Beneath the surface of the sea lies a realm teeming with fascinating creatures. Among them, some remain so enigmatic to humanity that their revelation could redefine our species' role on this planet. In the profound depths, where the origins of life trace back, an enduring crucible of rare marine creatures has flourished since time immemorial. While hidden from surface observers, they stand as steadfast guardians of planetary equilibrium, silently tending to the needs of the entire ecosystem.
To protect them is to also protect our own interests. There are tangible steps we can take towards this goal. For example, actively promoting the consumption of fish and seafood from responsible fishing practices, and adopting sustainable tourism practices, particularly in coastal areas, can make a significant impact. Now, let’s delve into who these remarkable creatures are and the places they call home. Here are some of the rarest marine animals found around the globe.
Rare and beautiful marine animals
Parrotfish (Scarus ghobban)
Caribbean Sea; Riviera Maya, Mexico
The parrotfish is a rare and exquisite marine species that not only enriches the abundant biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea but also contributes to the global ecosystem. This friendly creature is adorned in vibrant hues ranging from blue to green, orange, pink, and even purple. It painstakingly scrapes calcium skeletons from corals using its beak-like mouth. These remnants are then excreted as the fine white sand we see on idyllic beaches, like those in Riviera Maya, Mexico, providing a perfect backdrop for your vacations.
Much like numerous other Mexican species, the parrotfish is currently in danger of extinction. Therefore, engaging in controlled diving offers the best means to approach its habitat and observe it. This method allows for a captivating exploration of coral reefs and their mesmerizing beauty. By making use of the diving facilities in collaboration with Iberostar's All-Inclusive Caribbean hotels, you can fully immerse yourself in these captivating underwater worlds.
Starfish (Asteroideas)
Amazon River Mouth in the Atlantic Ocean; Brazil
The Amazon is not solely inhabited by freshwater species. If you're interested in exploring the river, the Iberostar Heritage Grand Amazon offers an exclusive cruise experience. However, at the mouth of the Amazon River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Brazil, you'll encounter surprising residents who rely on saltwater for their survival. Among them are starfish, delicate creatures that should never be touched or removed from the water, as even a simple act can be fatal to them.
In 2016, an unnoticed coral reef was discovered near where the river merges with the sea. This reef is home to various types of these echinoderms, showcasing vibrant colors and cosmic appearances. These starfish coexist with numerous rare fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and sponges, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem as small predators. This unique and fragile underwater world highlights the importance of preserving these delicate habitats.
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean-Pacific, and Caribbean Sea; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The hawksbill sea turtle, alongside its counterparts, the green sea turtle and the loggerhead sea turtle, is one of the protected species that return year after year to nest on the shores of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This distinctive turtle possesses a pointed mouth and a shell with intriguing serrated edges. Depending on the turtle's age, its shell can display various hues ranging from brown, greenish, to yellow.
Its preferred diet includes sponges, along with other invertebrates such as jellyfish. While it primarily dwells in the open sea, there are occasions when it can be spotted in shallow lagoons and vibrant coral reefs. This dynamic habitat usage adds to the complexity of the hawksbill sea turtle's life cycle.
In addition to enjoying the opportunity to dive alongside turtles while staying at five-star seaside hotels like JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar or Iberostar Selection Coral Bávaro within the Bávaro Complex, guests can also explore Iberostar's Coral Lab. This dedicated space, like all coral labs established by Iberostar in the Caribbean, serves as a hub for restoration efforts and scientific research. It is an integral part of a global initiative aimed at safeguarding reefs and other coastal ecosystems, including Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean and mangroves in the Dominican Republic, against the impacts of the climate crisis. Through these endeavors, the company actively contributes to the preservation of our oceans.
Flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans)
Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; Balearic Islands, Spain
One of the rarest marine creatures in the world is the flying gurnard, also known as the batfish, which has migrated from certain areas of the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Its most remarkable feature? It possesses wings. While at ease, its slender body closely resembles that of other fish. However, when provoked, an instinctual response prompts it to unfurl its semi-transparent and aerodynamic appendages, each adorned with fluorescent blue tips, in order to ward off potential threats. Should you have the fortune to encounter one during your stay at an Iberostar hotel in Mallorca, you are sure to be amazed.
Rare and dangerous marine animals
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)
Indian and Pacific Oceans; Northern Australia/Southeast Asia
The box jellyfish, also known as the sea wasp, stands as one of the rarest and most dangerous creatures in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It wields a potent venom, employed both for self-defense and to paralyze its prey, given its carnivorous nature. Thanks to this lethal substance, it has few natural predators, save for a specific type of turtle capable of feeding on it. It's intriguing that this creature is drawn to light, prompting it to steer clear of dark surroundings. Furthermore, during daylight hours, it moves at a more leisurely pace compared to its nocturnal activity. Researchers believe it possesses a heightened sensitivity to vibrations and engages in chemical communication with fellow members of its species. This fascinating behavior adds to the enigma of the box jellyfish's existence.
Blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena)
Indian and Pacific Oceans; from Japan to Australia
Another rare marine animal is the blue-ringed octopus, which gracefully traverses the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, spanning from the shores of Japan to Australia. This enigmatic creature boasts a peculiar beauty imbued with power and allure. Its skin showcases a vibrant yellow hue, adorned with distinct brown rings outlined by stunning shades of blue, although these colors may change to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Despite their diminutive size, typically measuring only four to six centimeters in length, they emit a highly poisonous substance capable of swiftly incapacitating large fish.
Portuguese Man o' War (Physalia physalis)
Tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
The Portuguese man o' war is often mistaken for a jellyfish, but it is actually a colonial organism composed of multiple parts, each with its own function, working in tandem to fulfill their collective purpose. This peculiar being, characterized by its transparent form featuring edges tinted in shades of violet, blue, or silver, ranks among the rarest marine creatures in the world. It features a gelatinous sail enabling it to traverse the ocean, along with numerous tentacles equipped with venom-filled capsules and reproductive glands. While it might be tempting to liken it to an amalgamation of different creatures or an aquatic marvel, such descriptions don't fully capture its complex nature. Instead, it serves as a vivid illustration of the remarkable diversity encompassed within the realm of life, emphasizing the crucial role of cooperation for survival.
Bull shark (Carcharias taurus)
All oceans worldwide
The bull shark is known to frequent shallow, warm waters in oceans worldwide and is often deemed the most aggressive of its species. It boasts a medium-sized, stout physique, with lengthy pectoral fins. Alongside the white shark and the tiger shark, it's considered one of the three types most inclined to attack when provoked. However, rest assured, humans aren't typically on its menu. Sadly, due to the value of their meat and skin, these sharks have become targets for poachers, leading to their endangerment.
Now that you've gained a bit more insight into these extraordinary marine creatures, you might find their existence not so different from that of the mammals or plants you tend to see in your daily life. What unites them all is their intricate connection to their respective ecosystems, much like the various components of the Portuguese man o' war. This underscores the importance of safeguarding the health of coastlines, seas, and their inhabitants. For Iberostar, this is a top priority. Only by doing so can they ensure the ongoing guardianship of the overall well-being of our planet in the years to come.
