Starchild: Beautiful marine life drawn by Malaysian children

Flora Sia, 10

Our oceans are home to some of the most intriguing creatures that are masters of disguise. Did you know decorator urchins blend in with their surroundings by picking up bits of rock, coral, and algae with their little urchin arms and holding these items up like a disguise?

Although there are hundreds of thousands of known marine life forms, many are still being discovered. Some scientists suggest that there could be millions of marine life forms out there.

Malaysia is surrounded by beautiful oceans and home to some of the world’s most popular dive sites such as Sabah’s Sipadan Island, famed for living corals, over 3,000 species of fish and hawksbill turtles. What are some of your favourite beaches?

Here’s what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Underwater World.

Jezreen Kaur Bilga, 10

Jezreen Kaur Bilga, 10, is intrigued that while 70% of the Earth is covered with water, so little is known about our marine life. “Humans know more about outer space than the oceans. The shrimp’s heart is in its head. Oysters can change from one gender and back again depending on which is best for mating. Dolphins sleep closing only half their brain and with an eye open so they can watch for predators and other threats.”

Haarshita Lingges Rao, 11

Haarshita Lingges Rao, 11, wants to snorkel with a regal blue tang, dolphins, clownfish and turtles. “I always admire the beauty of marine life as it is very colourful and marine life is very important to our ecosystem. It is our duty to take care of the sea creatures and we should not throw rubbish such as plastics, bottles and papers into the sea because they will harm the sea creatures.”

Chloe Khoo Li Shan, 10

Chloe Khoo Li Shan, 10, thinks dolphins and turtles are friendly animals. “If I could, I’d like to swim beside these animals. I usually snorkel with my father. Hopefully, I can see these marine life during my next snorkelling trip.”

Jane Ng Ai Wen, 7

Seven-year-old Jane Ng Ai Wen wants to swim with dolphins and colourful clownfish.

“I enjoy snorkelling because it gives me the chance to observe underwater life in a natural setting.”

“I’d like to snorkel with clownfish, just like Nemo from Pixar Studio’s Finding Nemo and Finding Dory,” says Flora Sia, 10.

Ashvini Jeyakanthan, 7

Seven-year-old Ashvini Jeyakanthan is always interested to learn about marine animals.

“Dragonfish is beautiful and poisonous. Octopuses are good at hiding in small spaces and camouflaging. Some marine life like dolphins, sea otters and whales are mammals.”

S. Moganayalni, 8

S. Moganayalni, eight, enjoys snorkelling and is always fascinated by marine life. “Mantis prawns are one of the most beautiful sea creatures. Did you know stringrays have a long tail to protect itself? Dolphins also have good hearing.”

Find the missing words.

ITEM: Fruits and vegetables have many nutrients that keep our body strong and healthy. There are many kinds of yummy fruits and greens, such as spinach, broccoli, watermelon and guava. Oct 1 is World Vegetarian Day. What are some of your all-time favourite fruits and vegetables? Starchild wants to know.

All letters must include your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, email address, phone number and correspondence address.

Please write your name behind the drawing and the topic, World Vegetarian Day, on the envelope. All letters must reach us by September 27. Send your letter and drawing to:

Starchild, c/o Lifestyle

Star Media Group Bhd

Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11

46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

You can also email your contributions to [e-mail]. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.