We Introduce 9 STAR Species In The Aquarium
Introduction Of Star Species Of The Aquarium
Beluga
The pure white beluga white as snow! Beluga means ‘white’ in Russian. It is dark grey when born, but becomes white as they grow. Belugas live in cold water covered by ice around the Arctic Ocean. Also, unlike other whales, beluga can swim under ice without hitting it because it has no dorsal fin, and its freely moving neck allows them to hunt crustaceans hiding in the sand easily.
California Sea Lion
California sea lion has cute eyes and excellent sense of balance! Together with seals, California sea lions belong to Pinnipedia whose foot is a fin. The long front and rear fins are capable of walking while sustaining the body and moving faster and further in and on the water. Also, their thick whisker is an important sense organ used for hunting.
Harbor Seal
Harbor seals travel between warm and cold waters, and have adapted and evolved to cold environment. Their small ear holes with no earflap and the thick layer of fat under the skin are good for maintaining body temperature. Thanks to such abundant fat, harbor seals can have a plump and cute body. In Korea, Natural Monument No.331 ‘Spotted Seal’ that is very similar looking to the harbor seal lives in Baengnyeongdo Island.
Humboldt penguin
Humboldt penguins feed on fish in small, warm islands around the Peru Current. They have a thick, black line on their chests when grown, while baby Humboldt penguins are dark in color and do not have a line on their chests. They make a simple nest in rock cracks or caves and lay 2 eggs. Their feathers act like a diving suit blocking water infiltration.
Pirarucu
Pirarucu is the largest fresh water fish that grows up to 4~5m long and 200kg in weight. Pirarucu is named by “Aruca” (a plant in Amazon with red fruits) and “Pira” (fish). They put their head out of water to inhale air, and breathe air using the bladder at the back of their neck. They usually hunt fish and birds on the surface of the water.
Though they are important food resources in their habitat, their population has greatly decreased due to indiscriminate poaching.
Piranha
Piranha, meaning “fish with teeth” in native language, is a fresh water carnivorous fish.
Piranha has a very strong lower jaw and eats tough food in an instant with sharp triangular teeth. They also instinctively eat one of their own if there is a sick or weak piranha in the pack.
Cownose Ray
Cownose rays are known to swim in packs. Their overall color is brown but their belly is white and light yellow. Their pectoral fin is as long as their body. They enjoy shellfish which they use their teeth the break the shell.
Green Turtle
The green turtle lives in tropical and subtropical waters around the world except the Arctic Ocean.
Their spawning ground is not protected, and they are designated as an endangered species due to indiscriminate poaching.
Their beak looks like that of a parrot, and they feed on seaweed, fish or jellyfish.
Sardine
Sardines have big bodies that are covered with round scales. The color of their back is blue, but other parts are silvery white. They mainly feed on planktons and move in packs. If there is a threat, they gather to make a fish ball to avoid it.