Are there any ocean animals that can live both in water and on land?
From NCERTAsked by Anonymous from Seattle, United States23 Oct 2026, 9:34 PM ISTUpdated
In one line
Some ocean animals can live both in water and on land, but only for short times or special reasons.
Green sea turtle — Species of large sea reptile A sea turtle, which lives in the ocean but comes to land to lay eggs. Image: Wikipedia
The rule
Animals that can live both in water and on land are called amphibious animals.
Let's understand it simply
Imagine a frog sitting near a village pond. It jumps into the water to swim, but also hops out to sit on land. Some animals from the ocean can do something similar. They spend most of their life in water but can come onto land for resting, laying eggs, or escaping danger. But, unlike frogs, most ocean animals cannot live on land for long. Their bodies are made for water.
Ocean Animals: Water vs Both Water and Land
Only Water
Both Water and Land
Example
Fish
Sea turtle
Can breathe air?
No
Yes, for a while
Comes to land?
No
Yes, for special reasons
How it works
The animal lives in the ocean but can move onto land.
It comes out of water for reasons like laying eggs, resting, or escaping predators (hunters).
It breathes air when on land, usually through lungs or special skin.
It must return to water to stay healthy, feed, or avoid drying out.
The story behind it
Long ago, scientists noticed some animals could survive in both water and on land. They called these animals "amphibious" (from Greek words meaning "both kinds of life"). Most amphibious animals we know, like frogs, live in ponds or rivers. But some sea animals, like seals and turtles, also show this ability.
Where you see it in real life
Sea turtles: Live in the ocean, but come to sandy beaches to lay eggs. After laying, they return to the sea.
Seals and sea lions: Swim and hunt in the ocean, but rest, sleep, and give birth on land or rocks.
Crabs (like the coconut crab): Some crabs live in the sea but walk on land to find food or lay eggs.
Mudskippers: Fish that live in salty water near the sea, but can crawl on land and even climb roots in mangroves.
Why it matters
Shows how animals adapt to different environments.
Helps us understand evolution (how life changes over time).
Important for protecting these animals, since they need both safe water and safe land.
Questions about these animals often come in science exams and help you think about habitats.
Common mistakes
Thinking that all sea animals can live on land. Most cannot — only special ones can, and only for a short time.
Believing that amphibians like frogs live in the ocean. Frogs mostly live in fresh water, not salty ocean.
Forgetting that even animals like turtles or seals cannot live on land forever — they must return to water.
Remember it
Sea turtles, seals, and some crabs can live in both water and on land, but only for special reasons and not forever.
Check yourself
Name one ocean animal that can live both in water and on land.
Sea turtle (or seal, or some crabs).
Why do sea turtles come onto land?
To lay eggs on sandy beaches.
Can all ocean animals survive on land? Why or why not?
No, only special ones like turtles and seals can, and only for short times because their bodies are made for water.
Why is it important for these animals to have safe land and water?
Because they need both to survive and complete their life cycle.
Quick recap
Some ocean animals can live both in water and on land for short periods.
Sea turtles, seals, and some crabs are examples.
They come to land for laying eggs, resting, or escaping danger.
Most ocean animals cannot survive on land.
Amphibious animals are adapted for both habitats, but not forever.
