Estuary animals are diverse species inhabiting estuaries, where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. These transitional zones create unique, nutrient-rich habitats supporting a wide array of life, including fish, birds, invertebrates, and mammals. Estuary animals are often highly adapted to the fluctuating salinity levels and dynamic environment. Evolutionarily, estuaries have been crucial nurseries for many marine species, offering sheltered breeding grounds. Their ecological significance is immense, supporting rich biodiversity and providing vital services such as water filtration and storm protection. However, estuaries are vulnerable to human impact, including pollution and urban development.

Estuary animals boast diverse anatomies adapted to their brackish habitat. Fish may have specialized gills for fluctuating salinity. Birds have long legs and beaks for wading and fishing. Mammals like otters have streamlined bodies for swimming and dense fur for warmth. Many estuary inhabitants have keen senses; fish detect vibrations through lateral lines, birds have sharp vision for spotting prey, and crustaceans have sensitive antennae. Movements vary: fish dart through water, crabs scuttle along the bottom, and birds gracefully soar or wade. Vocalizations are less common but can include bird calls and crustacean clicks, each vital for communication and mating.

Humans have long relied on estuary ecosystems for food, using their abundant fish and shellfish resources. Historically, estuaries have been vital for transportation and trade, with many major cities located near them. However, human activities like pollution, overfishing, and coastal development have threatened these habitats and their fauna. In pop culture, estuaries are less represented but occasionally feature in documentaries highlighting their importance and fragility.

Conservation efforts are increasing, with initiatives focusing on pollution reduction, sustainable fishing, habitat restoration, and public education to protect these biodiverse areas and their unique inhabitants, emphasizing their ecological and economic significance.