The Top 8 Smartest and Most Intelligent Ocean Animals Still Alive Today

There’s no doubt that some species are highly intelligent, but intellect in animals is measured differently. For example, some species demonstrate intelligence through their unique ability to communicate, use of tools, or solve complex puzzles. However, these animals are not only on land. There are marine species that display an incredible amount of intelligence. Here are the top 8 smartest and most intelligent ocean animals still alive today.

1. Bottlenose Dolphin

The bottlenose dolphin is undoubtedly one of the most intelligent ocean animals still alive today. While they may appear fun-loving and goofy, they are actually incredibly intelligent. In fact, their brains are larger and more complex than most species, including humans. Their brains make up 0.9% of their total body weight, usually around 3.5 pounds. However, the size of the brain does not mean the animal is intelligent. Bottlenose dolphins have complex clusters of neurons that are responsible for decision-making, self-awareness, and problem-solving. Furthermore, these dolphins use a combination of whistles and clicks to communicate, which comes in handy for coordination during hunting.

Bottlenose dolphins also have an incredible memory. They can remember the clicks and whistles of a dolphin they met over 10 years ago. Additionally, they remember where to find food sources and travel long distances to find them. These clever animals are also capable of using tools and problem-solving. For example, they use sponges while foraging to protect their noses. Lastly, bottlenose dolphins show compassion by caring for their sick, injured, and elderly, and just like elephants, they mourn their dead.

2. Killer Whale

The killer whale is found throughout the world’s oceans, from tropical waters to polar regions. These intelligent ocean animals create their own social system and communicate through several vocalizations. Due to their large size, they have enormous brains, the second largest of any marine mammal. The first is sperm whales. Therefore, killer whales can interpret nerve signals and store memories.

Furthermore, these predators have complex social networks, forming alliances with other members and strong family bonds. Additionally, elders pass on their knowledge to the younger generations. Lastly, they have problem-solving abilities and use advanced hunting techniques, like beaching, to hunt prey.

3. Octopus

The octopus primarily occurs in warm tropical and sub-tropical waters throughout the world’s oceans. These eight-legged creatures have the intelligence to open jars, solve puzzles, and display signs of self-awareness. Octopuses have extensive nervous systems and large brains, with 2/3 of neurons in their eight tentacles. They can be compared to dogs when it comes to intelligence, and they have fantastic problem-solving skills. For example, researchers have observed octopuses using water jets to turn lights off that bother them in captivity. Furthermore, they also sneak into nearby tanks to steal food.

Additionally, they use tools for problem-solving. For example, they have been known to steal tentacles off jellyfish for protection. Octopuses are considered one of the most intelligent ocean animals because they can recognize individual people, solve mazes, and enjoy playing with toys. Lastly, their complicated use of camouflage is a testament to their intelligence.

4. Sea Otter

Sea otters usually occur in temperate waters, primarily inhabiting kelp forests and rocky shorelines. These adorable critters are notorious for using tools like rocks to open shellfish. Furthermore, they display complex problem-solving and learning abilities. In addition, they also recognize different humans and solve puzzles. This is because they possess an impressive memory, which also helps them locate past hunting spots. Lastly, they have evolved into fantastic swimmers, using their smarts to survive and navigate in marine habitats.

5. Manta Ray

Manta rays inhabit temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters around the world. They have impressive memories and remarkable learning abilities. Furthermore, they also exhibit emotional intelligence and form special individual relationships with other members of their species. While manta rays do not have the same abilities as dolphins and whales, they are still one of the most intelligent ocean animals alive today. For example, they have an incredible capacity for learning and remember specific feeding areas. In addition, they have a complex and sophisticated social system and are able to interact with and recognize each other.

The manta ray’s intelligence is further demonstrated by their complex communication through body language, helping them collaborate during hunting. They are also playful creatures and become inquisitive around humans. For example, they will often try to play with people. Lastly, they can recognize their own reflections.

6. Penguin

Penguins mainly occur in the Southern Hemisphere. However, there is one exception: the Galapagos Islands. Penguins are extremely good at creating mental maps, hunting as a team, and recognizing each other’s calls. While they are not as smart as dolphins, they are still one of the most intelligent ocean animals in the world. For example, after leaving a colony for extended periods of time, they are still able to make their way back. This is due to their impeccable memories that store visual cues like rivers and hills for future travels.

Furthermore, penguins hunt in groups and support each other to increase their chances of catching a meal. In addition, it’s hard to tell each other apart because they all look the same, but they have this unique ability to recognize offspring and their mates in colonies with hundreds of penguins. They also use vocalizations, like barking and loud noises, to identify and communicate. Lastly, they display problem-solving abilities when trying to get around obstacles in their path.

6. Sea Lion

Sea lions occur in subpolar and shallow temperate waters throughout the world’s oceans, except the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Researchers consider them intelligent because of their effective communication, impressive memory, and social learning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, they show incredible social learning abilities. Sea lions can communicate effectively using barks and growls and learn from each other’s behavior. Furthermore, they use sounds to organize group hunting, identify themselves, and when caring for their offspring. They also display the ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and use tools when problem-solving. Interestingly, sea lions are trainable and often used in rescue operations and military services. Lastly, their brain-to-body ratio is similar to bottlenose dolphins, who are notorious for their intelligence.

8. Great White Sharks

Great white sharks primarily occur in temperate coastal waters throughout the world’s oceans. They work together when hunting, making calculated attacks. As apex predators, these sharks are one of the most feared animals in the ocean. But, not many people associate them with intelligence. However, they are actually some of the most intelligent ocean animals still alive today. Firstly, they select highly intelligent prey like dolphins and seals.

Furthermore, they have cognitive abilities comparable to primates. Additionally, they have impressive memories and are fast learners. Lastly, they display social learning by observing their counterparts.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tory Kallman/Shutterstock.com