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The Wolfi octopus, also known as the Star-Sucker Pygmy octopus, is the world’s smallest octopus.

The green turtle is so named because the fat layer underneath the carapace (shell) is green.

Loggerhead turtles, named for their large heads, are the most common turtle in southern Africa.

Hawksbill turtles are named for their curved beaks, and enter South African waters as strays.

Leatherback turtles are the only turtle species without a hard carapace.

The Olive Ridley turtle, so named for the olive-green colour of its shell, is the smallest turtle in South African waters.

Sea bamboo is the largest species of kelp in South Africa, growing up to 12 metres tall.

Bladder kelp is delicate kelp that can reach a maximum length of 12 metres.

Spined kelp is the smallest species of kelp in South Africa, rarely growing over one metre tall.

Split-fan kelp is the most common species in South Africa, although it prefers deeper water.

Written by the teaching staff at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and approved by Umalusi and the Department of Education, Marine Sciences is an official school subject for Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners (and even adults) who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the ocean, its workings, and its impact on humans and our planet. Marine Sciences nurtures informed citizens who value scientifically substantiated decisions and contribute to the health of our planet’s oceans as future scientists, journalists, teachers, or specialists. Ideally, these learners would take up work and study opportunities in the marine sphere – an area with abundant possibilities for young, ocean-minded people.

Emperor penguins are the largest species of penguin. They live solely in the Antarctic, huddling together in the thousands to escape the wind and conserve warmth.