Sea life trivia reveals a mirage of underwater fascination! Whether you’re already a certified diver, or just dipping your toes into the world of the ocean, sea life trivia will gain you serious points on your next quiz or trivia night. Dive into our collection of 23 sea life trivia questions to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the ocean!
1. What is the largest species of shark?
The whale shark! This species of shark can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length.
2. Which marine creature can regenerate body parts?
The sea star! Interestingly, sea stars (also known as starfish) can regrow their “arms” if they are damaged or eaten by a predator.
3. Name three defense mechanisms octopuses use.
Ink expulsion, jet propulsion and camouflage.
4. How do jellyfish move through the water?
They use a method called jet propulsion. It’s is similar to the way your diaphragm works when you breathe, relaxing and contracting to propel the organism through the ocean.
5. What do green sea turtles eat?
Green sea turtles are herbivores, meaning they primarily eat plants. This particular species thrives on a diet of seagrass!
6. Where do you find coral polyps in the ocean?
Coral polyps form the bulk of most coral reefs, much like the building blocks of a house.
7. With which fish species do anemones have a symbiotic relationship?
Clownfish (who you may know as Nemo!). The anemonies provide safe housing for the clownfish, while they clean the anemone of debris.
8. What is the fastest fish known to man?
The sailfish! This species can swim at up to 68 miles per hour (110 kilometers per hour)
9. How many hearts do octopuses have?
Three! The first heart works to circulate blood around the body, while the second and third push blood past its gills so the blood can collect oxygen.
10. What is the largest species of sea turtle in the world?
The leatherback sea turtle. The largest leatherback turtle ever recorded was 305 centimeters (10 feet) long.
11. Which shrimp can noise as loud as 210 decibels?
The pistol shrimp.
12. What is the primary diet of a manta ray?
Mainly plankton, which they filter from the water as they swim.
13. What is the term for light produced by marine animals?
Bioluminescence.
14. How do sea cucumbers defend themselves from predators?
Sea cucumbers have toxic internal organs! They can also expel these organs and later regenerate them.
15. Do kelp have roots – yes or no?
No! Kelp have holdfasts, blades and a stipe instead to keep it in place.
16. Which species of sea turtle is known for its long migrations?
The leatherback turtle. These turtles can travel over 10,000 miles (16,000 km) each year.
17. Which US state has the most oceanic coastline?
Alaska. Alaska’s coastline stretches 4,126 miles (6,640 km).
18. What is the longest-living shark ever discovered?
The Greenland shark. Scientists have discovered a 400-year old Greenland shark, that would have been born during the reign of the English King James I – sometime before 1604!
19. What is cetology?
The study of whales.
20. How many brains does an octopus have?
Nine. They have a central brain to control their nervous system, and a smaller brain within each arm.
21. Which marine animal has a name that translates to “one tooth, one horn” in Greek?
The narwhale! In Greeek, it’s known as monodon monoceros.
22. A “smack” is the name for a gathering of what?
Jellyfish.
23. What is the study of fish, rays and sharks called?
Ichthyology.
How Many of These Sea Life Trivia Questions Could You Answer?
The ocean is teeming with incredible marine life featuring interesting behaviors and physiological traits! Sea life trivia questions are a reminder of just how rich life below sea level is. Ready to experience these wonders yourself? Enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver course and start your journey to becoming a certified diver!
