Surviving Through Adaptation

Be amazed at the adaptations of the aquatic world.

The displays in Surviving Through Adaptation offer a glimpse of the incredible range of aquatic animals' adaptations. Some modifications help animals protect themselves from predators, better hunt for food or blend into their surroundings. These adaptations are diverse, but they all share the same goal: to help these animals survive in their environments.

100+

species

750+

animals

galleries

There are three main categories for adaptations: structural, physiological and behavioral. Let's explore some of the adaptations found behind the glass in this exhibit.

Physiological Adaptations

Physiological adaptations are internal changes that are not visible on the outside of the animal. Sea anemones have a physiological adaptation hidden in their tentacles. These invertebrates' tentacles spring into action at the slightest touch, grabbing prey brought in by the current. Within their bodies, sea anemones possess specialized cells that produce venom housed in specialized structures made up of a capsule and spear-like coil that injects prey with paralyzing venom.

Handling High Voltage

Electric eels use their physiological adaptation to stun prey and protect themselves from predators. The species of electric eel in our care can produce a shocking 600 volts of electricity! To avoid getting zapped when it's time for an exam, our Animal Care team uses tools like a voltmeter to monitor the level of electricity the patient is discharging.

It's no easy feat handling the high voltage of electric eels, but with patience and extra precautions, out team can care for electric eels safely.

Structural Adaptations

Structural adaptations are visible adaptations that occur on the outside of an animal's body. One knockout example is the feisty peacock mantis shrimp. These 2- to 7-inch-long crustaceans pack a punch with unique club-like appendages. The peacock mantis shrimp can unfurl its appendages in milliseconds to deliver a deadly blow to prey or would-be predators.

Reef Stonefish Camouflaged Among Coral in the Surviving Through Adaptation Exhibit

Camouflage is another structural adaptation found in this exhibit. Reef stonefish are experts at camouflage, which allows them to lie in wait for their prey. Their bodies are typically brown or grey mixed with colors like yellow, orange and red to create an intricate pattern that seamlessly blends in with their surroundings.

Behavioral Adaptations

Behavioral adaptations occur when an animal acts differently due to a change in its environment. One example of this adaptation is teamwork, highlighted in this exhibit through mutualistic relationships. Mutualistic relationships are a kind of symbiotic relationship where both animals benefit from the relationship.

The tiger snapping shrimp and the yellow shrimpgoby are an example of an animal pair with a mutualistic relationship. The tiger snapping shrimp is an excellent digger with poor eyesight that makes it vulnerable to predators, while the yellow shrimpgoby likes to live in burrows but is not as good at building them. In exchange for a burrow to call home, the yellow shrimpgoby uses its superior eyesight to spot predators, and its movement alerts the shrimp to danger.

The goldentail moray and the red-banded coral shrimp are another example of a dynamic duo. In this case, the red-banded coral shrimp will pick parasites off the moray's body and gills for a tasty treat, providing relief for the moray. The shrimp will even pick food out of the moray's teeth!