crossword clue marine mammal – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "marine mammal", along with explanations and helpful tips to conquer your next puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue marine mammal" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SEAL: A carnivorous marine mammal with a streamlined body and flippers, found in cold coastal waters.
ORCA: Also known as a killer whale, a large, powerful toothed whale with distinctive black and white markings.
5 Letters
WHALE: A large marine mammal with a streamlined body, typically having a blowhole on the head for breathing.
OTTER: A semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal, some species are marine, known for their playful behavior and dexterity.
6 Letters
WALRUS: A large, tusked marine mammal found in Arctic waters, known for its whiskers.
DUGONG: A large, herbivorous marine mammal, similar to a manatee, found in warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.
7 Letters
DOLPHIN: A highly intelligent marine mammal, a toothed whale, known for its playful behavior.
MANATEE: A large, aquatic, herbivorous marine mammal with a paddle-like tail, found in warm coastal waters.
8 Letters
PORPOISE: A small toothed whale that differs from dolphins in its blunter snout and triangular dorsal fin.
More About "crossword clue marine mammal"
Marine mammals are a diverse group of animals that rely on the ocean for their survival. This broad category includes well-known creatures like whales, dolphins, and seals, but also encompasses less common crossword answers such as manatees, dugongs, and even sea otters. Crossword constructors often leverage specific characteristics of these animals, such as their habitat, physical features (like tusks or flippers), or even their common names (e.g., 'sea cow' for manatee), to form clues.
When you encounter a clue like "marine mammal," consider the length of the answer first. A short answer might point to a common animal like a SEAL or ORCA, while longer answers could be DOLPHIN or PORPOISE. Think about both the most popular marine mammals and some of the more niche ones, as crosswords love to test your breadth of knowledge.
Understanding the different sub-groups—cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses), sirenians (manatees, dugongs), and the sea otter—can also help narrow down possibilities, as each group has distinct features that can be highlighted in a clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference the number of blank spaces with potential answers. This is often the quickest way to eliminate incorrect solutions for "marine mammal" clues.
- Look for synonyms or specific descriptors: Clues might use words like "aquatic," "sea creature," or mention a unique feature such as "tusked" or "blubber-filled," which are strong indicators of the specific marine mammal being sought.
- Consider common crossword patterns: Some animals, especially shorter ones like SEAL or ORCA, are very common crossword answers due to their versatility in letter patterns.
- Think outside the box: While whales and dolphins are obvious choices, don't forget less frequently clued marine mammals like DUGONG or NARWHAL, especially in more challenging puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common lengths for 'marine mammal' answers in crosswords?
Answers for 'marine mammal' clues often range from 4 to 8 letters, with common solutions like SEAL (4), WHALE (5), WALRUS (6), DOLPHIN (7), and PORPOISE (8) frequently appearing. The length of the answer often provides the first hint.
How can I distinguish between similar marine mammals when solving a crossword?
Crossword clues for marine mammals often highlight specific features: 'tusked marine mammal' points to WALRUS, 'killer whale' to ORCA, or 'sea cow' to MANATEE/DUGONG. Pay attention to unique characteristics or habitats hinted at in the clue.
Are otters considered marine mammals in crosswords?
While many otter species are freshwater, sea otters are distinctly marine mammals and are frequently included in crossword clues under this category. So, yes, if the clue implies a marine environment, OTTER is a strong candidate.