The Arctic zone is a huge space that stretches from the Aleutian Islands to Iceland. This is a real kingdom of cold and ice. The icy waters of the Arctic Ocean and the rocky islands are always inhospitable. Everything here looks gloomy and stern. 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 often heavy snowfalls pass.
It would seem that in such a place it is impossible to find a living creature. However, this is not the case. The screams of gulls, the roar of walruses, the killer whales protruding from the water, and the growls of bears speak of the presence of life here. Animals of the Arctic Ocean were able to adapt to the harsh and inhospitable climate. They challenged permafrost.
Pink gull
The nature of the Arctic Ocean is unique. A huge number of birds live in this part of the world. Most of all there are pink gulls. On average, the weight of one individual is not more than a quarter of a kilogram, the body length is a maximum of 35 centimeters. However, these birds feel great living in such a harsh climate.
Guillemot
This bird has a black and white color. Such a coloring guillemot resembles a priest. But the behavior is, rather, a lively bazaar merchant. These inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean nest on sheer inaccessible cliffs. In winter, birds settle on ice and are not at all uncomfortable.
Other birds
The most amazing creature is the common eider. This bird is also called the northern duck. Gaga is able to dive into the icy water of the ocean to a depth of about 20 meters. However, the most ferocious bird is the polar owl. By the way, it is the largest among other species. A polar owl is a ruthless predator with white plumage and yellow eyes. It usually attacks not only birds, but also rodents. The bird can also enjoy a baby left unattended by a larger animal, for example, a polar fox.
Seals
These animals of the Arctic Ocean constitute a special group. Seals have been living in the Arctic zone for over a thousand years. However, there are many of their varieties. This group of animals includes harp seal. It differs from the congeners in an extraordinary pattern on the skin. The largest seal is the sea hare. The growth of this animal is sometimes about 2.5 meters. In this case, the weight of the individual does not reach up to 400 kilograms.
As for the common seal, it is significantly inferior in terms of parameters to the sea hare. However, these animals of the Arctic Ocean have expressive and very beautiful eyes. Ringed seal also belongs 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 someone. However, only here you can meet extraordinary creatures, for example, walruses. They are the closest relatives of seals. These animals belong to the 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 rewarded walruses with powerful fangs. They are necessary for animals to dig up the ocean floor in search of food. However, walrus often uses fangs to defend itself. It is worth noting that these animals are predators. Walruses do not mind eating a seal or a seal.
Narwhal
These inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean are of interest to many. Such a popularity of this species is caused primarily by its unusual appearance. A long horn sticks out from the mouth of these fish. Its length can reach three meters, and weight - up to 10 kilograms.
What is it? 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 it needed? Alas, there is no single answer to this question. Although there are plenty of assumptions in this regard.
Bowhead whales
These creatures are the closest relatives of the narwhals. However, when you look at them you will not say so. In size, the bowhead whale significantly overtakes the narwhal. He has no teeth in his mouth. But there is a huge tongue, as well as a whalebone. These organs allow whales to lick plankton, which in turn freezes in the plates. It is worth noting that these animals of the Arctic Ocean are completely harmless. Greenland whales have been living here for more than one millennium.
Saiga 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 is worth noting that the saiga plays an important role in the biological balance. In high latitudes, these are practically the only creatures that consume plankton. The fish of this species itself is the main food source 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. In this case, the weight of an adult is from 2 to 3 kilograms. Of course, there have been cases when rare specimens have come across fishing nets. Their body length ranged from 1 to 1.1 meters, and weight - from 15 to 19 kilograms. Haddock has a wide body, which is slightly flattened from the sides. To distinguish this fish from the rest is not so difficult. Haddock has a milky white belly and a gray dark back, cast with a lilac hue. A horizontal black line runs along her body, and a dark spot can be seen on both sides of her head. This is a kind of recognition mark that allows fish to recognize each other. Haddock usually gathers in large flocks. This mode of existence allows fish to notice predators much faster.
Other water inhabitants
The representative of the wildlife of the Arctic Ocean is the polar dolphin or beluga whale. These are large enough 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 made up of fish from the Arctic Ocean.
However, beluga whale often becomes prey. Other inhabitants of the Arctic Ocean - killer whales eat it. These creatures occupy a leading place among the remaining large predators. In the waters of the Arctic, they are frequent visitors. It is worth noting that not only belugas, but also seals, seals, walruses die from sharp teeth of killer whales.
Finally
As you can see, the fauna of the Arctic Ocean is rich. Only here in the natural environment you can see a seal or walrus. Many species of fish are not only food for local residents, but also commercial goods. On the shelves of the store you can see haddock, sea bass or representatives of the cod family in any form: frozen, chilled, salted, dried, smoked and so on.