New additions and changes have been brewing over the last few months at S.E.A. Aquarium (SEAA) at Resorts World Sentosa, as announce new rainforest, intertidal and coral reef habitats as well as new life among their aquatic animals with several exciting newborns, some of which are residents at the new zone!
Take a trip to a Rainforest, Intertidal and Coral Reef in one space
Offering lots of open space for guests to enjoy this new immersive zone, guests can go on a trail to learn about ocean diversity and interconnectedness between ecosystems: from the tropical rainforest and intertidal coastal terrains before descending upon the underwater cities of brightly-hued coral reefs.
New baby animals in new exhibits at S.E.A Aquarium
During the months when operations at S.E.A Aquarium were temporarily suspended, the aquarium’s successful husbandry, coupled with professional and dedicated care by the curatorial team, has resulted in the births of new animal residents!
This is exciting news for many as it means adding to the population of a species that is listed as “Vulnerable” and “Threatened” in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The two species that are in the new S.E.A Aquarium are the leopard whipray, so-named after the unique markings on its body resembling a leopard’s coat and the white-tip reef shark, recognised by the distinctive white tips on its dorsal and upper tail fins.
Poison arrow frogs at S.E.A Aquarium
The rainforest section features the iconic poison arrow frog, a tiny, beautiful but deadly amphibian whose toxin is powerful enough to kill an adult human. Although the size of a thumb, the frog’s poison was used by indigenous tribes to coat arrow tips for hunting and self-defence.
Intertidal Habitat at S.E.A Aquarium
Entering the space where coasts toggle between being submerged during high tides and exposed during low tides, the Intertidal habitat is where guests will come close to animals such as the epaulette shark.
This creature is named after the two large black spots behind their pectoral fins which resemble the epaulettes, a type of decoration, found on military uniforms. As an adaptation, epaulette sharks can ‘walk’, whereby its muscular pectoral fins lift the body and function as ‘feet’ to move for short distances when out of water.
There are also native creatures such as the knobbly sea star, recognised by the chocolate chip-like knobs on top of its body. These two fascinating creatures are some of the marine animals that that visitors will be able to meet at the Discovery Pool.
New Coral habitat at S.E.A Aquarium
Visitors will conclude their journey at a never-been-seen habitat showcasing coral fragments. The Coral Reef habitat will allow visitors to understand how S.E.A Aquarium carries out its coral propagation programme by mimicking one of their natural reproduction methods. As many might know, coral reefs have been on the decline, and Coral propagation using fragmentation is one way to help restore damaged reefs by growing new coral colonies and reintroducing them into the ocean.
More information on the S.E.A Aquarium, as well as ongoing festivities, can be found on their website.
