The Arctic zone is a vast expanse that stretches from the Aleutian Islands to Iceland. This is the real realm of cold and ice. The icy waters of the Arctic Ocean and rocky islands are always inhospitable. Everything here looks gloomy and harsh. The fauna of the Arctic Ocean is scarce and unique in its own way. After all, icy winds blow here all year round, fogs wander and heavy snowfalls often occur.
It would seem that in such a place it is impossible to find a living being. However, this is not the case. The screams of seagulls, the roar of walruses, the fins of killer whales protruding from the water, the growling of bears speak of the presence of life here. The animals of the Arctic Ocean were able to adapt to the harsh and inhospitable climate. They challenged the permafrost.
Pink Gull
The nature of the Arctic Ocean is unique. This part of the world is home to a huge number of birds. Most of all there are pink gulls. On average, the weight of one individual is no more than a quarter of a kilogram, the body length is a maximum of 35 centimeters. However, these birds feel great living insuch a harsh climate.
Kaira
This bird has a black and white color. With this coloring, the murre resembles a priest. But in terms of behavior, it is rather a lively bazaar tradeswoman. These inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean nest on sheer impregnable rocks. In winter, birds settle on the ice and do not experience discomfort at all.
Other birds
The most amazing creature is the common eider. This bird is also called the northern duck. Eider is able to dive into the icy water of the ocean to a depth of about 20 meters. However, the polar owl is considered the most ferocious bird. By the way, it is the largest among other species here. The snowy owl is a ruthless predator with white plumage and yellow eyes. It usually attacks not only birds, but also rodents. A bird can also feast on an unattended cub of a larger animal, such as a polar fox.
Seals
These animals of the Arctic Ocean are a special group. Seals have lived in the Arctic for over a thousand years. However, there are many varieties of them. The harp seal belongs to this group of animals. It differs from relatives by an extraordinary pattern on the skin. The largest seal is the sea hare. The growth of this animal is sometimes about 2.5 meters. At the same time, the weight of an individual is slightly less than 400 kilograms.
As for the common seal, it is significantly inferior to the bearded seal in terms of parameters. However, theseanimals of the Arctic Ocean have expressive and very beautiful eyes. Ringed seals also belong to seals. She is much smaller than her relatives, but has the ability to dig holes in the snow.
Walruses
The fauna of the Arctic Ocean may seem scarce to some. However, only here you can meet extraordinary creatures, for example, walruses. They are the closest relatives of seals. These animals are pinnipeds, but their size is simply amazing. The body length of an adult can be about three meters, and the average weight is almost a ton. In addition, nature has awarded walruses with powerful fangs. Animals need them to dig the ocean floor in search of food. However, the walrus often uses fangs for the purpose of self-defense. It is worth noting that these animals are predators. Walruses are not averse to eating seals or seals.
Narwhal
These inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean are of interest to many. Such popularity of this species is caused primarily by its extraordinary appearance. A long horn protrudes directly from the mouth of these fish. It can be up to three meters long and weigh up to 10 kilograms.
What is this? It's hard to believe, but it's an ordinary tooth that has grown to such a size. Of course, such a horn does not cause any particular inconvenience to narwhals. Why is he needed? Alas, there is no clear answer to the question. Although there are plenty of assumptions on this score.
Bowhead whales
These beings are the closestrelatives of the narwhals. However, when you look at them, you can't say that. In size, the bowhead whale is significantly larger than the narwhal. It has no teeth in its mouth. But there is a huge tongue, as well as a whalebone. These organs allow whales to lick plankton, which in turn solidifies in plates. It is worth noting that these animals of the Arctic Ocean are completely harmless. Bowhead whales have been living here for millennia.
Pod fish
These small inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean are also called polar cod. These fish perfectly tolerate cold and live in the water column. It should be noted that the polar cod plays an important role in the biological balance. In high latitudes, they are practically the only creatures that consume plankton. The very same fish 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 were cases when rare specimens came across in fishing nets. Their body length ranged from 1 to 1.1 meters, and their weight was from 15 to 19 kilograms. Haddock has a wide body, which is slightly flattened laterally. It is not so difficult to distinguish this fish from the rest. Haddock has a milky white belly and a gray dark back, cast in a lilac hue. A horizontal black line runs along the body, and a dark spot can be seen near the head on both sides. This isa kind of recognition sign that allows fish to recognize each other. Haddock usually gathers in large flocks. This mode of existence allows the fish to notice predators much faster.
Other inhabitants of the waters
The representative of the animal world of the Arctic Ocean is the polar dolphin or beluga whale. These are fairly large animals. The weight of an adult is about two tons. The body length of a beluga whale is about six meters. And her food is fish of the Arctic Ocean.
However, the beluga whale often becomes prey. Other inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean feed on it - killer whales. These creatures occupy a leading position among other large predators. In the waters of the Arctic, they are frequent guests. It is worth noting that not only white whales, but also seals, seals, and walruses die from the sharp teeth of killer whales.
In closing
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 a trade commodity. On the shelves of the store you can see haddock, sea bass or representatives of the cod family in any form: frozen, chilled, s alted, dried, smoked, and so on.
