TROPICAL FISH

This exhibit contains more fish from the warm tropical waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The coral reefs in this area provide food and shelter for millions of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans and invertebrates — making them one of Earth’s most diverse habitats.

This tank contains the black margate, dusky squirrelfish, graysby grouper, indigo hamlet, midnight parrotfish, ocean surgeonfish, porkfish, sailor's grunt, Spanish hogfish, stoplight parrotfish, and yellowtail snapper.

HORSE CONCH

The horse conch is one of the largest marine snails in the world and is native to the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States. Despite its size, it is an active predator that feeds on other mollusks, using its muscular foot and a sharp, rasping tongue called a radula to overpower prey. Horse conchs play an important role in balancing benthic ecosystems by controlling populations of other invertebrates.

PORKFISH

Juvenile porkfish can be observed here. The porkfish gets its name from the grunting noise that it makes which resembles the grunt of a pig. Like the common characteristics of all other grunts, they make these grunting sounds by grinding their pharyngeal teeth together, which are located in the back of their throat. This sound is amplified by their swim bladder.

These juvenile porkfish will help keep their fish friends clean by feeding on parasites found on them.

MORE FISH COMING SOON!