Christmas time is all about getting together with the ones you love. That’s why, from the 21st December to the 5th January, Bristol Aquarium is learning all about how fish form different social groups.
Did you know, a recent study has found that day octopuses team up with blue goatfish to form hunting packs? Symbiotic relationships like these can be found all over the aquatic animal world.
Inspired by this spirit of togetherness, the aquarium has chosen to explore how aquatic animals work together in mutually beneficial relationships for their educational theme over the holidays.
Bristol Aquarium is open every day, except for the 25th, across the Christmas holidays to educate their visitors in different fun and engaging ways. Throughout the holidays, visitors will be able to follow a trail of fascinating fish facts throughout the aquarium, on the subject of the special bonds that aquatic animals form within, and beyond, their species.
The aquarium’s mascot and Santa’s underwater representative, Charlie the Clownfish, will be coming out to say hello, every day at 11am, for anyone to take pictures and pass on their Christmas letters to Santa.
The aquarium will also be hosting a special Christmas craft corner where guests can write their letters to Charlie, or make a ‘Fishmas card’ for their friends and family.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the aquarium’s daily talks on subjects such as life in the coral seas, the amazon river, fish and sharks native to UK shores, the wonderful world of stingrays, the fascinatingly peaceful big bellied seahorses and Maggie the octopus who recently joined the aquarium this year.
“A colourful example of symbiotic relationships that guests can see here at Bristol Aquarium is our clownfish,” explained Josh Dance, Senior Aquarist. “Clownfish live nestled among sea anemones that pack a nasty sting to any hungry predators. Immune to the sting themselves, clownfish will eat parasites, ward off predators and even offer nutrients to the anemones in which they live!
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to educate families about species that work together, to make a better world for themselves and the environment around them, this Christmas.”
Bristol Aquarium is situated on the historic harbourside and takes visitors on an underwater adventure through the world’s oceans. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.bristolaquarium.co.uk or call 0117 929 8929.