Ocean Life | Smithsonian Ocean

Translucent jellyfish in the ocean

A photo of a squid using bioluminescence to hide in the deep sea.

Bioluminescence Overview

For some ocean creatures, creating light is a matter of life and death. Learn about how light is used in the ocean.

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Featured Content

Two octopuses sitting underwater highlight the different textures the animals can take on.

Overview

Octopuses and Squids

Two Adélie penguins on Paulet Island, Antarctica

Overview

Penguins

Corals, sponges, and algae are the major components of most coral reef communities as shown in this picture.

Overview

Corals and Coral Reefs

Chrysaora melanaster is a jellyfish found in the Arctic.

Overview

Jellyfish and Comb Jellies

Great hammerhead in Bimini, Bahamas.

Overview

Sharks

Ocean Life Articles

Manglares en el Borde del Mar

Article

Restauración de manglares: Dejar que la madre naturaleza haga su trabajo

This species of bamboo coral, discovered in 2004 in the Pacific Northwest, has unusually long and impressive tentacles.

Slideshow

Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Corals

Master carver Douglas Chilton rides in the Raven Spirit canoe at its ceremonial launch.

Article

The Sant Ocean Hall: Salmon Shape a Way of Life

“Upon returning from the reef after a night dive, I swam toward a bright reflection and came eye-to-eye with this beautiful, curious squid.” -- Nature's Best photographer Charles Viggers.Equipment Used to Capture the Shot: Nikon D700; 105mm ƒ/2.8 lens

Slideshow

Stunning Squid Pictures

Photo of the head of a leafy seadragon

Article

Devoted Dads: From Seahorses to Sea Spiders

Orange roughy and various marine species, bycatch, on the deck of a research trawler

Article

Rough Going for Orange Roughy

A sunset over Boston Harbor.

Article

Signs of a Recovering Harbor

A screenshot from the video "A Jellyfish is Born" showing a jellyfish polyp.

Video

A Jellyfish Is Born

Aegina, a type of jellyfish, swims through the water.

Slideshow

A Look at Life in the Deep Sea

an illustration of two gannets

Slideshow

Seabirds of America

A screenshot from video showing a sea turtle on the sand.

Video

Sea Turtles Return to the Sea

A harp seal in icy water

Overview

Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses