Absolutely Adorable
The ocean is home to many wondrous and fascinating animals. Some of these creatures are downright adorable, and you can’t help but want to look at them again and again. With that in mind, here are 5 creatures most people wish they could take home.
1. Dumbo Octopus
The Dumbo octopus is among the cutest creatures of the deep sea. With their big eyes, rounded body, and slow, gentle swimming motion, they seem almost too cute to be real. Named for their ear-like fins that reminded scientists of Disney’s flying elephant, there are at least 15 known species in the Grimpoteuthis genus.
NOAA Okeanos Explorer on Wikimedia
2. Beluga Whale
No whale on Earth is quite as lovable as the Beluga, with its spherical head and permanent smile. Belugas are sociable, living in pods and often communicating with a charming series of chirps, clicks, and whistles, which has led to them being nicknamed “canaries of the sea.” This friendly creature is found in Arctic and Subarctic waters.
3. Pygmy Seahorse
The pygmy seahorse is one of the smallest seahorses in the world. It is barely visible to the naked eye, only growing to the size of a fingernail, and is incredibly well camouflaged. The most distinctive trait about the pygmy seahorse is its translucent, delicate yellow or pink body that is very hard to spot due to its natural habitat, with gorgonian corals providing natural camouflage.
Pascal van de Vendel on Unsplash
4. Boxfish
The yellow boxfish is a small, cube-shaped marine fish that lives on tropical reefs. As one of the most beautiful fish in the sea, it is a bright yellow color and is covered with black polka dots. Boxfish can have varying shades and spots as they age, but their black eyes and pouty lips keep them looking cute no matter what.
5. Bottlenose Dolphin
This aquatic puppy of the sea has it all. Smiling and playful, dolphins stick together in close-knit groups, and they use tools to solve problems. The bottlenose dolphin lives in warm oceans all over the world and charms anyone who sees it, from divers to spectators at the beach.
