Aquatic animals are animals that live in water for most or all of their lives. There are countless species of aquatic animals, but 12 examples of common aquatic animals include dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, octopuses, jellyfish, sea horses, crabs, lobsters, starfish, eels, clownfish, and whales. These animals can be found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water around the world.