Ocean Romantics: Heartwarming Partnerships Beneath the Waves | Oceana
Home / Blog / Ocean Romantics: Heartwarming Partnerships Beneath the Waves

Ocean Romantics: Heartwarming Partnerships Beneath the Waves

 

Love is in the ocean air…or should we say, water? Many marine animals have their own unique ways of showing affection, from penguins that woo with pebbles to seahorses that sway with their mates. Dive in and discover these heartwarming partnerships beneath the waves. 

A PASSION FOR PEBBLES

Gentoo penguins bond over pebbles—and it all starts with real estate. A male penguin will scout out the best possible nest site, then stand tall and call out to passing females to take a look. If a female likes what she sees, the two will court each other with mutual displays of trumpeting and bowing. Together, they’ll build a pebble nest on the chosen site, strengthening their bond one stone at a time. The pair may stay together for life, returning year after year to raise their chicks side by side. 

A ROMANTIC DANCE

Seahorses take courtship to a whole new level with their graceful underwater rituals. It begins with the male showing off—shifting his colors and swimming around the female, accompanied by clicking sounds. Eventually, the pair will entwine their tails and “dance” together along the ocean floor. Once bonded, the female transfers her eggs into the male’s brooding pouch, where he’ll carry them until they hatch. Even during the pregnancy, the devoted pair continues their dances day after day!

WOOING WITH SONG

For humpback whales, song is the romantic gesture of choice! During mating season, males will sing long, complex songs, hoping to attract a female. Males will also sometimes join up and sing together. But the courtship rituals of humpback whales have been observed rarely by humans, and many mysteries remain about these majestic mammals! 

A LOVEBIRD’S KISS

Atlantic puffins have a sweet way of showing affection— by touching their beaks together, back and forth, in a display that looks a lot like kissing! This bonding behavior is only seen between mated pairs, who typically stay together for life. Once paired, the couple works together to dig a burrow, where they’ll raise their single chick—adorably known as a puffling. 

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK

Once paired, French angelfish are usually seen together. These devoted couples spend their days defending their territory side by side and retreat to shelter together at night. Monogamy is uncommon among fish, making the French angelfish’s lasting partnership all the more remarkable. 

Right now, heartwarming animal partnerships like these can help protect the oceans they call home. With America’s Favorite Couple, you can vote for your favorite love story—and a portion of the proceeds will support Oceana’s work to protect marine life. Cast your vote today and help safeguard these ocean romantics!