Marine invertebrates

Marine invertebrates are animals that live in saltwater, and they don't have a backbone like we do. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from tiny shrimp and snails to giant squids and octopuses.

Some marine invertebrates have hard shells to protect themselves, like crabs, clams, and sea urchins. Others have soft bodies and rely on camouflage or spiky spines to avoid predators, like jellyfish, octopuses, and sea stars.

These creatures are important for the health of the ocean because they play many roles. Some are filter feeders, meaning they eat tiny organisms that float in the water. This helps keep the water clean and clear. Others are scavengers, cleaning up dead animals and plants on the seafloor. Many are also food for larger animals, like fish, whales, and seals.

Marine invertebrates can be found in all parts of the ocean, from the shallowest tide pools to the deepest depths of the sea. Scientists are still discovering new species all the time, so there's always more to learn about these amazing creatures!