Strandbad Neustadt in Holstein

Pipefish are considered cousins of the seahorse, being classified in the same family as both seahorses and dragonfish, Syngnathidae. These small fish have many similarities and differences when comparing the two. Like seahorses, they have a long snout and some species also have prehensile tails that allow them to grab onto seagrass and coral. Unlike seahorses, pipefish have straight bodies and can be much stronger swimmers.

Large-mouthed, heavy-bodied groupers consist of several marine fish species from the family Serranidae, mainly from the genera Epinephelus and Mycteroperca. You can go diving with various grouper species throughout the world’s oceans. They live in warm, tropical waters and like to patrol around reefs and shipwrecks.

Damselfish are a common sighting amongst coral reefs throughout the tropical regions of the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans. There are around 250 different species of these small fish, all within the Pomacentridae family. Damselfish are easily recognized by their rounded bodies, elongated dorsal fin, and small, forked caudal fin. Juveniles are especially enjoyable to see as they are typically covered in vibrant spots.

Flounder is a generalized term for any number of flattened fish species belonging to the families Pleuronectidae, Paralichthyidae, Achiropsettidae, and Bothidae. This unusually shaped fish looks like a flattened oval with the dorsal and anal fins running along the entire length of the body. One of the flounder’s most unusual characteristics is that after just a few days of life, one of its eyes begins to migrate to the opposite side of its head to what eventually becomes the fish’s top side.

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices on the planet; however, they are also just as fun to see in their natural habitat. There are nearly as many types of shrimp as there are ways to cook them, with approximately 2,000 different species. Part of the crustacean family, these relatives of crabs and lobsters are identifiable by their semi-transparent bodies, flexible abdomen, and fanlike tail used to swim backward.

With over 6500 different species, crabs are one of the most varied aquatic dwellers in the world. These crustaceans have a thick exoskeleton to protect their inner organs with an oblong, square, or diamond-shaped central body cavity, four sets of legs, and one pair of pinchers. Crabs range in size from the tiny pea crab measuring only 10-15 mm (0.4-06 inches) to the giant Japanese spider crab, which can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) across.

One of the most common and widely recognized jellyfish in the world, the moon jellyfish is clearly distinguishable by its clear, round main body with four purplish-white circles at the top of the bell. Although many beach-goers fear jellyfish due to their powerful stings, the moon jelly is one of the few that do not sting humans. Affectionately called the moon jelly, this cnidarian has relatively short tentacles hanging down from its bell’s sides.