Animals of the Arctic Ocean. Fauna of the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic zone is a huge space that stretches from the Aleutian Islands to Iceland. It is a real realm of cold and ice. Student waters of the Arctic Ocean and rocky islands are always unfriendly. Everything here looks gloomy and harsh. The fauna of the Arctic Ocean is scanty and unique in its own way. After all, here throughout the year, the icy winds blow, the fogs wander, and often heavy snowfalls.

It would seem that in such a place it is impossible to find a living being. However, this is not the case. The existence of life here is spoken by the cries of seagulls, the roar of walruses, the fins of killer whales emerging from the water, the growling of bears. The animals of the Arctic Ocean were able to adapt to the harsh and inhospitable climate. They challenged the permafrost.

The Pink Seagull

The nature of the Arctic Ocean is unique. In this part of the world lives a huge number of birds. Most of all here are pink gulls. On average, the weight of one individual is not more than a quarter of a kilogram, the body length is a maximum of 35 centimeters. However, these birds feel fine, living in such a harsh climate.

Guillemot

This bird has a black and white color. Such a coloring kaira reminds a priest. But the behavior is, more likely, a brisk market bargain. Nest these inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean on steep, impregnable rocks. In winter, the birds settle on the ice and do not experience any discomfort.

Other birds

The most amazing creature is an ordinary eider. This bird is also called the northern duck. Gaga is able to dive into the icy water of the ocean to a depth of about 20 meters. However, the most ferocious bird is a polar owl. By the way, it is the largest among other species. Polar owl is a ruthless predator with white feathers and yellow eyes. It usually attacks not only birds, but also rodents. The bird can enjoy and left unattended a baby of a larger beast, for example, arctic fox.

Seals

These animals of the Arctic Ocean form a special group. Seals live in the Arctic zone for more than a thousand years. In this case, there are many of their varieties. This group of animals includes the harp seal. He differs from his relatives by an unusual pattern on the skin. The largest seal is a sea hare. The growth of this animal is sometimes about 2.5 meters. At the same time the weight of the individual does not reach 400 kg.

As for the ordinary seal, it is considerably inferior to the sea hare in terms of parameters . However, these animals of the Arctic Ocean have expressive and very beautiful eyes. The seal ring also belongs to the seals. It is much smaller than its relatives, but it has the ability to dig holes in the snow.

Walruses

The fauna of the Arctic Ocean may seem to some people meager. However, only here you can meet extraordinary creatures, for example, walruses. They are the closest relatives of the seals. These animals are pinnipeds, but their size is amazing. The body length of an adult can be about three meters, and the weight on average is almost a ton. In addition, nature has awarded walruses with powerful canines. They are necessary for animals to dig up the ocean floor in search of food. However, often the walrus uses fangs and for self-defense purposes. It is worth noting that these animals are predators. Walruses do not mind eating seals or seals.

Narwhal

These inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean are of interest to many. Such popularity of this kind is caused first of all by an unusual appearance. A long horn sticks out of the mouth of these fish. Its length can reach up to three meters, and the weight - up to 10 kilograms.

What is it? It's hard to believe, but it's an ordinary tooth that has grown to this size. Of course, such a horn does not cause any particular inconvenience to the narwhals. Why is it needed? Alas, there is no unequivocal answer to the question posed. Although there are plenty of assumptions about this.

Greenland whales

These creatures are the closest relative of the narwhal. However, when you look at them, you will not say so. In size, the bowhead whale is significantly ahead of the narwhal. He has no teeth in his mouth. But there is a huge language, as well as whalebone. These organs allow the whales to lick plankton, which, in turn, freezes in the plates. It is worth noting that these animals of the Arctic Ocean are completely harmless. Greenland whales have been living here for thousands of years.

Fish saika

These small inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean are also called polar cod. These fish perfectly tolerate the cold and live in the water column. It should be noted that the saika plays an important role in the biological balance. In high latitudes, these are practically the only creatures that consume plankton. Fish itself of this variety is the main source of food for cetaceans, seals and birds.

Haddock

This is a fairly large fish. On average, the body length of representatives of this species is 50-70 centimeters. At the same time the weight of an adult is from 2 to 3 kilograms. Of course, there have been occasions when rare fish were caught in fishing nets. The length of their body was from 1 to 1.1 meters, and weight - from 15 to 19 kilograms. Haddock has a wide body that is slightly flattened from the sides. Distinguish from the rest of this fish is not so difficult. Haddock has a milky white belly and a gray, dark back, lilac shade. A horizontal black line runs along the trunk, and a dark spot can be seen near the head on both sides. This is a kind of recognition sign that allows fish to recognize each other. Haddock usually gathers in large flocks. This way of existence allows the fish to notice predators much faster.

Other inhabitants of the water

A polar dolphin or beluga is a representative of the animal kingdom of the Arctic Ocean. These are quite large animals. The weight of an adult is about two tons. The body length of the beluga is about six meters. And its food is made up of the fishes of the Arctic Ocean.

However, the beluga often becomes a prey. They feed on it other inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean - killer whales. These creatures occupy a leading place among the other large predators. In the Arctic waters they are frequent guests. It is worth noting that not only belugas die of acute teeth of killer whales, but also seals, seals, walruses.

Finally

As you can see, the fauna of the Arctic Ocean is rich. Only here in the natural environment you can see a seal or a walrus. Many varieties of fish are not only food for local residents, but also commercial goods. On the shelves of the store you can see haddock, sea bass or representatives of the cod family in any form: frozen, chilled, salted, dried, smoked and so on.