Ever seen a Rooster Hogfish with a pig-like snout? Or a Crosshatch Triggerfish that can swim backwards? They are among the more than 200 new residents of the three new habitats at S.E.A. Aquarium as part of Tropical Seafest (13 June – 4 September 2016).
These new habitats recreate the unique aquatic environments of the Hawaiian reefs, Californian underwater kelp forest and Caribbean reefs.
Hawaiian
Home to the Achilles Tang with their distinctive orange leaf-shaped mark punctuating their bodies, the vibrant Crosshatch Triggerfish with crosshatching patterns, and the Bandit Angelfish with their eye-catching contrast of black against white.
(From top, clockwise) Say Aloha to the Achilles Tang, Bandit Angelfish and Crosshatch Triggerfish.
The black sand used to line the habitat floor is specially imported from Hawaii. This sand is unique to the coasts of volcanic islands like Hawaii, and composes of volcanic minerals and lava fragments.
Caribbean
Do you know that the Caribbean is home to about 9% of the world’s coral reefs? The Caribbean reefs are so large that it spans a total of 38 countries! Come check out some of its natives like the Rooster Hogfish with its pig-like snout, the Spotted Drum with its flamboyant patterns of dots and stripes, and the Queen Triggerfish that blows water at sea urchins to flip them over before eating them.
Rooster Hogfish with its pig-like snout
Queen Triggerfish blows water at sea urchins to flip them over before attacking them where the spines are shorter.
Californian
Weaving in and out of the kelp forest are the bright orange Garabaldis and the Flag Rockfish with their bright orange stripes. This dense kelp canopy creates a sanctuary for these fish to hide from predators and search for smaller prey.
Towering kelp forest in the Californian habitat
Juvenile Garibaldis are orange and speckled with bright blue spots. As they mature, the spots disappear and their body turns a bright reddish-range.
For some family-bonding fun, join in our Tropical Trail and get busy at our Craft Area:
Tropical Trail
Follow the clues to track down colourful fish species living in the different habitats.
Venue: Throughout S.E.A. Aquarium
Tropical Kids’ Craft Area
Let your kids’ imagination swim free as they whip up zany fishy creations.
Venue: Ocean Dome
Time: all day
Meet our Manta Mascot
Enjoy free hugs and plenty of photo opportunities with our friendly mascot!
Venue: Ocean Dome
Time: 2:45pm & 3:45pm
From 17 to 26 June 2016, the aquarium will also be celebrating World Oceans Day with a series of activities and exhibitions, including aquarist sharing sessions, interactive games and freediving demonstrations by record holding freedivers. More details here
If you’re thinking of getting an RWS Invites Attractions S.E.A. Aquarium Annual Pass or Season Pass, now is probably the best time as you may win yourself a holiday to the USA.
Visit S.E.A. Aquarium to discover the marine realms of California, Hawaii and the Caribbean without travelling halfway around the world.