This captivating exhibit showcases the unique wildlife and geography of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve’s lowland rainforest.
Aquatic Nursery
Since its opening date in 2016, the Aquatic Nursery has provided a rare look at ocean life in its earliest phases and a behind the scenes glimpse into the world of sustainable aquaculture.
The various birth and growth cycles of juvenile moon jellies, cuttlefish, and even bamboo shark eggs can be seen here, while high-tech cameras allow us to showcase this nearly microscopic life even before it enters the world. See firsthand the tiny bamboo sharks fetuses and the birthplace of tiny brine shrimp specimens.
The Aquatic Nursery teaches on the importance of sustainability and conservation, showing how aquaculture helps us maintain our own animal population and reduces our need to collect animals from their natural habitats. These juvenile specimens are also shared with partnering aquariums, zoos, and educational institutions, furthering awareness of sustainable aquaculture and the importance of saving threatened and endangered species.
animals in this exhibit
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This common jellyfish species is translucent, revealing anatomy inside its bell. With limited swimming ability, moon jellies often drift with the current.
Bamboo sharks are oviparous (they lay eggs). Their egg casings are nicknamed “mermaid’s purses.”
Commonly called a pufferfish, this species can inflate its body by swallowing air or water to deter predators. Sharp spines offer another line of defense.
The parrotfish’s large beak is used to scrape algae and other organisms from rocks and hard coral.
Found throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean, they can grow up to 45 inches in width and weigh 50 pounds or more. When threatened, they can use a barbed tail with toxin for defense.
