Over the course of twenty four weeks, our Dive Deeper course jumps into the world of marine biology and explores different animals and habitats all around our oceans. Following on from our Ocean Explorers course, Dive Deeper offers a deep dive into the underwater world as we learn about the life under the waves. Every class is all-encompassing, so you can dip in and out for a week at a time or stay with us for the full cycle and become a fully-fledged Ocean Explorer: Deep Diver! Let’s dive in and check out our topics. This time – ocean record breakers.
Record Breakers
Want to know all about the world record holders that call the oceans their home? Read below all about the marine animals that take the underwater titles of fastest, loudest, and longest living species in the sea!
Fastest Fish
This award is given to the sailfish. Growing up to a metre and a half long, these muscular fish are named for their large dorsal fin that helps them sail thought the water. These incredible fish can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour in the water. This, along with their long bill mean they are highly successful predators out in the open ocean.
Slowest Fish
On the other end of the scale, we have a species of seahorse. The slowest fish in the whole ocean is the pygmy seahorse, moving just 1.5 metres in an hour. Measuring at under three centimetres, their small fin is the only way they propel themselves forward, meaning they can’t go anywhere in a hurry. Instead, to evade predators, the pygmy seahorses are masters of camouflage, being almost impossible to see as they hide within sea fans.
Loudest Animal
The loudest animal award goes to a marine mammal. Sperm whales are a species of toothed whale that are known for their deep diving abilities, The clicks of a sperm whale can reach up to 230 dB. To put that into perspective, a jet engine from 100 feet away produces about 140 decibels. These clicks are used for echolocation, which is how they find their prey down in the dark deep waters where they hunt.
Fish with the Longest Life
Lurking down in deep freezing waters, the Greenland shark takes the title of the fish with the longest life span. Although it is hard to know, scientists think that they may be able to live as long at 392 years. Having a slow metabolism and moving around at slow speeds might be the reason for their slow growth and aging.
Fish with the Shortest Life
On the other hand, the fish with the shortest life lives on warm shallow coral reefs. Sign Eviota only live for 8 weeks!
‘Ocean Record Breakers’ is just one of the 24 topics we have in our Dive Deeper course. In the class, we’ll learn all about what crustaceans are and explore the different species in our oceans!
Ready to start your ocean exploring journey? To sign up and become an Ocean Explorer today click here. While you wait for your first class, why not follow us on Facebook, where we regularly share fun facts, craft ideas and cute videos. You might also like to sign up to our monthly WiseKids newsletter for a monthly dose of marvellous marine-themed content straight to your inbox!
