Sea inhabitants are various animals that can be either huge or so tiny that they can not even be noticed with the naked eye. Which marine life is the smallest, and which is able to attract attention with an unusual and even aggressive look?
Mal yes
Among the marine inhabitants, the shinderria is the smallest in size. This mini-fish lives off the coast of Australia, it weighs only a few grams, and reaches a few millimeters in length. The smallest marine inhabitants with the original name - shindleria - can grow up to a maximum of 7 mm, while they live only a month. Due to the transparent spine and body, this fish could not be detected for a long time. Shindleria feeds on plankton, and it can be seen only in two oceans - the Pacific and Indian.
Gobies of small sizes
Prior to the Shindleria, the Philippine Pandaka goby was the leader in the "smallest marine life" category. The males of these fish reach a maximum of 11 mm, while the females are somewhat larger - 14 mm. For the first time mini-fish were discovered in the Philippine Islands. It is noteworthy that pandaka are very popular among fishermen. This fish is not only the smallest freshwater individual, but also the smallest vertebrate in the world. Most often they live in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but they are found in the peat bogs of Indonesia.
There are small sea ​​inhabitants among starfish. We are talking about the star as-terinid, which is found in the waters of the southern coast of Australia. The diameter of her body is only 9 mm.
Freshwater and marine small fry
The smallest river fish is the mystichtis. It lives in lakes and rivers of the Philippine coast. The length of commercial individuals reaches only 12 mm; they live in flocks. Indonesians use these gobies to make delicious dried cakes. It turns out that the smallest marine life can be the most delicious!
In Russian rivers, there is a small stickleback fish, the body length of which barely reaches 5 cm. It is found in large numbers, therefore it is commercial. After processing, the sticklebacks receive fat used for technical needs, as well as for the production of feed for birds and livestock.
The smallest inhabitant of the deep sea was discovered in the Shetland Islands. Gillette Goby is the smallest marine fish in Europe. Due to their small size and incomprehensible color, due to which individuals easily hide in algae, for a long time they could not be detected and identified.
Another fish that strikes gourmets as a finished meal is Sinarapan. These tiny representatives of marine fauna are considered a delicacy in Indonesia. Therefore, local residents arrange a real hunt for them. Males reach a length of only 13 mm, and indeed the fish are on the verge of extinction. However, Filipinos continue to pamper their tourists with such delicacies. The smallest marine inhabitants of the Caspian Sea are the bulls of Berg. They live in the bottom layers of water, reach only 2 cm in length.
Argonaut Octopus
The depths of the sea are full of mysteries and unusual phenomena. For example, the octopus Paul, who was able to “predict” the results of several matches of the World Cup, was recently very popular. However, the Dumbo octopus is more attractive in terms of appearance. It is distinguished by ear-like formations that are visible on the top of the head. By the way, there is also the smallest marine inhabitant among these animals - the male octopus Argonauto argo is only 1 cm long. The so-called Argonauts live in the surface waters of the World Ocean (in the tropics and subtropics) and feed mainly on mollusks. Males differ in tiny sizes, while females reach a length of 10 cm.
Sea Horse
This amazing and vibrant representative of the underwater world can claim the title of the smallest. True, if we are talking about a dwarf seahorse, which reaches a maximum of 4 cm in length. The main feature of this inhabitant of the waters is a unique disguise, thanks to which it is very difficult to notice. What little sea creatures are found among the skates? It should be noted and the Black Sea seahorse, which is distinguished by a long face and spotted color. True, the length of individuals reaches 12 cm.
Moray eel
This is one of the most dangerous predators of the water world, the length of which can reach as much as three meters. However, there are also the smallest marine inhabitants among moray eels, however, their length still exceeds 10 cm. The main distinguishing features of these animals are their aggressive nature and constant desire to attack their prey. Moray eels eat crustaceans, small fish, even sea urchins. One of the small individuals of this species is the nosed moray eel. And let her body be no more than 10 cm long, while the predator has sharp and dangerous teeth.
Stars in the sea
The most beautiful inhabitants of the seabed are stars that belong to the echinoderm family. Their sizes can be very different, starting from a few centimeters and ending with almost a meter in diameter (adult individuals). These creatures relate to nutrition simply: they can eat up to 40 species of various marine organisms. These invertebrates are characterized by their ability to regenerate, that is, torn rays can recover over time. Starfish live from 20 years and more.
Crabs
These marine inhabitants are represented in a huge variety, but the pea crab claims to be the smallest. It is found in the Sea of ​​Azov, for food it is taken inside the shells of oysters, mussels, scallops. The size of the shell of this creature is only 6.3 mm. This is the smallest marine inhabitant among all of the above.
Bigfoot crab is a special kind of crabs covered with fur. That is why they were given such an unusual name. True, there is no fur in the literal sense of the word, but there are limbs and a chest covered with long feathery setae. Scientists believe that bristles contain filamentous bacteria that purify water from harmful substances.
Amazing underwater
Amazing marine life is found in huge numbers. For example, the unusual appearance is distinguished by a short-banded bat, the main feature of which is in large red lips, which are called esk. They emit a specific smell that attracts worms, crustaceans and various small fish.
The branchy ophiurs, which are deep-sea animals with a huge number of branched rays, which can be longer than the entire body of these inhabitants of the underwater kingdom, are quite interesting. They need rays to catch zooplankton and other food. The main feature of these individuals is the absence of blood, and gas exchange is carried out by a special water-vascular system.
Yes, the underwater world is truly amazing and mysterious ... You might be surprised to find out who else claims to be the "smallest marine inhabitant." Killer whale! Yes Yes! Just do not confuse the marine mammal of the cetacean dolphin family, the toothed whale suborder and ... catfish with exactly the same name. Siamese killer whale lives in the waters of Thailand and Kampuchea, and does not exceed 12 cm in length.
Cone fish
This fish attracts attention with its unusual appearance, due to which it is called pineapple, knight, or cone. Such names are not given to this marine inhabitant by chance: his yellow body is covered with large scales, complemented by sharp spikes along the edges. Another feature of the fish is the presence of bioluminescent organs located in the corners of the mouth: thanks to them, the cone tracks down prey in the dark. This species lives in the tropics and subtropics of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and swims slowly due to the stiffness of the scales. He prefers to hunt at night, and during the day he hides in caves and behind rocky ledges.
Sponge under water
Sponge lyre is an organism resembling a starfish. It lives at a depth of more than 3,000 meters. Thanks to the vertical branches of the blades, the shape of this creature resembles a lyre. Chondrocladia lyra preys on serious prey in the form of small crustaceans.
Clowns and Harlequins
Harlequin snorkel is one of the unique marine creatures that can become like a sprig of algae and camouflage itself well. In terms of appearance, harlequin resembles a seahorse or needle.
Clown fish are found in the tropics and subtropics and are predators. To catch prey, they need no more than one second. These sea fish are distinguished by their striking appearance, which is why they got such an original name. Their distinguishing features include high hunting speed. Another variety is called Sargasso clownfish, which can mimic algae.
Crayfish and spiders
One of the interesting representatives of crayfish is a mantis, which has the most complex eyes in the world. These creatures are able to recognize up to 12 colors, as well as ultraviolet and infrared rays. Due to this eye structure, crayfish can see different types of corals, identify their prey and predator. During an attack on prey, the mantis strikes with strong, pointed legs.
Sea spider is an arthropod that is found in the Mediterranean, Caribbean Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Today, scientists know more than 1300 species of this class, and the length of some of them varies within 90 cm. Spiders, like land "relatives", have 8 legs, a proboscis, with which they absorb food into the intestines. Most individuals are carnivorous. These creatures are found in the waters of countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, as well as in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.
Lions and dragons
Lion fish are one of the most dangerous marine creatures. The length of the individual barely reaches 30 cm, while most of the time the creature is stationary. Despite the beautiful color and unusual shape, the lion's fins consist of sharp and poisonous needles, with the help of which it protects itself from enemies.
Dragon fish is distinguished by translucent tender greenish fins, which constantly sway during movement. Body length - only 35 cm.