Sea creature lines are gentle by nature, which makes them good openers for people you do not know well yet. A whale pun is very hard to take offense at.
They work best with a prop: an aquarium visit, a beach trip, a nature documentary in the background, or a friend with strong feelings about octopuses. Without one, keep to the short lines and let the pun do the work.
Aquariums, beach days, boat trips, snorkeling vacations and anywhere with a wave machine are the natural home for these. They also suit cards and messages for anyone who loves the sea, from divers to the friend with a framed manatee poster.
One pun is charming; three in a row is a current pulling the conversation out to sea. Pick the line that fits the animal in front of you, enjoy the groan, then ask a real question. Most people who love the ocean are glad to talk about it.

