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Around the full moon in June and July thousands of grouper congregate on the remote coral atolls in French Polynesia. These large fish all try to carve out small territories that they will defend until they spawn en masse at night. The only problem is that these reefs are already covered in huge masses of fish like the soldierfish surrounding the grouper.

Wildlife Library

Are you eager to learn more about the animals living in and around our beautiful ocean? Dive in and get to know your favorite marine wildlife with wild facts about behavior, lifespan, eating habits and more. There are many ocean critters to explore and learn more about—from polar bears to nurse sharks to copepods. What’s your favorite ocean animal?

A hawksbill turtle takes a nose dive back into the depths after catching a breath of fresh air.

Highlighting the Hawksbill

Hawksbill sea turtles are known for their spectacularly-colored shells. Learn more about ocean wildlife with these factsheets.

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    harbor seal in water
    Least Concern

    Harbor Seal Phoca vitulina

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    Endangered

    Shortfin Mako Shark Isurus oxyrinchus

    Shortfin mako sharks are speed demons. They can swim up to 45 miles per hour.

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    oceanic whitetip shark swimming with fish
    Critically Endangered

    Oceanic Whitetip Shark Carcharhinus longimanus

    Oceanic whitetip sharks are top predators that love the wide-open ocean. They are recognized by their white-tipped fins.

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    Vulnerable

    Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris

    When life gives you a lemon shark … celebrate! Lemon sharks get their name from their yellow-ish hue that allows them to blend into the ocean’s sandy bottom.

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