Go on a Sea Kayaking Adventure and See if You Can Identify All the Marine Animals You Find!

By: Teresa M.
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Go on a Sea Kayaking Adventure and See if You Can Identify All the Marine Animals You Find!
Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

Paddle your way through the world's seas, oceans and coves on the journey of your dreams. As you kayak along, you'll take in many of Mother Nature's amazing sights, but most impressive of all are her marine creatures. Luckily for you, you'll encounter no short supply of them as you float along. 

It is estimated that the world's oceans are home to between 700,000 and one million species of marine creatures. Although that would make for an incredibly long quiz, we're betting you can identify more than you realize. We have condensed the list to a few dozen creatures, and it's up to you to figure out which one you think it is. 

From manatees to krill, marine creatures have quite interesting features and functions. You'll learn more about marine creatures than you already know, and you'll have a great time seeing the world from the view of the sea. We'll challenge your animal horizons, and you'll build up great arm strength fighting the waves. 

Don't forget the sunscreen, and remember to go with the flow. Identify as many marine animals as you can, and enjoy the incredible journey along the way. How many do will you get right? Push off the shore and find out!


Blue Whale Which ocean giant do you see playing off the coast of Antarctica?
Blue Whale
Giant Squid
Dumbo Octopus
Cookiecutter Shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the pygmy species of the blue whale primarily lives in the Indian Ocean, the larger version prefers living in the waters of the Arctic Ocean. Weighing up to 200 tons, this magnificent mammal's heart can be as large as a family vehicle and its tongue can weigh has much as a full-grown elephant. Blue whales survive primarily by eating schools of krill, and they sit on the world's list of endangered species.

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Dolphin If you listen quietly, which friendly looking animal could you hear echolocating off the coast?
Blue Marlin
Bottlenose Dolphin
Elephant Seal
Manatee
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The extremely social bottlenose dolphin is a true sight to see playing off the coast. Not only can they swim almost 20 miles an hour, but they also use echolocation to navigate and to hunt. Although they can dive over nearly a mile deep into the ocean, they prefer to stay closer to the surface to have easy access to air. The bottlenose dolphin's respiratory system can allow them to stay under water for up to 15 minutes, but they do enjoy frolicking with their mates on the surface.

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Sperm Whale Which kind of whale would you see that's named for the cloudy substance it produces?
Fin Whale
Sperm Whale
Beluga Whale
Bowhead Whale
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With a brain weighing an average of 17 pounds, the sperm whale is an avid squid connoisseur. In fact, female sperm whales can consume between 700 and 800 of them every day! Sperm whales can hold their breath for up to 90 minutes, and they can dive over 3,500 feet deep.

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Starfish Which one of these creatures not a fish at all?
Fluke
Cuttlefish
Grunion
Starfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its name, the starfish is not a fish at all. Instead, they are more closely related to sand dollars. A uniquely shaped creature, most of the 2,000 of the species only have five arms.

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Manatee Which gentle animal might poke its egg-shaped head out of the water to greet you?
Longsnout Seahorse
Manatee
Humphead Wrasse
Orange Roughy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Growing up to 13 feet and weighing up to 1,300 pounds, the manatee's egg-shaped head is only one of its noticeable features. Manatees are not very territorial, and they are only seen in groups, called an aggregation, when it's time to feed on a large supply. They are especially social when mating time comes; a female can be pursued by up to 10 bulls. Now on the endangered species list, the manatee is more closely related to elephants than other marine animals.

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Sea Otter As you paddle along the Northern Pacific coast, which furry face would you see resting in a kelp forest?
Sea Otter
Nudibranch
Geoduck
Isopod
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

With their ability to dive up to 330 feet deep, sea otters need all the help they can get to stay warm in the waters of the North Pacific. One of the only marine animals without blubber, the sea otter sports the thickest coat of all. Although they live most of their lives in the water, Sea otters can often be found lounging on floating kelp forests. When it's really cold, the use the kelp like a blanket and wrap themselves with it while they float along.

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Jellyfish Which marine animal would you see glowing beneath you?
Anemone
Sarcastic Fringehead
Jellyfish
Horseshoe Crab
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you encounter a school of jellyfish, you might want to avoid falling our of your kayak! With over 10,000 species of jellyfish in the world's oceans, you never know if you will encounter the stinging variety. No matter which kind you come across, take heart in knowing that jellyfish do not have brains. Instead, they have a webs of nerve nets that control their responses to their environment.

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Fur seal Which marine creature might you see on the warm beaches of Hawaii?
Monk Seal
Sea Otter
Ocean Sunfish
Stonefish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While most seals prefer colder climate, the monk seal loves the warm beaches of places like Hawaii and the Mediterranean. Named for their monk-like cowl, the monk seal loves to spend time diving around coral reefs for spiny fish and eel. For a up to six weeks, the dedicated mother monk seal will stay with her babies and fast.

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Yellowfin Tuna Which big fish might you recognize by its yellow fins?
Clown Triggerfish
Fugu
Goosefish
Ahi Tuna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Generally found off the coast of Hawaii and the Caribbean, ahi tuna are also called yellowfins. Sometimes weighing up to 300 pounds, the ahi is a popular fish for eating. Tourists also enjoy ocean journeys that show off the colorful body of the fish through the glass bottoms of sight-seeing boats.

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Dugong Which animal might you see walking on its flippers when it feeds?
Manatee
Sea Otter
Dugong
Bottlenose Dolphin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Living up to 70 years and weighing in at over 900 pounds, the dugong is one interesting marine animal! This cousin of the manatee has its origins in the elephant family. With its rounded head and tapering body, the dugong has been observed walking on its flippers as it feeds. Although the dugong prefers to munch on sea grasses, it has also been known to give pursuit to jellyfish and sea squirts.

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Yellow sea anemone Which marine animal looks like a flower of the same name?
Geoduck
Vampire Squid
Anemone
Queen Parrotfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Across the world, there are over 1,000 species of anemone. These invertebrates are highly toxic to their prey, and a few species have toxins that can be lethal to humans. Closely related to coral and jellyfish, the innocent-looking anemone feeds primarily on fish, mollusks, and other small prey by shooting toxin-filled filaments into them.

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Blue Marlin Which colorful fish might you recognize by its spear-shaped snout?
Orange Roughy
Blue Marlin
Ocean Sunfish
Emperor Shrimp
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most easily recognizable fish in the temperate oceans, the blue marlin is considered a Japanese delicacy. Though female blue marlin can weigh nearly 2,000 pounds, the average fish weighs up to 400 pounds and grows to around 11 feet long. Known to put up a ferocious fight on a fisherman's hook, the blue marlin's cobalt and silver colorings make it one of the most intriguing fish in the ocean.

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Seahorse As you paddle around the Atlantic, which small curly-tailed creature do you see?
Vampire Squid
Horseshoe Crab
Fiddler Crab
Longsnout Seahorse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the longsnout seahorse's tail is curly, it's best recognized by its equestrian-shaped head. The longsnout seahorse reaches sexual maturity when it grows to around 3 inches in length, and top out at a maximum of around 7 inches.

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Manta ray Which marine animal's giant wingspan might look a little scary beneath your kayak?
Manta Ray
Dumbo Octopus
Leafy Seadragon
Lamprey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The manta ray's graceful wingspan can reach up to 20 feet across, but unlike other ray species, its tail does not have a a barbed spine. By filter-feeding a steady diet of plankton and other small marine animals, the manta ray can live up to 20 years. The manta ray's size is its best defense. Its only known predators are larger shark species and humans.

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Humphead Wrasse Which coral fish's bulging forehead makes it easily recognizable?
Dugong
Hammerhead Shark
Humphead Wrasse
Grunion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Growing up to 6 feet in length, the humphead wrasse is the most expensive coral fish on the market. Preferring to live near coral reefs and off the coast of East Africa, the humphead wrasse loves to feed on hard-shelled creatures like mollusks and crustaceans.

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Nudibranch Which brightly-colored gastropod can you see along the ocean's floor?
Shovelnose Guitarfish
Nudibranch
Clown Triggerfish
Angelfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Part of the sea slug family, the nudibranch is one of Mother Nature's most colorful carnivores. Measuring from 1/4 inch to 12 inches in length, the nudibranch sheds its shell after surpassing the larva stage. With a unique ability to mate with any member of their species, the oblong-shaped nudibranch loves to feed on sponges, corals, and barnacles.

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Sunfish Which blob-like fish might you see sunbathing on the surface?
Jellyfish
Anemone
Fugu
Ocean Sunfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The ocean sunfish might be a bony fish, but its odd shape makes it resemble a blob more than a fish. Also called the Mola Mola, the ocean sunfish can grow up to 14 feet high and weigh up to 5,000 pounds. In order to shed the skin parasites they often find themselves infected with, the ocean sunfish will leap up to 10 feet out of the water. It has also been know to sunbathe at the top of the water, and appreciates the help of small birds in removing their infestation.

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Clown Tiggerfish Which fish has bright black, yellow and white spots?
Clown Triggerfish
Orange Roughy
Isopod
Queen Parrotfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though the clown triggerfish measures only 20 inches on average, its brightly-colored spots and highlighted lips make it unmissable. Preferring warm, tropical waters and coral reefs, Clown triggerfish have a special ability to hide in rocks and crevices. Once a sufficient hiding spot has been found, the clown triggerfish can trigger its fins to lock them into place. They further secure themselves by biting into rocks or coral to prevent being taken by predators.

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Elephant Seal Which marine animal might you see lounging with a harem on an island off California?
Sea Otter
Geoduck
Elephant Seal
Stonefish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While northern elephant seals prefer to lounge on islands of the California coast, southern elephant seals live in the frigid Antarctic waters. Although females of the species are much smaller than males, mature male elephant seals can way up to 8,000 pounds! The male of the species also possesses the extended nose that resembles and truck and gives it its name.

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Leafy sea dragon Which marine animal could easily be mistaken for floating seaweed?
Leafy Seadragon
Anemone
Isopod
Nudibranch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When the leafy seadragon mates, the male of the species carries offspring in a specially designed pouch. Preferring to live of the the coast of Australia, leafy seadragons are adorned with leaf-shaped appendages that help them easily blend in with seagrasses.

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Cookiecutter Shark Which small shark might you see leaving oddly-shaped wounds in its prey?
Goblin Shark
Cookiecutter Shark
Frilled Shark
Great White Shark
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Growing only up to 22 inches in length, the cookecutter shark gets its name from the cookie-shaped wounds it inflicts on its prey. Sometimes called the cigar shark because of its shape, the grayish brown cookiecutter sucks food into its lips and then spins it until it's time to minister a fatal chomp. Living near islands in the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, these sharks are not considered edible by humans.

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Dumbo-octopus Which marine creature's ears might you find fascinating?
Cuttlefish
Fiddler Crab
Harp Seal
Dumbo Octopus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Dumbo octopus does, in fact, get its name from Walt Disney's film because of its pronounced ear fins. Ranging in shades from yellow to red, the Dumbo octopus is rarely seen because it can live at depths of up to 23,000 feet. With 37 different kinds of Dumbo octopus in the world's oceans, the males are easily identified by the long suckers on their 8 tentacles. Not one to believe in chewing their food, the Dumbo octopus prefers to swallow its prey whole.

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Emperor Shrimp Which tiny sea creature might you see hanging out with sea cucumbers?
Emperor Shrimp
Sardines
Krill
Starfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only measuring 3/4 of an inch at full adulthood, emperor shrimp are known to develop symbiotic relationships with creatures such as the nudibranch and the sea cucumber. Emperor shrimp are one of the few marine animals that can do quite well in a home aquarium as long as they live with one of their closest friends. Feeding on foods like smaller shrimp and fry, the emperor shrimp are found primarily in the Indo-Pacific area of the world.

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Crab - marine Which of these marine creatures would you find near a freshwater inlet?
Isopod
Cuttlefish
Fiddler Crab
Geoduck
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only measuring one to two inches across at full grown, fiddler crabs make better pets than food. Although they can live in well-maintained aquariums, they prefer freshwater with a lot of salty properties. In the wild, they are known to be found near places where freshwater meets the sea. Fiddler crabs love the water, but they love land just as much. When kept at home, it's important to remember that the fiddler crab needs just as must dry land as it does water to swim.

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Vampire-Squid Which type of squid appears to be wearing a cape?
Japanese Flying Squid
Vampire Squid
Giant Squid
Humboldt Squid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The vampire squid are cephalopods that prefer to live in warmer waters at up to depths of 3,000 feet. With 8 webbed arms, the vampire squid is most recognizable because of its black or red color.

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Cuttlefish Which male marine animal might you see pretending to be female?
Orca
Sea Turtle
Cuttlefish
Queen Parrotfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Despite its name, the cuttlefish is not a fish at all. This three-hearted creature is more closely related to the octopus, and is quite the shape shifter. Not only does the cuttlefish have the ability to change appearance to camouflage itself, but the male of the species will also pretend to be female to get past other males hoping to mate. Incredibly smart despite its size, the cuttlefish has been known to distinguish a box with more food during lab studies.

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Geoduck Which marine creature do you see burrowing into beaches along the Pacific Coast?
Geoduck
Sea Otter
Grunion
Fluke
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Found especially easy on the British Columbian coast and considered a delicacy, the geoduck is the largest burrowing variety of clam. Although geoducks are fully mature at about 10 years old, shells have been found indicating that they can live up to 150 years!

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Parrotfish Which Caribbean fish appears to be wearing lipstick?
Fugu
Goosefish
Queen Parrotfish
Harp Seal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Living in the coastal reefs of the Caribbean, queen parrotfish are named after their sharp, fused teeth. Often coming in shades of blue, green, and orange, queen parrotfish can grow up to 1.2 meters in length. It is a vegetarian that prefers to scrape plants from the coral, and it secretes a mucus cocoon at night to help protect itself from predators. It is most easily recognized by its turquoise lipstick.

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Horseshoe crab Which domed-shaped arthropod might catch your attention?
Horseshoe Crab
Lobster
Cherry Shrimp
Lamprey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it's best to see a horseshoe crab on a moonlit beach during mating season, they are found in most of the world's oceans. The female horseshoe can lay up to 90,000 eggs in one year, and the baby crabs will shed their shell approximately 16-17 times during their lifetimes.

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Sarcastic fringehead Which small creature's huge mouth would you find a little terrifying?
Sarcastic Fringehead
Orange Roughy
Humpback Whale
Humphead Wrasse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the sarcastic fringehead only grows up to 10 inches long, its enormous mouth is the stuff nightmares are made of. With razor sharp teeth, sarcastic fringeheads bump into each other in an open-mouthed kiss to establish dominance.

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Lamprey Which strange looking creature would you see returning to freshwater to spawn?
Fugu
Orange Roughy
Lamprey
Sea Lion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although the lamprey begins its life in freshwater, it migrates to the ocean when it reaches around 10 years old. Once full maturity is reached, the lamprey will return to freshwater shores to spawn where it can deposit up to 100,000 eggs. Lampreys are considered a delicacy in some European countries; however, they are also known for threatening other populations of fish with their funnel-shaped, tooth-laden mouths.

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Giant isopod Which marine creature might you mistake for a giant tick?
Grunion
Emperor Shrimp
Isopod
Cuttlefish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although isopods closely resemble ticks or pillbugs, they are crustaceans. Their segmented bodies come in both brown and lilac, and they are often found feeding on dead animals falling from above them. Growing up to 14 inches in length, isopods begin their lives as one of the largest eggs in the marine ecosystem. When they hatch, they resemble a fully-grown isopod, and they will molt several times during their lives as they grow.

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Grunion Which long, thin fish would you see mating on the California coast once a year?
Grunion
Fluke
Cookiecutter Shark
Mermaid Christmas Tree
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ranging between 5 and 6 inches when full grown, the grunion flocks the the California shore line to mate every year. This thin, gray fish is one of the few that comes ashore to mate, and females of the species can mate up to 8 times per year. When they return to the sea, they prefer to live at a depth of up to 18 meters.

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Giant Shovelnose Ray Which marine animal looks like a shark and a ray had a baby?
Largehead Hairtail
Yellow Tang
Shovelnose Guitarfish
Great Barracuda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

After being considered a shark for years, the shovelnose guitarfish was actually discovered to be closely related to skates and rays. With a ray-shaped head and a shark-shaped body, the dark gray shovelnose guitarfish prefers to live on the bottom of the sea.

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Harp Seal
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Which furry, white marine baby would you see lounging on floating ice?
Sea Otter
Harp Seal
Sea Lion
Bottlenose Dolphin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When harp seals are young, they are known for their big black eyes and their fluffy, white coats. Although they can dive and hunt for up to 15 minutes at a time, the harp seal spends a lot of time lounging on icy shores or slabs of ice floating by.

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Stonefish Which fish might you mistakenly step on when getting out of your kayak?
Stonefish
Sea Urchin
Cuttlefish
Yellow Sunfish
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Living in the Indian and Pacific oceans, stonefish are the most venomous fish on the planet. With 13 spines instead of a dorsal fin, stonefish can inject their attackers with lethal toxins. Although they only weigh up to 5 pounds, stonefish are covered in scaly dark skin that make them nearly impossible to see among the rocks of a shore.

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Puffer fish Which fish might you see puffed up in tropical waters?
Sheepshead
Scup
Fugu
Sargo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also called the pufferfish, Fugu is known as a delicacy in Japan. However, with one fish's ability to poison up to 30 humans, it's best to let the professionals handle them. Although most Fugu species are small, they can grow up to 24 inches long. When the Fugu feels endangered, it will suck water into its over-sized stomach and make itself an inedible ball to avoid attack.

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Goosefish Which fish might appear to have wings?
Australian Barracuda
Spottail Pinfish
Goosefish
Dory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prized for tasting like goose liver pate, the goosefish is sometimes called the monkfish. Found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, the goosefish prefers to stay close to the bottom. With its backwards-facing teeth, the goosefish has a healthy diet of other fish and sand eels. This brown or green fish will occasionally head toward the surface to prey upon birds.

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