- SEA LIFE, Tropical Shark Lagoon
The secrets beneath...
Coral Reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet over 25% (that's 1 quarter) of marine species depend on this habitat in some way for survival.
Have you ever wondered how the anemone helps the clownfish or why some fish change colour? Have you ever asked yourself 'Mmmm... how do starfish see and why do seahorses have so many babies?' Well, wonder no more! Join our SEA LIFE Rangers at Bray to uncover the answers to these questions and many other secrets...
Scroll down to find out more about SEA LIFE Bray's most colourful Reef inhabitants!
Clownfish
Meet one of the ocean's best known and loved fish!
Did you know that Clownfish live in the venomous tentacles of Sea Anemones? They are one of the only ocean creatures that can do this as they are protected by a layer of slimy mucus on their skin!
Did you know?
All Clownfish are born boys!
Some will eventually turn into girls when they are older. If you see two Clownfish on a Sea Anemone, the larger of the two will be the female, the smaller the male.
Not all Clownfish species are orange in colour
Some are red, brown or even black! If you see a Clownfish couple in a Sea Anemone, the larger of the two will be the female, and the smaller the male.
Male Clownfish are very devoted parents
They look after the eggs, fanning them to keep them oxygenated. They will chase away fish much bigger than them and even square up to inquisitive scuba divers!
Clownfish like to live in Sea Anemones
So that they are protected from predators and can nibble on leftover food the Sea Anemone catches. In return, they help keep Sea Anemones and the area around them clean by eating up algae and other reef debris.
Who you'll also spot swimming the reefs
Pufferfish
These fish can famously suck water in to massively inflate the size of their body to scare off predators. It isn't very good for them as it squashes their internal organs so you should never try to scare a Pufferfish if you see one in the wild.
Sea Turtle
Sea Turtles are often seen cruising around Coral Reefs. At night they find a place to wedge themselves in the Reef to sleep so they don't get swept off in the tide!
Moray Eel
You'll spot these guys in our Breed Rescue Protect area. Moray Eels have a second set of jaws down their throat to help pull their food down their long body!
