New marine life, exhibits on view at shell museum
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel introduced hundreds of marine animals to public exhibit when it reopened with its restored Living Gallery of Aquariums in March.
The museum reported that while many of the original popular species are still on view, several new species have been added. Some of the new species available to view include:
– Flamingo tongue: The western Atlantic mollusk has striking orange and yellow spots on its body. It is the first time flamingo tongues have been exhibited in a public aquarium.
– Lion paw: For the first time, the museum is exhibiting a group of the large bivalves, whose colorful shells are among the most prized by collectors. The lion paws exhibit also includes thorny oysters.
– Two-spot octopus: The octopus may grow up to 2 feet and loves to play with toys and other items provided by staff for enrichment in her aquarium.
– Caribbean two-spot octopus: Also known as bumblebee octopus, they are well known for their bright colors and the two eye-like spots of vivid iridescent color.
– Strawberry conch: Strawberry conchs’ large, camera-type eyes are exceptionally well-developed and have at least six cell types in their retinas that can detect objects as small as one degree within their visual field.
“These welcome additions to the Living Gallery will introduce visitors to diverse marine life, including cephalopods and animals with beautiful shells from Southwest Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific,” aquarium senior aquarist Carly Hulse said.
Other species on view include giant clam, disco clam, queen conch, horse conch, lined seahorse, California sea hare, giant triton and red abalone, among dozens more.
New supporting exhibits illuminate the biology and behavior of mollusks, such as growth, anatomy, feeding, reproduction and amazing traits that can be difficult to explain by science. New exhibit features include videos, large touchable shells, dioramas, a growth series of junonia shells and more.
Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during which aquarists share stories and fun facts about the marine life on exhibit. Touch Pool Talks are offered by educators at 3 p.m. daily.
For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.