From Spongebob Squarepants to Dory from Finding Nemo, these lovable sea cartoons have captured kids’ imaginations for generations.
Cartoon characters based on creatures that live in the ocean are a staple of children’s animation.
The depiction of sea creatures in cartoon form is also famous in books, comics, and other forms of media.
They bring fun and excitement to underwater scenes while teaching us lessons about respect for nature and environmental conservation.
Cartoon sea creature characters often embody traits such as loyalty, friendship, and courage – all qualities that we can learn from when it comes to looking after our planet’s oceans.
Cartoon Ocean Animals
Cartoon-based sea creatures provide a unique way for people to connect with the ocean world on both an emotional and educational level. Whether swimming in the deep ocean, scuba-diving on a coral reef, or simply splashing around at the beach, cartoon sea creatures remind us to appreciate and protect all of the fantastic life found beneath the waves.
The popularity of these characters has also helped create an industry for merchandise ranging from plush toys to clothing lines.
I know this list is much more extensive, but I will add to it as time passes. I found around 105 cartoon characters based on animals living in the ocean.
12Sebastian – The Little Mermaid
Sebastian is the beloved crab from Disney’s classic animated movie, The Little Mermaid. Throughout the film, Sebastian appears as Ariel’s musical composer and advisor.
He lends his voice of wisdom and music to many of her adventures. Sebastian is a popular character in ocean cartoons because of his cheerful demeanor, kind nature, and singing ability.
Despite being small, Sebastian proves he has excellent strength in protecting those he loves. His upbeat attitude encourages us all to make the most out of life and be brave no matter our challenges.
Sebastian will always remain an iconic part of Disney’s world and a source of joy for children worldwide.
11Flounder – The Little Mermaid
Flounder is a character from the 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. As Ariel’s best friend and companion, Flounder is an overly fearful and timid blue-and-yellow tropical reef fish.
Flounder accompanies Ariel on many of her adventures, despite being constantly scared of the danger that comes with them. As a symbol of courage and friendship, flounders represent how even the most fearful person can stand up for their beliefs.
10Monstro – Pinocchio
Monstro, a giant whale, is a villainous character in the 1940 Disney movie Pinocchio.
After consuming numerous mermaids and ships, Monstro became a mighty and colossal whale. Monstro then destroyed Geppetto’s boat near Pleasure Island when it was carrying Monstro’s old enemy Pinocchio.
Monstro swallowed Geppetto and Pinocchio inside his belly, but with help from Jiminy Cricket and some fish, they managed to escape. As a result of the underwater volcano Monstropolis creating a whirlpool, Monstro eventually died.
Monstro has become one of the most iconic Disney villains due to his immense size and power. Monstro remains an essential part of the Pinocchio story and is a memorable villain for children everywhere.
9Tamatoa – Moana
Tamatoa is a giant crab who appears in the 2016 Disney animated film Moana. Jemaine Clement voices Tamatoa, who resides within Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters.
Tamatoa’s home decor gives insight into his personality; Tamatoa loves to collect shinies like coconuts and jewels that he stores in his shell.
A great deal of pride is placed on Tamatoa’s appearance, so he enjoys singing catchy tunes about himself. Tamatoa has an inflated ego and wants to be admired by all.
8Nemo – Finding Nemo
Nemo is a popular cartoon character created by Pixar and Disney for the 2003 animated film Finding Nemo. The Great Barrier Reef is home to Nemo, an orange clownfish whose father, Marlin, is overprotective. Nemo’s mother was killed by a barracuda shortly after Nemo hatched from his egg.
Dory, Crush, and Squirt help Nemo return home on an adventure.
Nemo’s journey of courage and bravery has made him one of the most beloved characters in Hollywood today.
7Dory – Finding Nemo
As central character in the Pixar movie “Finding Nemo.” Dory is a blue tang fish who suffers from short-term memory loss, making her forgetful and often misplacing things.
Despite this, Dory tries to help Marlin (the protagonist of Finding Nemo) on his quest to reunite with his son.
Throughout the film, Dory’s upbeat personality makes her an endearing presence. She never gives up hope or stops trying to help Marlin despite all the obstacles they encounter along their journey.
Dory also exhibits excellent perseverance and courage in finding Nemo, which ultimately helps them succeed.
6Luca Paguro – Luca
Luca Paguro is the main character of the 2021 Disney Pixar animated feature film Luca. He is a 13-year-old sea monster that Alberto Scorfano influences to venture into the surface.
5Tick-Tock the Crocodile – Peter Pan
Tick-Tock the Crocodile is a prominent character in J.M. Barrie’s play Peter Pan and its various adaptations, including the 1953 Disney film of the same name.
An alarm clock ticks inside Tick-Tock’s stomach while he chases after Captain Hook.
Tick-Tock reminds Hook that he is mortal and that death could be imminent at any moment due to his constant pursuit of Peter Pan.
4Oscar – Shark Tale
Oscar is the main protagonist of Shark Tale, a computer-animated comedy adventure film from DreamWorks.
As a fast-talking young fish, Oscar dreams of becoming rich and famous like his idol, Don Lino, the shark mob boss whom he idolizes. Oscar lives in a colorful underwater world called Reef City with his close friends Angie and Lenny.
Oscar’s ambition leads him to make rash decisions that put him at odds with Don Lino and his son, Frankie. Oscar must use all his wits and courage to outwit them and save the city from disaster.
3Mr. Krabs – Sponge Bob Square Pants
Mr. Krabs, or Mr. Eugene H. Krabs, is a significant character in the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise created by Stephen Hillenburg.
He is the greedy and penny-pinching owner of the Krusty Krab restaurant, where SpongeBob works as a fry cook.
Mr. Krabs has a daughter, Pearl, who is a whale. Clancy Brown voices Mr. Krabs and first appeared on television in the “Help Wanted” pilot episode on May 1, 1999.
2Pearl Krabs – Sponge Bob Square Pants
Pearl Krabs, the daughter of Eugene H. Krabs and Pearlina, is a significant character in SpongeBob SquarePants. The teenage whale Pearl attends Mrs. Puff’s Boating School.
Pearl is shown to be an emotional and dramatic individual who loves to sing, dance, and participate in other activities typical for her age.
Despite Pearl’s tight-wad ways and occasional overprotectiveness, her father often embarrasses her.
Pearl has a prominent role in the series, appearing in numerous episodes since her debut in “Squeaky Boots.”
1Patrick Star – Sponge Bob Square Pants
Patrick Star is a beloved character from the classic animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.
A pink starfish named Patrick lives in the coral reef of Bikini Bottom with his best friend SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as a variety of colorful characters such as Squidward Tentacles, Sandy Cheeks, and Eugene Krabs, as well as other colorful characters such as Mr. Krabs and Patrick’s friends.
Cartoon Sea Life
Cartoon sea creatures remind us of the beauty and importance of our oceans while also providing an entertaining way to engage with marine life.
No matter how you enjoy them, cartoon sea creatures will always be a part of our lives – bringing fun and adventure to adults and children alike.
Whether swimming in books or on screen, these characters are sure to bring a smile to your face! So go ahead and take some time to explore the wonderful world beneath the waves with cartoon ocean creatures!