Eye See You - Fresh Catch Friday

Friday, February 27, 2009


Credit: MBARI

Say hello to today's Fresh Catch, the Macropinna microstoma. Commonly known as a barreleye fish, this amazing creature has a transparent head that acts much like a fighter-plane cockpit.


This fish is well adapted for the dark ocean depths. The barreleye has flat fins that allow it to remain still in the water. Its eyes point upwards to scan for prey in the light. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) discovered that its light sensitive barrel-like-eyes can also rotate forward as they eat their prey. Even though they have a small mouth, they have a large digestive system. Perfect for a jellyfish snack.

Credit: MBARI

You can learn more about the barreleye fish here.

Watch the video below to see the fish in action.

ECHO Lake Aquarium Review

Wednesday, February 25, 2009













ECHO Lake Aquarium © Curran Photography 2006

Long time, no post! I've been traveling for the past two weeks to Buffalo and Vermont. BRRR! Although this time I was there to ski, the last time I went to VT I found a small but wonderful aquarium.

Overview:


Vermont is known for a lot of things: beautiful scenery, skiing, and maple syrup. But did you know about Champ the lake monster? You can learn about him and many other marine animals at The ECHO Lake Aquarium. This "green" building is located in Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain. With "over 100 interactive experiences", this is a great aquarium to make science hands on for kids.


Things to Do:

PLAY!

My favorite aspect of this aquarium is the sense of fun. None of the "DON'T TOUCH" signs and exhibits behind velvet ropes here; visitors are encouraged to play. I really like the river in the "Before the Basin" section. At kid height there is a long wide table that holds a miniature river. You can see the water flow from the source all the way down to different streams. Because the river actually runs, you can float boats down it, create dams, change the direction of the flow etc.


Want to get your hands dirty? Go on an dig for a beluga whale. Paleontologists-in-training can use goggles, a brush, and a scraper to unearth recreated whale bones.

Credit: Serge Lebel, PhD

On a less scientific note, tucked away in the basement is a pirate ship, or at least part of one. The hull of the pirate ship becomes a playground for kids complete with nets and buried treasure.



Discover Frog World

Want to actually see some animals? There are over 60 species in the 2,750 gallon river community. The source of fresh water comes from a 20-foot waterfall inside the entrance of aquarium.

© 2007 Steve Smith/ECHO

But the cutest display by far is Frog World. Visitors can see many exotic frogs from six different continents up close. Like this red-eyed tree frog. And of course there's interactive features like a 3-D frog call tracking station and froggy-face "morph" that you can send to family and friends.



Become a Weather Reporter

Guests can go on camera in front of a green screen with a teleprompter and report the weather with real maps. Or go "on location" complete with props and report the weather.

Credit: ECHO

Needless to say, a blizzard is one of more popular options here in VT. The best part is you can burn it to a DVD (for a fee) or send a video e-card to your family and friends (free).



Look for Champ the Lake Monster


For those of you who don't know, Champ is kind of a big deal in Vermont. He is a legendary sea creature that lives in Lake Champlain.



Famous pic of Champ by Sandra Mansi 1977

The Iroquois of the region described a horned serpent in the lake. Later in 1609 Samual de Champlain wrote about a strikingly similar creature.


In 1873 there was even a story in the New York Times about an enormous serpent in the water. P.T. Barnum offered a $50,000 for Champ's hide in 1887! Interestingly, there have been over 130 reports of Champ sightings since 1982.

Today the search for Champ continues, as does Champ Mania. He has his own Myspace page, there's a catchy camp song about him, and he's the mascot for the Vermont Lake Monster's baseball team.

So be sure to go to the upper deck of the aquarium and enjoy the beautiful scenery, you may just see Champ.



Visitor Information


You can visit the aquarium 10 AM - 5 PM year-round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day.

Tickets prices are the following:
  • Adult: $9.50
  • Senior (ages 62+): $8.00
  • Students: $8.00 with ID
  • Child (ages 3 - 17): $7.00
  • Children (under 3): Free
  • Teachers: Free with ID
Get a dollar off admission here.

For more information about ECHO Lake Aquarium visit the official website.

Pygmy Seahorse - Fresh Catch Friday

Friday, February 13, 2009

Credit: Kai Walz

These tiny treasures are today's Fresh Catch. In all, five new species of pygmy seahorses were discovered in the Red Sea and Indonesia.



Credit: Stephen Wong and Takako Uno

These adorable seahorses are all under an inch tall, so you could imagine how difficult they were to find and photograph.

They are the first new seahorses to be discovered in five years. Don't look for them in a pet store or even an aquarium anytime soon.

Instead, you can enjoy pictures of them in their natural environment here.



Roses are Red, Water is Blue, Here are Some Valentine Ideas for You!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Still don't have plans for Valentine Day? Many aquariums are doing special V-Day events. Below are some of my top picks.


Best for Adults - "Motions of the Oceans Sleepover"
Credit: Georgia Aquarium

The beautiful backdrop of the Georgia Aquarium and the 21+ age restriction creates the ideal setting for adult couples looking for an romantic evening.


Start the evening out right with a cocktail and appetizers at the reception. Then, feast on a seductive dinner, featuring kumomoto oysters, by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

After dinner, attend the "Motions of the Oceans" lecture by married aquarium biologists Al and Patricia Dove. The lecture focuses on mating rituals of marine animals, or as the couple put it,
"Everything I wanted to know about what fish do when the lights are out but was afraid to ask."

Next up, guests will receive a behind-the-scenes and gallery tours. Then it's lights out as guests spend the night with spectacular views of whale sharks in the Ocean Voyage gallery. Breakfast will be provided the following morning.

For more information, go to www.georgiaaquarium.org or call 404-581-4000.



Best for Families - "Sleep in the Deep"


Credit: Tennessee Aquarium

Want to include your kids in you V-day plans? Try the Tennessee Aquarium's family friendly sleepover with tons of great activities.

Throughout the night families will learn about critter courtship, dine on pizza, watch an IMAX 3-D movie, and explore behind the scenes at the aquarium. Guests will also get the chance to encounter aquarium animals close up. Then,
fall asleep watching the exotic fish near the soothing Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Wake up early for your breakfast and then feed the river otters their breakfast.

All children 6+ y/o welcome if accompanied by an adult.

For more information, go to http://www.tnaqua.org or call
423-267-FISH.




Best for a Budget - "The Wild Side of Love"
  • Where: The Cincinnati Zoo
  • When: Feb. 14th 7PM
  • Price: $26/Non-Member Couple, $22/Member Couple

Credit: Cincinnati Zoo

OK, so it's not an aquarium, but they do have marine animals. Besides, I think the 2nd oldest zoo in America deserves some credit for offering a fun and affordable way to spend time with your sweetheart.

Think it's hard to get a date? At this event, visitors will learn about the extreme measures some animals use to attract a mate. Each ticket admits two people and even includes sparkling beverages and chocolate. Guests must be 16+.

For more information, go to http://www.cincinnatizoo.org or call 513-559-7767.



Best for Singles - "The Masquerade Ball"
  • Where: The Virginia Aquarium
  • When: Feb. 14th 9 PM - 1 AM
  • Price: Regular $35, Couples $60, VIP $50, Presidential Package $200
Credit: InsiderPassport

No date, no problem. Grab some friends, and go to the Masquerade Ball at the Virginia Aquarium.

While masks are not required, attire is definitely dressy. There will be Hip Hop, R&B, Top 40's, Dance and Reggae music. Also, they're giving away cash prizes for the best masks. When you need a break from dancing, check out the sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Guests must be 21+.

If you splurge a little for the VIP ticket you will get priority entry, free coat check, midnight champagne toast, and a special VIP lounge and bar. Also a reception will be provided for VIP guests with free wine, beer, passed
hors d'ouevres, a southern buffet, as well as a dessert bar.

The Presidential package includes the entire VIP package for two adults,
plus overnight accommodations at a Virginia Beach ocean front hotel.

Please note that this event is run by Amayesing Events, not the Virginia Aquarium.

For more information, go to www.themasqueradeball.eventbrite.com.


Can't make it to any of these aquariums? You can still send a cute Valentine's Day E-Card from the Tennessee Aquarium here or from the Monterey Bay Aquarium here.

It's Ok to Flush - Amazing Aquariums

Wednesday, February 11, 2009


Credit: Splash News

For fish owners, the toilet acts as a grave for their pets. A moment of silence, a flush, and Nemo goes to fish heaven. A Chinese toilet manufacturer has designed an ironic, but space-saving aquarium. Don't worry about flushing, there is no chance the fish will end up in the bowl. The toilet has three tanks: a glass one for the fish, one for entering water, and one for drainage. It's also eco-friendly. "Because it is composed of 3 tanks and it only takes 1/8 of total amount of water each flush," said a spokesperson for Runto Sanitary. This amazing aquarium would be convenient for fish owners that often find themselves with floaters.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Review

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

There are plenty of reviews of popular aquariums, and eventually I'll give you my take on them. But for now, I'd like to highlight a hidden gem to visit in Florida: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Overview:

An hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee is one of Florida's oldest attractions. It has a very family friendly environment with a touch of nostalgia. A great day trip if you are in the Tampa area, and a welcome break from the crowds and prices at Sea World or Disney.

Things to Do:

Get Up Close With The Manatees

The manatees are my absolute favorite part of the park. They love swimming through the springs. Many manatees that are victims of boating accidents find refuge here. They come pretty close to the shore, and visitors can feed them lettuce and carrots at certain times of the day. When I last went, there was also a staff member telling visitors more about the manatees and answering questions.


Watch An Underwater Mermaid Show

The park is most famous for their underwater mermaid shows. Visitors watch the performance in the theater which sits 16 ft. underwater. My favorite show is Weeki Wachee's version of Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid.

The mermaids stay underwater the whole show by using free floating breathing tubes and do crazy acrobatics all while wearing tails. For younger kids is a must, but even older kids will be fascinated by the manatees and otters that often come to interact during the show. Elvis was a big fan of the show, and Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were
mermaids for a day on their show the Simple Life. Be sure to check out the Mermaid Roster and this behind the scenes video of how they do it.


Take A River Cruise

Tired of walking everywhere at other parks? Sit back and relax on the River Boat Cruise. During this guided tour you will learn more about the history of Weeki Wachee and see several of the inhabitants of the springs. There are several different kinds of birds, manatees, turtles, snakes, and even alligators.


See An Animal Show

Another fun thing to see at Weeki Wachee is an animal show. They have a very entertaining and educational bird show. There are parrots doing cute tricks and a few majestic falcons, to name a few of the acts. The reptile show is less active, and more show and tell. I didn't find the reptile show as amusing, but maybe it's more of a boy thing. Definitely try to see at least one show though.


Visitor Information

Currently ticket prices are the following with tax included:
  • Adult: $14.68
  • Child (Ages 6 - 10): $11.66
  • Children 5 and under: FREE
Currently the off-season hours of operation are:
Thursday - Sunday 10 AM - 3 PM


In the spring and summer they are open seven days a week from 10 AM - 4 PM


For more information visit the official website.


All Photos by
John Athanason

A 'Seuess-Like' Sea Creature - Fresh Catch Friday

Friday, February 6, 2009

Carnivorous Sea Squirt
Credit: Advanced Imaging and Visualization Laboratory, WHOI/Jess Adkins, Caltech.

This is the first of what I hope will be a regular feature, Fresh Catch Friday. Every Friday I will post an interesting story and/or picture relevant to the aquatic world.

Today's Fresh Catch is of a newly discovered type of sea squirt. The carnivorous creature acts much like a Venus fly trap, catching fish as they swim by and trapping them inside its translucent body.
The sea squirt pictured, 1.6 feet in length, was found in deep in Australian waters by a team of international scientists.

"It was truly one of those transcendent moments," said the cruise's lead scientist, Jess Adkins of Caltech, referring to the descents made by Jason. "We were flying — literally flying — over these deep-sea structures that look like English gardens, but are actually filled with all of these carnivorous, Seuss-like creatures that no one else has ever seen."

I really like the shape and transparency of this species! Check out the full article here.

*Ring*Ring* It's For You - Amazing Aquariums

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ever play that game in a pool where you sit underwater and try to talk to your friends? Maybe that's where artists Benoit Deseille and Benedetto Bufalino got their inspiration from?

They created the aquarium from an unused school pay phone for the Lyon Light Festival in France.

“With the advent of the mobile telephone, telephone booths lie unused. We rediscover this glass cage transformed into an aquarium, full of exotically coloured fish; an invitation to escape and travel," said the designers. I wonder how they take care of the fish?

My First Dolphin Encounter

Wednesday, February 4, 2009


Before Discovery Cove and the idea of paying for dolphin encounters existed, some noble aquariums picked one lucky audience member to interact with the dolphin during the show.

One such Aquarium was the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and I was the lucky chosen one. I was 10 y/o and obsessed with dolphins. I went to the show early because I was so excited. I wasn't the only one there, but a nice staff woman came to talk to me (perhaps a PR person?). She asked me a few questions, which led to me telling her about my dream of becoming a marine biologist/animal trainer. "How would you like to pet a dolphin during the show?," she asked.

Needless to say I was very happy to be chosen. Mid-show the trainer called me to the front of the tank where there was a soft platform. I had to put on very big rain boots and walk onto the platform.

Then the trainer called the dolphin up onto the platform. I was in awe. A close encounter with someone with my dream job and my favorite animal. She instructed me about how to touch a dolphin (like petting a dog). Then she asked me to describe it to the audience over the microphone. It is a difficult feeling to describe; rubbery satin, but firm and bouncy. The dolphin's skin was infinitely smooth, and I could feel the skin being shed a bit as I petted it. The most accurate description I've seen is in
A Ring of Endless Light, by Madeleine L'Engle, when the main character describes a dolphin's skin as "resilient pewter."

The dolphin did a few tricks for me, like giving me a kiss and rolling over so I could pet its belly. I rewarded it with some fish that I fed it myself. Everyone clapped, and I eventually had to return to my seat for the rest of the show. After the show, I thanked the woman who gave me this amazing opportunity and she also gave me a gift card to the gift shop.

Can you guess what I bought with it? A dolphin stuffed animal, complete with squeaker, of course. I still have that toy, and the wonderful memory of that day.