We at Diving Notes, are advocates for Marine Conservation. We believe that we hold the power to protect our oceans. The ocean is essential for all life on Earth, including humans. To ensure a sustainable future, we must protect and preserve healthy marine ecosystems.
We have compiled the Top 10 most Instagrammed Marine Animals based on hashtag count. From the Polar Bear as the top favorite to the Narwhal as the top 10. All of these marine animals are worth learning about and are definitely worth saving.
#1 Polar Bear
Many people may not know this but Polar Bears are classified as Marine Animals. The cultures and economies of the Arctic peoples are dependent on polar bears since they are at the top of the food chain and essential to the well-being of the Arctic maritime environment. The sea is the only source of food for polar bears, and it is also where they spend the majority of their lives.
Polar bears are known to be skilled swimmers, and they can maintain a speed of six miles per hour by using their front paws as paddles and their hind legs as rudders. They are protected from the chilly air and water by a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat.
#2 Orca
Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of dolphins and one of the world’s most powerful predators. Due to ancient sailors’ reports of orca groups hunting and preying on larger whale species, orcas were given the epithet “killer whale.” They referred to orcas as asesina ballenas, or “whale killers,” a phrase that was later replaced by the more familiar “killer whale.”
Do Killer Whales Pose a Risk? In response to the first query, killer whales aren’t genuinely hazardous. or, more typically, to people. There has only ever been one wild killer whale assault on a human, and no wild orcas have ever killed a human, so you should still exercise caution.
# 3 Whale Shark
Whale sharks are the largest shark, and indeed largest of any fish alive today. Although these huge sea creatures are called ‘whale sharks’, they are not actually whales, but filter-feeding sharks, often referred to as “gentle giants”. They are also the world’s largest fish, growing up to 12 meters (39 feet) long.
Despite being the biggest shark species, whale sharks are totally safe for people to encounter. They simply swim around with their mouths open, filtering anything that enters their path because they are filter feeders.
#4 Humpback Whale
The humpback whale gets its common name from the distinctive hump on its back. The world’s waters are filled with the enchanting melodies of humpback whales, which are known to travel huge distances. These patterns of groans, growls, cries and other sounds are highly intricate and frequently last for hours. These sounds are being examined by scientists to determine their meaning.
#5 Great White Shark
The largest predatory fish on Earth, great whites are found in cool, coastal areas all across the planet. They can grow up to 4.572 (15 feet) in length on average, however records exist of specimens that were 6 meters long (20 feet) and 5,000 pounds (2267 kg) in weight. Are great white sharks aggressive?
Great white sharks are the most aggressive sharks in the world having recorded 333 attacks on humans, with 52 of them being fatal.
Learn more about Diving with Sharks in this article
#6 Manta Ray
The giant manta ray is the largest ray and one of the largest fishes in the world. Manta Rays are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, but can also be found in temperate waters. Manta Rays peacefully glide through the water. The manta rays are one of the largest creatures in the ocean, so if you plan to swim with them, be prepared for their sheer size which can be intimidating at first.
#7 Sailfish
Sailfish are a type of billfish (like the blue marlin or swordfish) that are known not only for their pointed bills but also their extraordinary dorsal fins that can be taller than the length of their bodies. Sailfish are fairly abundant throughout their range, and their population is considered stable. They are under no special status or protections.
#8 Angelfish
Angelfish are a species of freshwater cichlid and they are one of the most popular species of tropical aquarium fish. It’s said angelfish got their name because of their shape – their fins appear like angel wings and when turned head-down, have a silhouette of an angel. Additionally, some species have shimmering scales that reflect the light beautifully when observed on a dive.Although mostly considered to be very peaceful, Angelfish will show aggression. They’re active, feisty, and territorial, which is what makes them difficult to house with other fish.
#9 Pufferfish
Pufferfish have a ball-like ability that they can use to elude predators. These awkward swimmers, often known as blowfish, bloat themselves up many times their usual size by pumping a lot of water (and occasionally air) into their elastic stomachs. Additionally, certain species of pufferfish have spines on their skin to fend off predators.
#10 Narwhal
Narwhals are weird and lovely creatures with long tusks protruding from their heads. They are frequently referred to as the unicorns of the sea. Narwhals spend their lives in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. The majority of the world’s narwhals winter for up to five months under the sea ice in the Baffin Bay-Davis Strait area (between Canada and western Greenland).
There are estimated to be more than 100,000 narwhals alive today, which puts their extinction risk in the category of least concern.
Updated on: December 04, 2023