The Giant Pacific Octopus needs little introduction. Famed for its size and strength, it’s one of the biggest molluscs on Earth. And yet there’s more to these remarkable animals than sheer scale and brute force, as scientists continue to discover.
A rare coloured Bull Huss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) is on display at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium. The rusty orange creature belonging to the shark family and also known as a Nursehound or Greater Spotted Catshark, can now be seen by visitors to the aquarium in the native zone with other species found on our Cornish waters. … Continued
Coral reefs are huge underwater structures made up from different species of coral. Famous for their wonderful array of tropical colours, coral reefs are the perfect home to thousands of oceanic creatures. Find out what sea animals you can find in our complete coral reef guide. Want to see some coral reef creatures up … Continued
This Summer the Blue Reef Aquarium celebrates its resident turtle’s ten year anniversary. The Loggerhead Sea turtle (Caretta caretta), known as Omiros, arrived at Newquay’s local aquarium ten years ago after his rescue. Rescued off the coast of Greece, the 45 plus year old turtle has been living at the aquarium ever since. Lara Heaney, … Continued
Sea turtles are charismatic animals. For more than 100 million years, they have been roaming the seas, covering vast distances across the world’s oceans, and filling a vital role in the balance of marine habitats. Today, seven species of sea turtles are recognised and can be found in every ocean around the world – six … Continued
Species of creatures dating back to millions of years can actually be seen on display at Newquay’s seafront Aquarium. The Blue Reef Aquarium is home to a range of prehistoric creatures such as Horseshoe crabs, caiman, corals and sharks. Two of the aquarium’s star attractions of the Amazonian exhibit are Nibbles and The Colonel who … Continued
It may be the smallest of the crocodiles, but don’t underestimate the snap and bite from our resident Cuvier’s dwarf caiman crocodiles – scientifically known as Paleosuchus palpebrosus. They grow to a maximum length of 1.5 metres, which is where the ‘dwarf’ name comes from. They may be small, but they do like to swish … Continued
The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is one of seven species of sea turtle in our oceans. Six of the seven species are currently endangered, with the loggerhead classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species. From the moment they’re born as hatchlings, baby loggerheads must fight for survival. In fact, as … Continued
The underwater rainbow of colour – corals have been on this planet for more than 500 million years! They are often found in warm, tropical waters and they beautifully sway with the water’s current in shallow and coastal shores. It’s not just their eccentric and vibrant colours that are dazzling – there are some pretty … Continued
There is a brand new arrival at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. A male Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman which has been nicknamed ‘The Colonel’ by the staff has taken up residency in the aquariums Amazonian exhibit. Donated by John Harrison of Lost World Reptiles, the young caiman joins the aquariums existing female … Continued