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Corals

The most important creatures in the marine ecosystem of Hengchun Peninsula are corals. Corals are coelenterates and can be divided into hard corals and soft corals according to their morphology. Hard corals are supported by stony calcareous exoskeletons, the main component of coral reefs, while soft corals possess only calcium spicules. Therefore, corals can also be ecologically divided into reef-building corals and non-reef-building corals. Studies show that there are over 250 species of stony corals in the park and 50 species of horny corals. Only 50 species of soft corals are found in the park, but populations are so numerous that soft corals of every color and form blanket large areas of the ocean floor from Houbihu fishing port to Dalaogu and from Leidashih to Maobitou, creating one of the most magnificent scenes found nowhere else Taiwan and rare in the world.

Fish

1015 species of coral reef fish have been discovered in the coastal waters. Coastal fish can be sorted as follows according to their habitats: (1) Intertidal fish, (2) Subtidal coral reef and demersal fish, (3) Coastal and near-shore demersal and migratory fish. The first two types of fish are ornamental and commonly referred to as coral reef fish. The third category covers the major fishery species of economic value, such as Decapterus macarellus, Caesio caerulaurea, Istiophorus platypterus, and Coryphaena hippurus. The structural complexity of coral reefs attracts a broad spectrum of brightly colored fish and other creatures, among which the most numerous species are those of the families Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae, Pomacentridae, Labridae, and Acanthuridae, whose fancy patterns and extraordinary appearances make them ideal ornamental fish.

Shellfish

146 shellfish species inhabit the coasts near Jialeshuei, and the shoreline from Syunguangzuei and Maobitou to Houbihu, Kenting, and Shadao. Most of these species belong to the classes Gastropoda and Pelecypoda, and some are of the classes Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda. In addition to their edible and ornamental properties, shellfish can also be made into various adornments. Recently, overharvesting has become a serious problem, and measures should be taken to protect the park's shellfish.

Algae

134 algae species of the phyla Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta grow in the park. Algae contribute greatly to the balance of ecosystems near the coast as they are the main primary producers in the intertidal zone, and provide food, habitat, breeding ground, and shelter to many marine animals as well. They are not only beautify the park's shores but also serve as ideal indicators for studying intertidal ecosystems.
Other marine life
Echinoderms:
Echinoderms found in the park can be sorted as follows into five categories, sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sea lilies:

Arthropods

Reptiles

Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Occasionally captured in the waters surrounding Hengchun Peninsula, the rare hawksbill sea turtles are similar to turtles in appearance, but have finlike limbs and are excellent swimmers. They do not make good dishes and are slightly poisonous, but their glamorous shells can be used to create all sorts of precious ornaments.
 
Cormor sea snake (Laticauda semifasciata): Commonly found in coral reef caves near the shore and even in tidal pools within the intertidal zone, the poisonous cormor sea snakes have flat, paddle-like tails and broad, triangular heads. They are brown on the dorsal surface and yellow to grayish-yellow on the ventral surface, and can grow to over 150 centimeters long. These animals are edible and are also used to extract serum proteins.

Mammals

Whales and dolphins captured near Hengchun Peninsula include the humpback whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Gill's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops gilli), and Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus).
Records show that every year from late December to late March or mid April, whales can be sighted from the west coast of Hungchun Peninsula, along Eluanbi and Cisingyan in the south, to Nanrenwan in the east.
Groups of migrating dolphins are sighted every winter along the coasts of Hungchun Peninsula. With special training, these docile creatures can become expert performers.