93 Fun Sea Animals That Start With P [Plus Facts]

Today, we’re plunging into the playful and profound world of sea animals that start P. The ocean’s palette is painted with an incredible variety of life, and sea animals that start with P are some of the most peculiar and precious creatures we have the privilege to learn about. Let’s put on our explorer’s hats and dive deep to discover the fascinating ‘P’ residents of the marine world.

First on our path is the Penguin. While not all penguins live near the ocean, those that do are superb swimmers and divers. With their tuxedo-like feathers and waddling walk, penguins are both adorable and amazing. They can hold their breath and dive deep to catch their fishy meals, showing us that looking cute doesn’t mean you can’t be a fierce hunter too.

Next, we paddle over to meet the Pufferfish, one of the ocean’s most peculiar artists. When threatened, pufferfish can inflate themselves to several times their normal size, showing off their spiky exterior. But that’s not all – some species create beautiful patterns in the sand to attract mates. The pufferfish teaches us that the sea is full of surprises and creative solutions.

Then, let’s peer into the world of the Porcupinefish, a close relative of the pufferfish. Covered in spines, the porcupinefish also puffs up as a defense mechanism against predators. Their ability to turn into a spiky ball is both a marvel of nature and a reminder of the ingenious ways sea creatures protect themselves.

Our plunge into all the sea animals that start with P reveals a world teeming with peculiarities and splendor. From the playful Penguin to the puffing Pufferfish and the prickly Porcupinefish, each sea animal adds a unique brushstroke to the ocean’s vibrant canvas. So, let’s keep our spirits of discovery alive and our minds open to the endless wonders beneath the waves!

Ready to explore more sea animals? Check out our Sea animals that start with N and our Sea animals that start with O.

Complete List Of Sea Animals That Start With P

Here is a list of sea animals that start with P in alphabetical order. How many do you know from this list? Scroll down to learn more about each sea animal!

• Pacific Halibut
• Pacific Herring
• Pacific Lamprey
• Pacific Salmon
• Pacific Saury
• Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker
• Pacific Viperfish
• Paddlefish
• Painted Comber
• Painted Frogfish
• Painted Greenling
• Painted Sweetlips
• Palometa
• Pampanito
• Panga
• Panther Grouper
• Paper Nautilus
• Parrotfish
• Pasque Sole
• Patagonian Toothfish
• Peacock Flounder
• Peacock Rockcod
• Pearl Danio
• Pearl Perch
• Pearlfish
• Pelagic Cod
• Pelagic Thresher Shark
• Pelican Eel
• Pencil Urchin
• Pencilfish
• Penguin Fish
• Pennant Coralfish
• Peppered Moray
• Perch
• Peruvian Horse Mackerel
• Petrale Sole
• Pharaoh Cuttlefish
• Pigeon Guillemot
• Pigeye Shark
• Pike Conger
• Pike Eel
• Pikeblenny
• Piked Dogfish
• Pilachard
• Pilchard
• Pilot Fish
• Pink Salmon
• Pink Whipray
• Pipefish
• Pirate Perch
• Pitbull Shark
• Plaice
• Plainfin Midshipman
• Plankton
• Planktonic Copepod
• Plantonivorous Jellyfish
• Platessa
• Plumed Seahorse
• Pocket Shark
• Polka-Dot Ribbonfish
• Pomfret
• Pompano
• Porbeagle Shark
• Porcupine Fish
• Porpoise
• Portuguese Dogfish
• Pouting
• Powder Blue Surgeonfish
• Prawn
• Prickleback
• Prickly Sea Cucumber
• Prickly Shark
• Prince Barracuda
• Prionace Glauca
• Pristella Tetra
• Pristidactylus Argyropleuron
• Pseudochromis Diadema
• Pseudocrenilabrus Philander
• Pseudogastromyzon Myersi
• Pseudohemiodon Apithanos
• Pseudotropheus Crabro
• Psittacofulvimarinae
• Pufferfish
• Pughead Pipefish
• Puma Ribbonfish
• Purple-Spotted Bigeye
• Purpleback Flying Squid
• Purplemouth Moray
• Putterfish
• Pygmy Killer Whale
• Pygmy Shark
• Pyjama Cardinalfish
• Pyrosome

Fun Facts About Sea Animals That Start With P

Ready to increase your knowledge of sea animals that start with P? Dive in and learn more about all the different sea animals on the list!

• Pacific Halibut: These are like the big, flat pillows of the sea, lying on the ocean floor. They’re really big, so if fish had beds, halibuts would be the mattresses!
• Pacific Herring: These fish are like the popular kids at school, always seen in large groups. They’re super important in the ocean because lots of other animals love to eat them.
• Pacific Lamprey: Think of them as the vacuum cleaners of the river, but with a twist. They attach to other fish and get a free meal. They’re a bit like vampires, but for fish!
• Pacific Salmon: These are the travelers of the fish world, going on long vacations from the ocean to freshwater to have their babies. They’re like the adventurers of the sea, always up for a big journey.
• Pacific Saury: Imagine a fish that’s super slender and shiny, like a little silver arrow zipping through the water. They love to leap out of the sea, almost like they’re flying.
• Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker: These fish are round and cute, with a special sucker on their belly that lets them stick to things. It’s like they have built-in suction cups for hands!
• Pacific Viperfish: These look a bit scary with their big teeth and deep-sea living. They’re like the monsters under the bed, but really, they’re just trying to live their life in the dark, deep ocean.
• Paddlefish: These fish have a super long nose that looks like a paddle. They’re like the Pinocchios of the river, but instead of telling lies, they’re busy scooping up tiny food with their open mouths.
• Painted Comber: This fish is dressed up with lots of stripes and colors, as if it’s going to a party every day. It’s like the fashionista of the sea floor, always looking its best.
• Painted Frogfish: Frogfish are masters of disguise, looking more like a piece of coral or rock than a fish. They wait patiently for dinner to swim by, then gulp! It’s like they’re playing the ultimate game of hide and seek.
• Painted Greenling: These fish have beautiful colors, like someone painted them. They’re like the artists of the sea, showing off their colorful patterns.
• Painted Sweetlips: With big, pouty lips and pretty patterns, they’re like the supermodels of the sea, always ready for their close-up.
• Palometa: This fish is sleek and fast, darting through the water. It’s like the sports car of the sea, zooming around with ease.
• Pampanito: Small but mighty, these fish zip around in warm waters. They’re like the energetic puppies of the sea, always on the move.
• Panga: Panga is a popular fish for eating, known for its mild taste. It’s like the chicken of the sea, versatile and enjoyed by many.
• Panther Grouper: With its bold patterns, the panther grouper stands out. It’s like the jungle cat of the coral reef, striking and powerful.
• Paper Nautilus: These are actually octopuses with a beautiful shell that looks like delicate paper. They’re like the poets of the sea, carrying around their fragile, beautiful homes.
• Parrotfish: Parrotfish have beak-like mouths and vibrant colors. They’re like the parrots of the ocean, munching on coral and making sand.
• Pasque Sole: This is a flat fish that blends into the ocean floor. It’s like the ninja of the sea, hiding in plain sight from predators.

• Patagonian Toothfish: Known also as Chilean sea bass, they live in cold waters. They’re like the wanderers of the chilly seas, keeping cozy in their deep, cold homes.
• Peacock Flounder: Flounders are masters of camouflage, and the peacock flounder is no exception, with its eye-catching patterns. It’s like the chameleon of the sandy sea floor, always blending in.
• Peacock Rockcod: With its stunning colors, this fish is like the peacock of the sea, showing off its beautiful colors to anyone who looks closely.
• Pearl Danio: These small, shiny fish are like the twinkling stars of freshwater tanks, darting around with their sparkly bodies.
• Pearl Perch: Pearl Perch are like the gems of the sea, shiny and valuable, known for being delicious.
• Pearlfish: Pearlfish are sneaky little creatures that live inside sea cucumbers. They’re like the secret roommates of the sea, hiding where you least expect them.
• Pelagic Cod: These fish live in the open sea, away from the coast. They’re like the wanderers of the ocean, exploring the vast open waters.
• Pelagic Thresher Shark: With a super long tail, these sharks can stun their prey by whipping it. They’re like the martial artists of the sea, using their tails like nunchucks.
• Pelican Eel: These eels have huge mouths and look a bit strange. They’re like the clowns of the deep sea, always ready to surprise you with their goofy look.
• Pencil Urchin: Pencil Urchins have long, thin spines like pencils. They’re like the porcupines of the sea, but instead of quills, they have writing tools!
• Pencilfish: Slim and straight like a pencil, these fish are the neat and tidy organizers of the water, always keeping their school in line.
• Penguin Fish: Though not actual penguins, if they were fish, imagine them waddling through the water, all dressed up in their tuxedos, ready for a fancy fish ball.
• Pennant Coralfish: These fish wave their long fins like flags. They’re like the cheerleaders of the coral reef, always showing their spirit.
• Peppered Moray: With a body dotted like pepper, these eels are like the seasoned veterans of the reef, adding a bit of spice to the ocean floor.
• Perch: Perches are like the popular kids in the freshwater world, found almost everywhere and always up for a swim.
• Peruvian Horse Mackerel: Fast and feisty, these fish are like the galloping horses of the sea, racing through the waves.
• Petrale Sole: This flatfish loves the ocean floor, gliding over sand like a magic carpet. It’s like the undercover agent of the sea bed, blending in and keeping an eye on things.
• Pharaoh Cuttlefish: With their regal appearance, they’re like the pharaohs of the sea, commanding attention with their elegant movements and clever camouflage tricks.

• Pigeon Guillemot: Though it’s a bird, if it were a sea animal, it would be diving into the ocean to catch fish, like a feathered fisherman of the skies.
• Pigeye Shark: With big, wide eyes, these sharks seem always surprised. They’re like the shocked spectators of the sea, always wide-eyed and ready for action.
• Pike Conger: These eels are long and predatory, like the sneaky spies of the sea, always on a secret mission to find their next meal.
• Pike Eel: Similar to the pike conger, they’re like the sleek submarines of the underwater world, navigating silently and with purpose.
• Pikeblenny: Small but fierce, pikeblennies are like the little warriors of the reef, standing their ground and protecting their home.
• Piked Dogfish: These small sharks are like the scrappy underdogs of the shark world, small in size but big in heart.
• Pilachard / Pilchard: These sardines are like the ocean’s version of fast food, quick to catch and tasty to eat, feeding lots of different sea animals.
• Pilot Fish: Pilot fish are like the guides of the sea, often found swimming alongside bigger fish, leading the way like little ocean escorts.
• Pink Salmon: Pink Salmon are the travelers, migrating from freshwater to the sea. They’re like the backpackers of the fish world, always on an epic journey.
• Pink Whipray: With their soft, pink hues, these rays are like the delicate flowers of the ocean, gracefully gliding through the water.
• Pipefish: Pipefish are long and skinny, like living straws. They’re like the stick figures of the sea, floating around the seagrass.
• Pirate Perch: With a name like that, you can imagine them as the swashbucklers of the waterways, always on the lookout for their next treasure.
• Pitbull Shark: Though not a real species, if they were like their namesake, they’d be tough and fearless, the guardians of the reef.
• Plaice: Plaice are flat and like to hide in the sand. They’re like the shy kids at the beach, blending in and watching the world go by.
• Plainfin Midshipman: These fish sing at night to attract mates. They’re like the serenaders of the sea, crooning love songs under the moonlight.
• Plankton: Plankton are tiny but mighty, feeding almost everyone in the sea. They’re like the fast-food chain of the ocean, serving up meals for everyone from whales to tiny fish.
• Planktonic Copepod: Tiny but important, these are like the buzzing bees of the ocean, pollinating the sea with their movements and feeding bigger animals.
• Plantonivorous Jellyfish: These jellyfish feed on plankton, floating around like living, swimming vacuum cleaners, keeping the ocean clean.

• Platessa: Often another name for flounder or plaice, these are the masters of disguise, the chameleons hiding away on the sea floor.
• Plumed Seahorse: With fancy fins that look like feathers, they’re the dancers of the sea, twirling and swirling among the seagrass.
• Pocket Shark: Though rare, these tiny sharks are like the secret keepers of the deep, with a pocket-like gland that’s still a bit of a mystery.
• Polka-Dot Ribbonfish: Imagine a fish dressed in polka dots, dancing through the water. They’re like the festive party-goers of the deep, always dressed to impress.
• Pomfret: Pomfrets are like the elegant diners of the sea, with their sleek, round bodies, they glide through the water with style.
• Pompano: These fish are strong and fast, like the athletes of the shore, darting through the surf and riding the waves.
• Porbeagle Shark: These sharks are like the cold-water explorers, diving deep and swimming far in the chilly waters of the ocean.
• Porcupine Fish: Porcupine Fish puff up when scared, turning into spiky balls. They’re like the blow-up balloons of the sea, ready to pop out in surprise.
• Porpoise: Porpoises are like the shy cousins of dolphins, a bit smaller and quieter but just as playful and smart.
• Portuguese Dogfish: These deep-sea sharks are like the mysterious wanderers of the deep, roaming the ocean’s depths where few others go.
• Pouting: Pouting fish always look like they’re in a bad mood, but really, they’re just hanging out, doing their fish thing.
• Powder Blue Surgeonfish: With their stunning blue color, they’re like the ocean’s royalty, swimming around in their brilliant blue robes.
• Prawn: Prawns are like the chicken nuggets of the sea, popular all over the world and delicious in so many dishes.
• Prickleback: These fish have prickly backs, making them like the little porcupines of the tide pools, cute but a bit spiky.
• Prickly Sea Cucumber: Sea cucumbers might look weird, but these are even weirder with their spiky skin. They’re like the punk rockers of the sea floor, all spiky and cool.
• Prickly Shark: With rough skin, Prickly Sharks are like the sandpaper of the sea, tough and gritty.
• Prince Barracuda: Imagine a barracuda with a crown, swimming through the sea like royalty, fast and fearless.
• Prionace Glauca: Also known as the blue shark, these are the wanderers of the open sea, swimming long distances in their deep blue world.

• Pristella Tetra: These are small, peaceful fish with translucent bodies. They’re like the gentle spirits of freshwater, gliding quietly in their schools.
• Pristidactylus Argyropleuron: A bit of a mix-up in names, but if it were a sea creature, it might be sleek and silver, darting through the water with grace.
• Pseudochromis Diadema: These are colorful reef fish, like the little gems of the coral world, adding sparkle and color to the reefs.
• Pseudocrenilabrus Philander: A type of African cichlid, if they swam in the sea, they’d be the social butterflies, always busy and bubbly around the coral.
• Pseudogastromyzon Myersi: These small bottom-dwellers are like the neat freaks of the stream, always tidying up the riverbed.
• Pseudohemiodon Apithanos: Another freshwater fish, but if it swam in the sea, it might be the mysterious shadow, silently observing from the deep.
• Pseudotropheus Crabro: This cichlid, known as the bumblebee cichlid for its stripes, would be the busy bee of the sea, buzzing around the coral and keeping things lively.
• Psittacofulvimarinae: Not a real sea animal, but it sounds exotic! If it were, perhaps it’d be the parrot of the sea, colorful and chatty among the waves.
• Pufferfish: Pufferfish are like the balloons at a party, puffing up when they get a scare. They’re the funny surprise of the sea, popping up when you least expect it.
• Pughead Pipefish: These quirky-looking fish have heads that look a bit squished. They’re like the comedians of the sea grass, always ready to make you smile.
• Puma Ribbonfish: If it existed, it might be sleek and powerful, gliding through the ocean like a puma through the jungle.
• Purple-Spotted Bigeye: These fish have big, watchful eyes, like the guardians of the reef, keeping an eye on everything that happens.
• Purpleback Flying Squid: Imagine a squid that can briefly fly above the water, flashing its purple back. It’s like the acrobat of the sea, showing off its aerial moves.
• Purplemouth Moray: With a colorful mouth, these eels are like the punk rock singers of the reef, bold and a bit intimidating.
• Putterfish: Though it sounds like golf in the sea, there’s no real “putterfish.” But if there were, it might be the golfer of the sea, always aiming for the perfect shot.
• Pygmy Killer Whale: Small but fierce, these whales are like the little warriors of the ocean, brave and bold in their family groups.
• Pygmy Shark: Tiny but tough, Pygmy Sharks are like the small but mighty heroes, proving that size isn’t everything.
• Pyjama Cardinalfish: With stripes that look like pajamas, these fish are like the sleepover guests of the coral reef, always in their cozy stripes.
• Pyrosome: Pyrosomes are like the glowing, living tubes of the sea, mysterious and beautiful, lighting up the ocean with their bioluminescent glow.
• Pristella Tetra: These are small, peaceful fish with translucent bodies. They’re like the gentle spirits of freshwater, gliding quietly in their schools.
• Pristidactylus Argyropleuron: A bit of a mix-up in names, but if it were a sea creature, it might be sleek and silver, darting through the water with grace.
• Pseudochromis Diadema: These are colorful reef fish, like the little gems of the coral world, adding sparkle and color to the reefs.
• Pseudocrenilabrus Philander: A type of African cichlid, if they swam in the sea, they’d be the social butterflies, always busy and bubbly around the coral.
• Pseudogastromyzon Myersi: These small bottom-dwellers are like the neat freaks of the stream, always tidying up the riverbed.
• Pseudohemiodon Apithanos: Another freshwater fish, but if it swam in the sea, it might be the mysterious shadow, silently observing from the deep.
• Pseudotropheus Crabro: This cichlid, known as the bumblebee cichlid for its stripes, would be the busy bee of the sea, buzzing around the coral and keeping things lively.
• Psittacofulvimarinae: Not a real sea animal, but it sounds exotic! If it were, perhaps it’d be the parrot of the sea, colorful and chatty among the waves.
• Pufferfish: Pufferfish are like the balloons at a party, puffing up when they get a scare. They’re the funny surprise of the sea, popping up when you least expect it.
• Pughead Pipefish: These quirky-looking fish have heads that look a bit squished. They’re like the comedians of the sea grass, always ready to make you smile.
• Puma Ribbonfish: If it existed, it might be sleek and powerful, gliding through the ocean like a puma through the jungle.
• Purple-Spotted Bigeye: These fish have big, watchful eyes, like the guardians of the reef, keeping an eye on everything that happens.
• Purpleback Flying Squid: Imagine a squid that can briefly fly above the water, flashing its purple back. It’s like the acrobat of the sea, showing off its aerial moves.
• Purplemouth Moray: With a colorful mouth, these eels are like the punk rock singers of the reef, bold and a bit intimidating.
• Putterfish: Though it sounds like golf in the sea, there’s no real “putterfish.” But if there were, it might be the golfer of the sea, always aiming for the perfect shot.
• Pygmy Killer Whale: Small but fierce, these whales are like the little warriors of the ocean, brave and bold in their family groups.
• Pygmy Shark: Tiny but tough, Pygmy Sharks are like the small but mighty heroes, proving that size isn’t everything.
• Pyjama Cardinalfish: With stripes that look like pajamas, these fish are like the sleepover guests of the coral reef, always in their cozy stripes.
• Pyrosome: Pyrosomes are like the glowing, living tubes of the sea, mysterious and beautiful, lighting up the ocean with their bioluminescent glow.

What sea animal that starts with P are you most excited to see in real life? Share in the comments!