands 50–51 angelfish 19, 48 emperor 48, 61 anglerfish, humpback 8, 28–29 Antarctica 66–67 Arctic Ocean 12, 74–75 Argentina 30, 44–45 Ascension Island 31 Atlantic Ocean 30–31, 47 Auckland Islands 67–69 Australia 8, 22–27, 49, 58–59

coral 24 hermit 23 horseshoe 82 robber 49 Sally Lightfoot 42–43 spider 8 crocodile, saltwater 50–51 cuttlefish 49, 58–59

Balleny Islands 67 banded pipefish 24 barracuda 31 barreleye fish 29 bat, fruit 57 bioluminescence 28 black swallower 28 blobfish 49 blue dragon 36 bobbit worm 49, 54–55 booby blue-footed 8, 20–21 red-footed 56 Brazil 31, 42–43

echolocation 73 eel chain moray 42–43 European 30 gulper 29

Canada 30, 74, 78–79 Canary Islands 31, 36–37 Cape Verde 31 capelin 79 Caribbean Sea 30, 41 cephalopod 59 China 8 clam 14–15, 24 cleaner wrasse 53 climate change 82–83 clownfish 8, 22–23 Cocos Island (Pacific Ocean) 9, 18–19 Cocos Islands (Indian Ocean) 49 cod, Arctic 79 coral reefs 11, 22–25, 49, 52–53, 56–57 Costa Rica 9, 16–17 crab 34

Deception Island dolphin bottlenose spinner

66 57 8, 10–11, 16

flying fish 30, 40–41 75 Franz Josef Land French Polynesia 9 frigate bird 20, 31, 41 Galápagos Islands 9, 20–21 gannet, Northern 30 giant trevally 62–63 global warming 76–77, 82–83 Great Barrier Reef 22–23 Greenland 74, 80–81 gull, glaucous 79 hatchetfish, deep-sea 28, 48 Hawaii 9–11 heron, great-billed 57 icefish 66 Iceland 31 India 48 Indian Ocean 48–49, 56 Indonesia 13, 49, 54–57 Isla Mujeres 38–39 Japan 8 jellyfish 12–13, 37



box 48 lion’s mane

74

kelp forest 14–15, 26–27, 34–35 Kerguelen Islands 48 krill, Antarctic 67, 80–81 lanternfish 8, 16–17 lava flows 19 lionfish 48, 54–55 lobster 11, 30–31 Madagascar 48, 64–65 mahi-mahi (dolphinfish) 40–41 Maldives 48, 60–61 mangrove forests 49–51 man-of-war fish 37 man-of-war, Portuguese 30, 36–37 Maori wrasse 22 Mariana Trench 28–29 Marie Byrd Land 66 marlin 40 blue 31, 38 Mauritius 48 Mexico 9, 30, 38–39 monocle bream 55 14 Monterey Bay moonfish 13 Moorish idol 48 mud skipper 50 murre, thick-billed 74, 78–79 narwhal 74 New Siberian Islands New Zealand 8, 68

75

octopus 11, 31, 43, 59 Antarctic 66 common 34–35 crab-hunting 42 dumbo 8 Maori 27 orca 80 overfishing 82 Pacific Ocean

8–9, 13, 29, 56

Arctic 75 sea urchin 14, 61 green 74 seahorse 26–27, 48 potbellied 27 thorny 64–65 seal bearded 75 Cape fur 32–33 elephant 66, 70–71 fur 66 Hawaiian monk 11 leopard 67 Seal Island 32–33 seamounts 18 Seychelles 48, 62–63 shag, Auckland 69 shark 34–35, 51 great white 31–33 green 31 hammerhead 18–19 lemon 61 pyjama 34 shortfin mako 59 tiger 60 whale 30, 38–39 Queen Maud Land 67 shearwater, sooty 67–69 shrimp 27, 65 Raja Ampat 57 zebra mantis 50 ray skua, Southern 66 devil (mobula) 17 snail, Triton’s trumpet 24–25 flying 8 shellfish 15, 27, 62 manta 57 snapper spotted eagle 39 bluestripe 19, 48 10–11 remora fish two-spot red 62 Ross Sea 66, 72–73 soldierfish, bigscale 18 Russia 8 South Africa 31–35, 48 South America 21, 44–45 sailfish 17, 49 South Georgia Island 31, 46–47 Samoa 8 South Orkney Islands 66, 70–71 sea anemone 22–23 Southern Ocean 66–67 sea dragon, weedy 8, 26–27 spotted handfish 26 sea eagle, white-bellied 49, 56–57 squid 13, 45, 59, 69–70 sea nettle, Pacific 12 colossal 66, 72–73 sea otter 8, 14–15 googly-eyed glass 31 sea slug 36 Sri Lanka 48 parrotfish 49, 52–53 chameleon 52 daisy 52 humphead 52 pelican, brown 17 penguin Adélie 67 chinstrap 66 emperor 67 gentoo 71 macaroni 48 Magellanic 30, 44–45 yellow-eyed 69 petrel Hawaiian 11 snow 67 pilot fish 12 plankton 16, 38, 57 plastic pollution 13, 21, 46, 76, 82–83 polar bear 75–77, 83 polyps 37 porcupine fish 48, 60–61 porpoise, finless 8 pufferfish 61 puffin, tufted 8

starfish 35, 61 crown-of-thorns stingray 8, 18–19 sunfish, ocean 36 Svalbard 75–77

24–25

Tanzania 48 Tasmania 26–27 Taylor Glacier 67 Thailand 49, 52–53 tern, sooty 63 tongue-eating isopod 22 toothfish, Antarctic 67 triggerfish orange-striped 61 reef 11 Titan 61 tripod fish 31 tropicbird 11, 42 tuna 39–40, 60 bluefin 30 yellowfin 16–17 tunny fish 39 turtle green sea 8, 11 hawksbill 48 leatherback 8, 12–13 loggerhead 37 olive ridley sea 50 tuskfish 8, 24–25 UK USA

31 9, 13–15, 30

viperfish, Pacific

29

walrus 75–77 whale beluga 75 blue 74, 80–81 humpback 8, 69 minke 31 Omura’s 56 sperm 8, 72–73

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Atlas of Ocean Adventures copyright © Wide Eyed Editions 2019 Illustrations copyright © Lucy Letherland 2019 Text copyright © Emily Hawkins 2019 First Published in 2019 by Wide Eyed Editions, an imprint of The Quarto Group. The Old Brewery, 6 Blundell Street, London N7 9BH, United Kingdom. T (0)20 7700 6700 F (0)20 7700 8066 www.QuartoKnows.com The right of Emily Hawkins and Lucy Letherland to be identified as the author and illustrator of this work, respectively, has been asserted by them both in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 (United Kingdom). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher or a license permitting restricted copying. In the United Kingdom such licenses are issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency, Barnard’s Inn, 8b Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1EN. ISBN 978-0-7112-4530-3 Digital edition: 978-0-71124-5-327 Hardcover edition: 978-0-71124-5-303 Illustrated with coloured inks Set in Festivo, Gabriela and Gill Sans Shadow Designed by Myrto Dimitrakoulia Edited by Lucy Brownridge Published by Rachel Williams Printed in Bosnia and Herzegovina 135798642