Ever wondered what a group of your favourite sea creatures is called? From a shiver of sharks to a galaxy of starfish, these names are as fascinating as the species themselves. Read on to discover some of our favourite quirky collective nouns for sea creatures.
What is a group of fish called?
Depending on their behaviour, a group of fish is called a school or a shoal. Schools are tightly coordinated groups swimming in unison - they often do this for protection or during migration - while shoals are more loosely organised gatherings. The size of these groups varies greatly among species, from clownfish in small schools of up to five, to sailfish hunting in schools of up to 70. Pufferfish, while typically solitary, may form small groups of up to three or four for protection, this is particularly true for juvenile pufferfish, who will loosely group and share habitats.
What is a group of sharks called?
A group of sharks is called a shiver, which reflects their sleek, cutting movements through the water. The word 'shiver' originates from the old English term 'shive', meaning a slice or shard, referring to how sharks slice effortlessly through the ocean. While many sharks, such as great whites or tiger sharks, are mainly solitary, species like hammerheads often gather in large groups during migrations.
What is a group of dolphins called?
Dolphins come together in groups called pods, which can vary significantly in size. Pods typically consist of about five to 20 dolphins, but during migrations or feeding frenzies, they can form 'superpods' containing thousands of individuals. Within these groups, dolphins form sub-pods, such as nursey pods made up of females and their calves, which are vital for teaching young dolphins survival skills through play and observation. Male dolphins often form 'bachelor pods', these are small groups that enhance their chances of finding a mate.
What is a group of turtles called?
A group of turtles is commonly called a bale, but terms like flotilla, nest and turn are also used. A bale describes turtle gatherings on land or in water during migration or nesting, while a flotilla refers to turtles swimming together. A nest is used for turtles sharing nesting sites during egg-laying, and a turn describes a synchronised movement, such as hatchlings making their way to the ocean together. Green sea turtles often gather in groups of 20 to 50, while leatherback turtles form smaller feeding groups of five to ten.
What is a group of jellyfish called?
Jellyfish gatherings have some of our favourite group names, including bloom, smack and fluther. Smaller groups of fewer than ten are often called smacks, while larger gatherings are known as blooms or swarms. These blooms - consisting of hundreds or even thousands of jellyfish pulsing through the water - occur when ocean conditions are ideal, such as warm temperatures and abundant plankton.
What is a group of whales called?
A group of whales is commonly called a pod, although species-specific terms like gam or clan are also used. Pod sizes can vary greatly depending on the species, for example, sperm whales form matriarchal clans of up to 15 members, while humpbacks create temporary pods of five to ten during feeding or migration. Blue whales, the ocean's gentle giants, are typically solitary but occasionally will gather in small groups of two to four. Whales form strong social bonds and coordinate their movements within these pods, which showcases their intelligence and deep connection to one another.
What is a group of octopuses called?
A consortium or, more playfully, a tangle is a group of octopuses. Most octopus species are solitary, but the larger Pacific striped octopus is a notable exception, forming groups of up to 40 individuals. These social octopuses cooperate during hunting and sometimes even share dens, making the term 'tangle' especially fitting.
What is a group of seals called?
A group of seals can be called a bob, herd or harem, depending on the situation. During the breeding season, dominant males establish harems of up to 50 females and their pups, and fiercely defend their territory. Outside of breeding, seals often form herds of between ten and 100 for safety and social learning, where younger seals will observe the older members. The term 'bob' describes seals resting or floating together on the water's surface with their heads bobbing up and down like buoys.
What is a group of squid called?
Squid groups are called a shoal, though the term 'squad' has been playfully suggested as an alternative. These groups often consist of ten to 50 squid, but in some species, they can grow to include hundreds of individuals. Squids exhibit remarkable coordination in their shoals, particularly during hunting, where they use synchronised movement to corral prey. Humboldt squid, for instance, form highly organised groups with clear social hierarchies, led by the largest individuals.
What is a group of crabs called?
A group of crabs is called a cast, a term that evokes their collective scuttling movements. Depending on the species and habitat, casts can range from a dozen crabs to several hundred. Within the cast, a hierarchy or 'pinching order' often forms, with larger crabs dominating access to food. During mating season, species like fiddler crabs gather in massive groups of up to 1,000, creating a dramatic display of waving claws to attract mates.
What is a group of manatees called?
Manatees, often referred to as sea cows, gather in groups called herds. These herds usually consist of three to 20 individuals, though during colder months, aggregations of up to 100 manatees form around warm water sources like natural springs. These gatherings provide warmth, safety and opportunities for social interaction. Despite their size, manatee herds are remarkably gentle, with their slow, graceful movements reflecting their peaceful nature.
What is a group of sea lions called?
Sea lions gather in groups called colonies, rafts, harems or rookeries, depending on their activity and location. A colony typically refers to a group of ten to 1,000 sea lions gathered on land, often for resting or breeding. In the water, they form rafts of five to 20 individuals, floating close together for safety. During the breeding season, dominant males establish harems of up to 30 females, aggressively guarding them against rivals. The term 'rookery' describes their large breeding grounds, where hundreds of sea lions noisily congregate.
What is a group of shrimp called?
A group of shrimp is called a troupe, a term that highlights their lively and synchronised movements. Troupes often consist of 20 to 100 individuals, though the size can vary by species and habitat. Some shrimp, like mantis shrimp, occasionally form temporary groups to defend their territory or to hunt more effectively.
What is a group of manta rays called?
A group of manta rays is called a squadron, a term that's borrowed from aviation and perfectly suits their graceful gliding movements. These groups can range from a few individuals to as many as 10,000 during large feeding or migration events. Squadron gatherings are most common in areas rich in plankton, their primary food source; in these nutrient-rich areas, these gatherings can number in the thousands, which creates majestic displays.
What is a group of eels called?
A group of eels is called a bed or a swarm, depending on their behaviours. Garden eels are a prime example, forming colonies of hundreds that sway like blades of grass in the current while feeding on plankton as they emerge and retreat in unison. Larger species, such as moray eels, are less social but occasionally share crevices with small groups of five or ten individuals for shelter.
What is a group of seahorses called?
A group of seahorses is called a shoal or a herd, though such gatherings are rare. Seahorses are better known for their monogamous pair bonds, with mated pairs often performing synchronised swimming displays. When groups do form, they usually consist of fewer than ten individuals. The term 'herd' also adds a whimsy touch, comparing these tiny marine animals to their larger land-dwelling namesakes.
What is a group of starfish called?
A group of starfish is aptly called a galaxy, a name that perfectly captures their celestial beauty (and one of our personal favourite collective nouns for sea creatures). These groups can range from a handful of individuals to hundreds, often gathering during spawning events or in areas rich in food. The term 'galaxy' reflects the scattered star-like arrangement of starfish across the ocean floor.
What is a group of rays called?
A fever is a group of rays, such as eagle rays or mobula rays. These groups can range in size from ten to hundreds of individuals, particularly during migrations or feeding events. Rays move in synchronised motion, creating incredible displays of movement in the water, and the term 'fever' captures the intensity and energy of these gatherings.
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