The Atlantic Ocean is the world's second-largest ocean, after the Pacific Ocean, which hosts a wide range of species.
It covers about 29% of the entire hydrosphere of the Earth and is known to be the richest fishing spot in the world. The second-largest reef in the world, the Cancun reef is situated here, which is the home to a large number of marine plants and animals.
Not only does a wide range of animal and plant species thrive in the great Atlantic Ocean, but it also contains several natural resources like natural gas, oil, gravel, sand, and precious stones. The popular animals that are found in the Atlantic are sea turtles, starfish, manatees, humpback whales, gray seals, shark species, and a multitude of fish species.
Playful dolphin and bluefin tuna are also popularly noticed near the ocean surface. Plenty of octopus, squid, and ghost crabs live in this marine habitat, which contributes to the massive sale in fish markets.
In addition, a number of endangered species reside in this ocean, for example, the giant whales and the great white sharks.
The body of these creatures is well adapted to the deep marine conditions and possesses certain unique features. Read on to learn more intriguing facts on the Atlantic Ocean fauna.
The Atlantic Ocean is warmer compared to other oceans. This saltwater ocean thus provides ideal temperature conditions to a multitude of marine animal species, who thrive well here. A vast number of animal species inhabit this ocean including whales, which are considered one of the marine mammals most susceptible to threats from humans.
Manatees, ghost crabs, sea lions, humpback whales, catfish, starfish, gray Atlantic seals, green sea turtles, shrimps, octopi, penguins, and different animals are found in this ocean. The coral reefs present here are also home to an array of fish and other marine animals, as well as plants.
A large number of animals migrate to the warm water of the Atlantic during their breeding season.
Sperm whales are often known to travel miles to feed on bottom dwellers like the giant squid. They can also dive for prolonged durations in search of food.
What are the most common animals in the Atlantic Ocean?
The most common animals of the Atlantic Ocean are the green sea turtle and the humpback whale. The sperm whale, bluefin tuna, giant shark, and crabs are also common in the deep ocean water.
The manatee is popularly seen swimming in deep waters among millions of marine animals. Seals, turtles, and dolphins are common attractions for tourists around the world.
The spiny bottom dweller, the porcupine crab inhabits the northeastern part of the ocean. Different octopus species prefer deep hiding spots in rocks underwater.
The national aquatic animal of the North Atlantic Ocean is the orca or the killer whale and the great white shark.
It is bordered by the east coasts of North America, Central, and South America. Europe and Africa mark the west coast of this part of the ocean.
The harbor seal is identified as the national aquatic animal in Canada, while the dolphin is considered the national marine mammal in Mexico. Jellyfish are also seen swimming deep in the southern parts of the ocean and often the ocean surface appears to be bright as moonlight, due to the bioluminescence of these animals.
What kind of sea mammals live in the Atlantic Ocean?
A large number of sea animals are found in the Atlantic Ocean. Aquatic mammals are common as well in these warm waters.
The dolphin species, the killer whale or orca, the sperm whale, and seals are common aquatic mammals that migrate to the warm Atlantic Ocean during their breeding season. Manatees and sea otters residing in the North Atlantic also belong to this group.
The marine ecosystem helps them to survive. These animals have adapted uniquely to the marine habitat with sharp teeth and streamlined bodies with fins.
They feed on a variety of food, including zooplankton, fish, and other mammals. These creatures of the North Atlantic and southern areas of this ocean are great contributors to the ecosystem, which controls the prey population.
Which endangered animal species live in the Atlantic Ocean?
The increased water pollution and toxicity from greenhouse emissions have led to the deterioration of seawater quality, thereby negatively affecting the aquatic flora and fauna to a great extent. A number of species have become vulnerable to the growing toxicity of ocean water. Plastics and other harmful substances, also prove fatal to marine life.
Several species are endangered and are on the verge of extinction that lives in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these animals are different species of whales, the most common being the fin whale and the sperm whale.
The North Atlantic whale and the Sei whale are also endangered.
According to the Endangered Species Act, more than 2,000 species of marine life are listed as vulnerable and threatened. It is, therefore, important for us to take appropriate measures in order to prevent water pollution and save the marine flora and fauna.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for amazing Atlantic Oceans animals: explore the great and mysterious marine life, then why not take a look at how is lactose free milk made?
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With over 3+ years of professional experience, Olanrewaju is a certified SEO Specialist and Content Writer. He holds a BSc in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. Throughout his dynamic career, Olanrewaju has successfully taken on various roles with startups and established organizations. He has served as a Technical Writer, Blogger, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, and Digital Marketing Manager. Known for his hardworking nature and insightful approach, Olanrewaju is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
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