There’s no two ways about it: our planet is a dangerous place. In order to survive in hostile habitats, some marine creatures have developed defence mechanisms that are much more direct and deadly than paws and claws. So next time you’re frightened of a tiny house spider, remember that there are far scarier things at … Continued

With their adorable looks and their playful natures, it’s easy to see why everyone loves otters. But how much do you actually know about these wonderful aquatic mammals? Read on for five amazing facts about otters.   They Hold Hands When Sleeping Adorable pictures aside, there is a good reason why sea otters hold hands … Continued

Tropical sharks at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium are being given their own pilots. The pilot fish – known as golden trevally – get their common name from their tendency to swim in the slipstream of larger predators; like sharks in order to avoid being hunted by other fish. Initially the shoal of a dozen trevally … Continued

A type of African frog which hums to attract a mate has gone on a breeding spree at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium. The pair of Congo frogs, which only arrived at the Southsea aquarium earlier this year, has already successfully spawned three times in the last four months alone. To date aquarists are looking after … Continued

A trio of otters celebrated their tenth birthday together at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium over the weekend. Asian short clawed otter siblings Ralph, Patty and Selma were all born at the aquarium back in 2006. For all three to now be celebrating their tenth birthdays is a major achievement and keepers decided they wanted to … Continued

Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is going otterly crazy as it celebrates the tenth birthday of one of its most popular residents. The Southsea aquarium is planning a month of special events and activities to mark the milestone birthday of their trio of otters. Asian short clawed otters Ralph, Patty and Selma were all born at … Continued

A Hampshire fisherman has hauled up a bizarre white lobster in his pots. The white crustacean, which has been nicknamed Lizzie in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday, was landed by fisherman Dan Langford of Langford Lobsters at a secret location off Selsey Bill. Realising its rarity, he contacted aquarists at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium … Continued

A colony of toxic fire bellied toads has delighted keepers at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium by laying eggs. It’s the first time the amphibians have spawned and aquarists are hoping this will prove to be a lucky leap year. The toads were originally part of a group of more than 50 that were born at … Continued

Aquarists at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium are confident love is in the water after two of their scarlet-coloured skunk shrimps paired up over the Valentine’s weekend. The scarlet, or skunk cleaner shrimp, which gets its common names from its brightly-coloured body and the white stripe which runs down its back, is widespread in the Red … Continued

Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is looking after a dozen newborn sharks and rays after an unexpected New Year baby boom. In the past few weeks two thornback skates, two bull huss sharks and eight catsharks have all hatched out, and experts at the Southsea aquarium are confident more are on their way. The sharks and … Continued