5 animals that can float on water and some even run

Many animals have developed amazing ways to walk on water, using unique adaptations that allow them to stay above the surface or run across it rapidly.

While walking on water may seem impossible to humans, various species have evolved clever ways to achieve this unique characteristic using physical principles like surface tension and rapid movement. The special animals propel themselves by pushing against water while maintaining balance, taking advantage of forces like curvature and capillary waves.

Here are 5 such animals that can stay afloat in water, according to the Reader's Digest

Pygmy geckos are tiny rainforest lizards that can similarly run across water by quickly moving their feet enough to form air pockets beneath them. Their small size and hydrophobic skin help prevent sinking, making them adept at this unusual locomotion. These geckos typically live in humid, tropical environments and use this ability to navigate through waterlogged areas.Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Known as the “Jesus Christ lizard,” the basilisk lizard can sprint across water for short distances to evade predators. It uses its long toes with fringed skin to slap water fast enough, creating air pockets that keep it afloat temporarily. Their rapid, circular leg movements help them move forward, allowing speeds up to five feet per second. If they slow down, they sink and must swim, but this burst of speed helps them escape danger.Photo: Canva

Western grebes are birds famous for their elegant courtship dance, where pairs “run” side-by-side across the water’s surface. They do this by making quick strides at about 20 steps per second while slapping the water with broad, flat feet designed to reduce drag. This behaviour is part of their bonding ritual and shows how some birds can effectively walk on water momentarily. Their synchronized movements not only strengthen the pair bond but also signal fitness and coordination to potential mates. This spectacular display occurs mainly during the breeding season, creating a mesmerizing scene in their watery habitat.

Photo: Canva

While dolphins primarily swim, bottlenose dolphins have been seen to “walk” on water using unique tail movements. As reported by IFLScience, a bottlenose dolphin named Billie, who had spent some time in captivity, taught other dolphins in the wild how to "walk" upright on water by using their tails. This rare behavior, known as tail walking, involves the dolphin pumping its tail vigorously to lift its body out of the water and move along the surface. Interestingly, this behavior appears to serve no practical function other than providing these highly social animals with enjoyable play.Photo: Canva

Fishing spiders are large and strong enough to walk, row, and glide on water surfaces. Their legs are covered in waxy, water-repellent hairs that keep them balanced on water’s surface tension. This adaptation helps them catch prey like tadpoles and small fish, while quickly escaping predators by moving effortlessly across ponds and streams.Photo: Canva