Welcome to our Biodiversity Zone, which is based on two areas of global significance for freshwater biodiversity. In the large central exhibit you will see Cichlids from Lake Malawi in Africa. This large freshwater lake is particularly renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, which includes an enormous range of fish species, most of them endemic or unique to the area. Two types of Cichlids can be seen here including the Peacock Cichlids, which can be identified by their bright colours, and the Giraffe Cichlids, with their mottled markings. Cichlids are known as mouth brooders, which means they carry their eggs and young in their mouths to help protect them from predators. Also present are Cuckoo Catfish that make use of the Cichlid breeding process. They lay their eggs at the same time amongst the Cichlid eggs. All eggs are picked up by the Cichlid female and therefore the Catfish eggs are also protected. The Catfish in the exhibit spend most of their time under the wood in the darker areas. They will come out to feed and use their long whiskers to find food.
The other exhibits in the Biodiversity Zone include animals from Congo Basin in Africa and the mighty Amazon River in South America. They include Red Bellied Piranhas, Motoro Stingray, Congo Tetra and Mbu Pufferfish.
Piranhas are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on aquatic and land animals. They have razor sharp teeth that cut into their prey with ease. While Piranhas are known as voracious feeders when hungry, we feed ours every day to keep them calm and relaxed.
Congo Tetra and Mbu Pufferfish. Congo Tetra are one of the few Tetra found outside of South America. They are a shoaling fish and they feel safest when in large numbers. Also in this tank we have a juvenile Mbu Pufferfish. Pufferfish are able to inflate their bodies instantly if they are attacked or feel threatened. Mbu have large sharp teeth as their diet includes snails and
crustaceans.
As Ireland's largest native species aquarium, we strive to ensure that a visit to us is original and full of wonder,
for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Please keep our ocean free from litter.
#Biodiversity
www.nationalaquarium.ie
📞 091 585100
📘 info@nationalaquarium.ie
9 июн 2024
