Marine Animals
Killer whales are using dramatic hunting techniques to catch large marine animals in California
A subpopulation of transient killer whales has been recorded using specialised techniques to hunt sea lions, seals and whale calves in deep submarine canyons off the coast of California, say scientists
Mantis shrimp have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. Here’s why
We reveal a fascinating insight into evolution's optical wonders
Watch: Astonishing ‘explosion of life’ coral spawning in Cambodia stuns scientists
Conservationists witness (and film) a synchronised mass coral reef spawning for the first time in Cambodian waters.
'Coral superhighway' spanning more than one million square kilometres found in Indian Ocean
Using genetic analyses and oceanographic modelling, scientists have discovered that remote coral reefs around the Seychelles are closely related – a breakthrough that could aid future coral restoration projects.
100 new ocean species discovered off the coast of New Zealand
A team of scientists believe they have discovered over 100 new marine species – including fish, shrimp and corals – following a three-week exploration of New Zealand's vast Bounty Trough.
“The speed of recovery we saw is incredible”. Scientists have developed an amazing new technique to restore coral reefs
Degraded coral reefs can grow as fast as healthy reefs after just four years with the use of sand-coated steel webs known as 'Reef Stars', according to new research.
Giant prehistoric sea lizard with dagger-like teeth discovered in Morocco – and it has scientists very excited
The fossils of a new species of marine lizard that lived 66 million years ago provide evidence that our oceans were once filled with a vast number of apex predators compared to today.
This stingray is about to have a 'virgin birth'. Scientists explain how
Rumours of a shark being the father to Charlotte the stingray's pups weren’t true – but the real story is even more fascinating...
Unusually high levels of fin whale DNA found in blue whale genome, finds study
Thanks to hybridisation between fin and blue whales, and a phenomenon called introgression, blue whales in the North Atlantic have surprising levels of fin whale DNA.
Underwater drones shed new light on mysterious coral habitats. Here's what they found
Researchers in Japan are using underwater drones to learn about low-light coral habitats in tropical and subtropical waters. The scientists hope that the new technique will help them understand “the entire spectrum of the coral reef".
What is the hairiest animal?
What is the hairiest animal in the world? And just how hairy is it?
Discover the rare vaquita, a tiny porpoise on the brink of extinction
Learn all about the vaquita, the world's smallest and rarest cetacean in this expert guide from Whale and Dolphin Conservation
There’s a fish in Tasmania with hands instead of fins, and scientists are about to save it from extinction
Amid concerns about the risk of upcoming marine heatwaves, 25 critically endangered red handfish have been removed from the wild in a bid to save the species from extinction.
Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest 2023 winners: diving macaque, adorable pygmy seahorse and nesting octopus take prizes
The winners of the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest have been revealed. Browse a selection of the best images and discover how the incredible shots were taken.
The Maldives has become a sanctuary for manta rays – and research is offering hope for their future
Research into the lives of these mysterious creatures is offering a ray of hope in the Maldives, says Tamara Hinson
King penguin guide: species facts and where they live
Learn about the spectacular aquatic flightless bird known as the kind penguin in our expert guide, including essential species facts, diet and habitat. Plus, the mystery of the shrinking colony.
Giant pre-historic worms discovered in Greenland
Fossil remains reveal completely new group of gigantic oceanic predators that existed more than half a billion years ago.
Why do whales explode?
Just why do whales explode? What causes these giants of the sea to fill ip with gas when they die? Stuart Blackman explains
Weirdest sea creatures - meet 12 strange sea creatures of the deep
Have you heard of the Johnson's abyssal seadevil? Read about this strange ocean animal and more in our guide to the world's weirdest sea creatures
Blue whales return to the sanctuary of Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles became part of the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary in 1979 after decades of hunting. Now scientists are sighting blue whales in these exotic waters once more.
How to help a beached whale or dolphin - and help save its life
A beached cetacean is a distressing sight, but there are ways you can help until the marine medics arrive, says British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)
Is there really no such thing as a fish?
It's a saying you might be familiar with, particularly if you listen to the popular podcast by the QI Elves, but how true is it? Is there really no such thing as a fish?
Bobbit worm, a terrifying 3 metre marine worm that can cut its prey in half
The Bobbit worm is a fearsome marine predator that burrows into the sand and waits for unsuspecting prey. Stuart Blackman explains all you need to know about this terrifying marine worm
Vampire squids: What they are, what they eat, where they live - and why these weird creatures are called vampires
What are vampire squids? Where do they live and why are they called vampire? Stuart Blackman explains all