Invertebrate

Invertebrates are animals that lack a spinal column. This includes nearly all the animals except amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals. In addition, most of the invertebrates live in the water which means that divers get the chance to see many of these critters.

Below are descriptions of some invertebrate phylum that include creatures commonly found while scuba diving.

Phylum Porifera
Sponges

Phylum Cnidaria
Sea anemones, corals, and jellyfish

Phylum Arthropoda
Shrimp, crabs, and lobster

Phylum Mollusca
Clams, chitons, snails, and octopus

Phylum Echinodermata
Sea urchins, sea stars, sea cucumbers