provided to The Santiva Chronicle
There are hundreds of marine animals on exhibit in the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium’s Living Gallery of Aquariums on Sanibel Island.
Many popular species, such as the Queen Conch, Horse Conch, Giant Clam, Flamingo Tongue Snail, Lined Seahorse, California Sea Hare, Giant Triton, and Red Abalone, have been on view, and several new species have recently been added, including:
• Flamboyant Cuttlefish: The Flamboyant Cuttlefish is a small, visually striking, and poisonous cuttlefish species found in warm Indo-Pacific waters. They are known for their vibrant colors and unique walking behaviors along the seafloor using lower arms and fins. They use their dynamic colors for camouflage, mating displays, defense, and communication.
• California Two-Spot Octopus: The California Two-Spot Octopus is an octopus species native to the Pacific Ocean and can be found along the coast of California. Most often, they are found in shallow waters and prefer rocky reef habitats. They can be distinguished from other species by the two distinctive blue spots, which resemble large eyes to scare away predators.
• Disco Clams: The Disco Clam is a species of clam known by the names Electric Flame Scallop, Disco Scallop, Electric Clam, and Disco Clam because its soft tissues flash light like a disco ball.
• Thrush Cowries: Thrush Cowries originate from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, and have migrated in historical times through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea. More recently, the Museum’s Science Director and Curator, Dr. José H. Leal, has been a central figure in tracking the species’ spread through the Caribbean and into Florida.
Perhaps the most popular animal on view is a playful new Giant Pacific Octopus, which the Museum welcomed in October. The largest species of octopus in the world, the Giant Pacific Octopus, has eight arms, three hearts, blue blood, and weighs an average of 90 pounds. They are extremely intelligent and receive extensive daily enrichment from Museum Aquarists to encourage appropriate behavior for that species.
“The wide variety of species in our Living Gallery includes cephalopods and animals with beautiful shells and provides an introduction to the diverse marine life found in Southwest Florida, the Gulf, and the Pacific,’’ said Jacob Chase, National Shell Museum & Aquarium Senior Aquarist.
Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., during which Aquarists share stories and fun facts about marine life on exhibit. Touch Pool Talks are offered by Educators at 3:30 p.m. daily.
Plan your visit at ShellMuseum.org.