A a strange or frightening creature that lives primarily underwater. Seagoing cultures around the world have encountered sea monsters since ancient times. A virtually endless variety have been identified (see below).

They range in size from less than 5 feet to several hundred feet in length and appear in innumerable forms. Some of the more popular forms are the underwater counterparts to dragons, dinosaurs, horses, dogs and even humans. In fact every creature existing on land may have a counterpart beneath the sea.

Sea monsters have also been compared to mundane animals normally found in the sea. This type of monster is usually very similar to the mundane animal only much larger and it may possess supernatural powers. Some popular examples are sea turtles, serpents, squids, sharks, and whales.

They are best known for attacking and sinking ships, hence the name monster. The name sea monster does not have to apply to monsters of the sea only, it can also be correctly used to refer to creatures dwelling in freshwater lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

See Also: Dragons, Mermaids, Sea Monsters