ANIMAL A-Z…
Learn more about our amazing animal collection. Click on a letter below to find an animal or use our animal search:
Fire fish, Indian Ocean (Nemateleotris magnifica)
The Indian Ocean fire fish, also known as the fire goby, fire dartfish and magnificent dartfish, gets its names from its stunning colouration. It has a bold yellow head, which fades into white, which then turns a dramatic reddish-orange towards the rear. It is a small but long, slender fish, usually reaching a length of 9cm. The first dorsal spine is greatly elongated and may be as long as the fish itself.
Fun Facts...
This fish uses its long dorsal spine to lock the fish into a crevice, much like a triggerfish.
It usually is found hovering over a burrow or bolt-hole, shaking its dorsal fin backwards and forwards.
Males of the species protect the eggs.
Location... Widespread in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Hawaii, Marguesan and Pitcairn islands, then north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia.
Habitat... Inhabits burrows in coral reefs in tropical waters, at depths of up to 60 metres.
Diet...
Feeds on zooplankton
Firefish, Purple (Nemateleotris decora)
Fun Facts...
Purple firefish are monogamous, which means they mate for life. When startled these fish will dart into holes and hide.
Location... Indo-Pacific; Mauritius to Samoa.
Habitat... Found over hard, open bottoms at the base of reefs and reef drop-offs.
Diet...
Feed on zooplankton and crustacean larvae.
Frog, African clawed (Xenopus laevis)
This frog is distinctive as it has no tongue and visible ears. It has a flattened body and its head is wedge-shaped and a lot smaller than the body. Its eyes are found on top of its head and are relatively small.
The front limbs are small and not webbed and the rear legs are large with three inside toes which have claws, giving it its name. It has smooth, slippery skin which is usually blotched with olive, grey or brown whilst the underside is creamy or yellowish. Our frogs are albino, meaning they have pale skin and red eyes.
Females are often larger reaching lengths of 12cm.
Fun Facts...
This frog possesses a lateral line which are usually found in fish. This helps the frog detect vibrations in the water to help locate food.
Location...
Native to most of Africa but has also been introduced to countries such as Chile, Italy, Mexico and the UK.
Habitat...
This species is water-dependent and occurs in streams and ponds. It avoids large rivers or waterbodies with predatory fish.
Diet...
Scavenges on arthropods and other pieces of organic waste.
OPEN: Daily from 10.00am.
LAST ADMISSION: 4.00pm
CLOSES: 5.00pm
ADMISSION:
Adult - £9.50 (16-64yrs)
Child - £8.50 (3-15yrs)
Under 3's - Free
Concessions - £8.99
(Senior Citizen, Disabled, Student).
See our Opening Times & Prices page for further info.
SeaQuarium are pleased and excited to announce a new arrival this Easter - a two-year-old South African fur seal.
MORE]
Welcome to our schools and groups fun page, showing the latest games, competitions & special offers...
FREE Discovery Trail Scratch Card for visitors!
During your visit to SeaQuarium, don’t forget to take part in our free children’s Discovery Trail scratch card quiz. Pick up your free scratch card on arrival, answer the questions found throughout the Discovery Trail and place your entry into our Monthly Prize Draw. Winners are randomly selected from correctly answered entries at the end of every month, and win an Adopt a Buddy package of their choice!
Find out more...
Downloadable Worksheets for Schools & Groups...
To make the most of your visit we have a range of worksheets available. Our specific topic worksheets are ideal to use before, during and after your visit, and can be backed up with a Guided Tour for only £1 extra per person.
Find out more...
