Surviving Through Adaptation

Be amazed at the adaptations of the aquatic world.

Amazing Adaptations

The galleries in Surviving Through Adaptation offer a glimpse of the incredible range of adaptations that aquatic animals utilize to fulfill a variety of functions. Some of these adaptations help animals to protect themselves from predators, like the feisty peacock mantis shrimp that uses its unique club-like appendages to strike intruders with lightning-fast speed. Other adaptations help animals lie in wait for their prey, like the reef stonefish's intricately patterned body that allows it to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings. Some animals have physical traits that allow them to better hunt prey; for example, the blackbar soldierfish, a nocturnal species with extra-large eyes that let in more light to help this fish search for its next meal in the dark. These adaptations are diverse, but they all share the same goal: to help these animals survive in their environments.

Handling High Voltage

The species of electric eel in our care is capable of producing a shocking 600 volts of electricity to stun prey and protect itself from predators. With this kind of high voltage, how do our Animal Care experts handle the eel without getting zapped when it's time for an exam? There are a few extra precautions that are implemented during electric eel exams to keep our team safe, including the use of a voltmeter so staff can keep an eye on the level of electricity the patient is discharging.