PRESS
RELEASE: July 31, 2015
ROOKERY BAY ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER UNVEILS NEW AQUARIUM LIFE
~Come see the new marine critters in the focus tanks~
Southern stargazer awaits its prey.
NAPLES, Fla. - The Rookery Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve has added fascinating new marine
species to the Environmental Learning Center’s (ELC) focus tank aquariums, which
enable better viewing of smaller fish.
One of the new additions is
the Southern stargazer, often called the “Monster of the Sea.” With eyes on top of its head, the fish is usually found buried in the sand near Southern estuaries and beaches. The stargazer can grow up to 22 inches long and eats
prey that swims above its buried head. It also produces a 50-volt
electrical charge as a self-defense mechanism when touched.
Another unusual resident of the focus tanks is the Barbfish, or
scorpion fish, which uses camouflage to hunt unsuspecting prey, vacuuming up crabs, shrimp and bony fish. The Barbfish can also use venom-injecting glands on its dorsal fin to capture prey.
The ELC also offers a 2,300-gallon mangrove habitat aquarium that
showcases species such as spadefish, striped burrfish and lane snapper and also features
a crawl space for kids who want an even closer look at the tank's residents.
“Children have a blast exploring the aquariums and
learning about the many different species of marine critters that live within
Southwest Florida waters,” said Jeannine Windsor, Rookery Bay educational specialist. “For many
children, the highlight of their visit is the
touch tank, where they handle marine species such as
starfish, conchs and horseshoe crabs under the supervision and guidance of Rookery Bay staff
and trained volunteers.”
For touch tank dates and times, call the ELC at 239-530-5940.
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