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Ocean Wonders

Be mesmerized by fish, camouflaged creatures, rare orange lobsters, and much more!

What Will You Discover?

Say hello to Cheddar, the orange lobster that is extremely rare — a one-in-30-million chance — because their bright, unusual coloring makes them very attractive to predators! Then, spot awesome fish from all over the planet as they dart in, out, and around these aquatic habitats. 

Ornate Cowfish Ornate Cowfish

Ornate Cowfish

Ornate cowfish have rigid box-like bodies comprised of large bony plates. These beautiful fish are only found in seagrass beds and other sheltered areas in a small region of coastal Southern Australia.

Habitat

Seagrass beds

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Diet

Crustaceans, sponges, worms

Range

Indian Ocean along the South coast of Australia

Did You Know?

The ornate cowfish can release toxins from its skin when stressed!

Potbelly Seahorse Potbelly Seahorse

Potbelly Seahorse

Potbelly seahorses are masters of camouflage and can be very hard to spot in their natural habitat. They use prehensile tails to anchor themselves to seagrass or other objects while waiting for prey. They can also move both eyes independently, allowing them to watch what's going on without having to move their bodies.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Diet

Crustaceans, zooplankton

Habitat

Seagrass beds, rocky reefs

Range

Southwest Pacific around Australia and New Zealand

Did You Know?

The female potbelly seahorse will leave her eggs in the male's brood pouch. The male will carry the eggs until they hatch.

Zebra Mantis Shrimp Zebra Mantis Shrimp

Zebra Mantis Shrimp

The zebra mantis shrimp is the largest species of mantis shrimp in the world! You might consider these shrimp homebodies as they are rarely seen outside of their elaborate burrows. In addition to using their burrows for shelter, mantis shrimp use their burrows to hide before ambushing prey with modified spearing claws.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 15 inches

Diet

Fish, crustaceans

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Did You Know?

Mantis shrimp have the most complex visual receptors in the animal kingdom, able to see up to 100,000 colors, including ultraviolet, infrared, and polarized light!

Flame Angelfish Flame Angelfish

Flame Angelfish

Typically found in pairs or small groups of 3-7 fish called harems, flame angelfish spend most of their day on the outer reef slope, darting from rock to rock in search of algae and tiny crustaceans.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 6 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Algae, plankton, crustaceans

Did You Know?

Flame angelfish are among the most popular marine aquarium species due to their small size and stunning coloration.

Green Pincushion Urchin Green Pincushion Urchin

Green Pincushion Urchin

Green pincushion urchins relentlessly graze on seagrass and algae using a mouth on the underside of their body with five triangular teeth. These urchins are essential in maintaining the ecosystem's health by preventing algal overgrowth, which can harm other marine organisms like corals.

Size

Up to 4 inches

Diet

Algae, seagrass

Habitat

Reefs and seagrass beds

Range

Western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Did You Know?

The green pincushion urchin is often found with debris-like shell fragments lodged among its spines, which may provide some protection from ultraviolet light in clear, shallow water.

Banggai Cardinalfish Banggai Cardinalfish

Banggai Cardinalfish

Banggai cardinalfish are beautifully ornate fish often found hiding among the spines of sea urchins for protection. They are the only diurnal species of cardinalfish, which means they are mostly active during the day.

Conservation Status

Endangered

Diet

Zooplankton, copepods

Habitat

Coral reefs, seagrass beds

Range

Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia

Did You Know?

Like a fingerprint, the dot pattern on every banggai cardinalfish is unique to each individual.

American Lobster American Lobster

American Lobster

American lobsters thrive in cold waters where there are many rocks and other places to hide from predators. They mainly prefer shallow water but are also found as deep as 1500 feet.

Habitat

Rocky areas

Size

Up to 25 inches

Range

Atlantic coast of North America

Diet

Opportunistic scavenger; mollusks, crustaceans, fish, worms, algae

Did You Know?

The American lobster has been recorded as weighing as much as 44 pounds, making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species!

Blue Star Leopard Wrasse Blue Star Leopard Wrasse

Blue Star Leopard Wrasse

During the day, blue star leopard wrasse are typically found darting in and out of holes in the reef looking for prey. While at night, this fish will bury itself in the sand to hide from predators.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 5 inches

Diet

Worms, snails, crustaceans

Range

Western Indian Ocean and Maldives

Did You Know?

Blue star leopard wrasse start life as females and can change to males depending on social conditions. They form small groups or harems with one dominant male and several females.

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Bluestreak cleaner wrasse are often found operating cleaning stations. They attract clients by performing a dance and displaying their bright blue coloration.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 4 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Crustacean ectoparasites, fish mucus

Did You Know?

The mutualistic relationship between cleaner wrasse and other fish is a classic example of symbiosis, where both species benefit from the interaction.

What's Inside

Exhibits Nearby

What's Inside

Exhibits Nearby

Rio Amazon

Step into one of the oldest living ecosystems on the planet to discover arapaima, piranhas, caimans, and more!

Meet the Species
  • Rio Amazon

    Rio Amazon

    Step into one of the oldest living ecosystems on the planet to discover arapaima, piranhas, caimans, and more!

    Meet the Species
  • Ocean Wonders

    Ocean Wonders

    Be mesmerized by fish, camouflaged creatures, rare orange lobsters, and much more!

    Meet the Species
  • Tropical Rainforest

    Tropical Rainforest

    Come face-to-face with amphibians like axolotl, iguanas, and other reptiles of the rainforest!

    Meet the Species
  • Friendship Flats

    Friendship Flats

    Make a new friend and reach out to a ray as they glide through this tropical lagoon.

    Meet the Species
  • Planet Jellies

    Planet Jellies

    Immerse yourself among hundreds of otherworldly jellies and experience their underwater planet like never before.

    Meet the Species
  • Penguin Playhouse

    Penguin Playhouse

    Embrace your silly side and discover the playful personalities of endangered African penguins in this unique habitat.

    Meet the Species
  • Savage Seas

    Savage Seas

    Tales of adventure, myth, and ruin await! Find out what it takes to survive on the open waters amidst pirates, sea monsters, Mother Nature, and more!

    Meet the Species
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Swirling Pinstripe backdrop

Woah! The aquarium sounds like alotl fun! But what are you doing all the way down here with the axolotls – some of the most secretive salamanders in the world?!

Did you know the spotted salamander is the state amphibian of South Carolina? It earned the title in 1999 thanks to a campaign led by a class of Spartanburg third graders.