Sea creatures may look completely different to us, but really, we’re not as different as you may think! There’s no denying that they’re heaps better than us at swimming, but we humans have plenty of things in common with our friends in the ocean.
One of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures, octopuses have continually amazed scientists around the world due to their many spectacular features and talents. They’re unlike any other creature you’ll find in the ocean, due to their eight arms, three hearts, blue blood, and boneless (invertebrate) bodies.
A coral reef is an underwater eco-system that is composed of a large number of corals. Corals are living creatures classed as ‘marine invertebrates’, with each individual coral referred to as a ‘polyp’.
An estimated 50-80% of all our planet’s life is found beneath the ocean surface, and the oceans actually contain 99% of all the living space on Earth – so it should come as no surprise that the world’s biggest lifeforms reside underwater.
Here at Bristol Aquarium, we love exploring the fantastic underwater world. Whether we’re marveling at the fancy features of puffer fish and the magical longhorn unicorn tangs, or watching the colourful kaleidoscope of life in the coral reef, there’s always something amazing to see and learn about!
Please note this offer is for 2017 and has now expired. Come join us a Bristol Aquarium this summer for plenty of fintastic fun! We’ve got a host of exciting events, activities, daily talks and feeds, and educational displays – what’s more, we’re offering a special discount during Summer 2017 for families!
Sharks are amazing creatures, and so much has been discovered about them in recent years. Despite their ferocious reputation, these underwater giants make up an impressive part of the world’s oceans, from the cold northern seas, to the tropical Caribbean.
The vast increase in waste and pollution around the globe is having a devastating impact on the environment. But this isn’t just a problem on land – our oceans are sadly suffering too.
There are many animals around the world that are classed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘critically endangered’. In fact, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species featured 5,107 different ‘critically endangered’ animals in 2016.
This week a giant Pacific octopus, the world’s largest species of octopus, has made Bristol Aquarium its new permanent home. The female giant Pacific octopus arrived earlier this week and is settling into her new tank extremely well; playing with staff and showing off to visitors.