Aquarium

Life began in the sea 4000 million years ago. Since then an amazing diversity of animals has evolved to fit every watery habitat imaginable.

Tropical Freshwater Fish

These fish typically originate from the lakes and rivers of South America and Africa. They include the piranhas, cichlids and livebearers such as guppies and swordtails.
Piranhas are found in north eastern South America and the Amazon region. They usually feed on other fish and occasionally mammals and even humans! They attack in large shoals and bite off flesh with their sharp teeth until only a skeleton remains.

The porcupine fish is covered 
with sharp spines. When in danger 
it blows itself up like a balloon 
to frighten the enemy.

Tropical Marine Fish

Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as the "rainforests of the sea". Warm water and lots of light mean that coral reefs can support thousands of different animals. Clownfish are the only type of fish that live amongst the stinging tentacles of the anemone. In this "symbiotic" relationship the clownfish are protected from predators and in return the anemone benefits from any food leftovers brought in by the clownfish.

Coldwater Marine Fish

The large Sea Life tank exhibits creatures found off our coastline in the North Sea. The species in this tank may vary from time to time but rays (thornback), British sharks (tope, spotted dogfish), bass and whiting can usually be seen. Scan the rocks and you might see lobsters, crabs etc.

Invertebrates are animals with no backbone and account for over 95% of aquatic animals species, many of which are microscopic. Examples of invertebrates that you will find in our aquarium are starfish, anemones, crabs and shrimps.

The largest invertebrate is the Giant Squid which can grow up to 20 metres (60 feet) in length.