The Ocean's Most Beautiful Creatures

Nudibranch

Nudibranch, marine mollusks commonly known as sea slugs, rank among some of the most colorful critters in the ocean.

Mantis shrimp

The psychedelic mantis shrimp may look cute, but believe it or not this crustacean packs the strongest punch of any creature in the animal kingdom.

Coconut octopus

The coconut octopus appears as if its tentacles are studded with sparkling rhinestone. The handsome cephalopod is named after its habit of collecting coconut shells for use as shelters.

Blue tang

Recognized for their characteristically vibrant colorations of royal blue and canary yellow, tang fish have a deadly weapon—a pair of razor-sharp.

Brittle star

Closely related to starfish but infinitely more ornamental in appearance, brittle stars are possessed of five long, slender whip-like arms loosely coordinated by a nerve ring in the animal's core.

Flying gurnard

When the flying gurnard gets excited, perhaps at the prospect of a snack or a shindig with its buddies, the fish spreads its "wings," which are fringed with a phosphorescent bright blue coloration at their tips.

Flower hat jelly

Flower hat jellies only live a few months, so catching a glimpse of one these guys is a treat indeed. This fluorescent jelly has lustrous tentacles that when fully extended resemble strands of braided hair set under a beret.

Clownfish

Star of Disney Pixar's 2003 film 'Finding Nemo' and its 2016 sequel 'Finding Dory,' this banded superstar is also known as the clown anemonefish for its clever arrangement with sea anemones, which protect it from predators.

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