What are cichlids?

Cichlids (Cichlidae) are freshwater, bony fish and each species is incredibly different. They can be found in almost every body of freshwater, including rivers, lakes and swamps. The family of cichlids includes well-known species such as angelfish, discus and tilapia.

They are typically deep-bodied in appearance and have one nostril on each side of the head, instead of the usual two. Apart from this, they can differ greatly in appearance which we’ll go into more detail on later!

Top facts about cichlids

So, what do you need to know about cichlids? Here are our essential facts… 

It’s pronounced ‘sick-lid’

If you were wondering, cichlids are pronounced ‘sick-lid’. Its common name comes directly from its genus name, Cichlidae, which derives from the Ancient Greek for sea fish.

Cichlids are over 40 million years old

Fossil evidence shows that cichlids first appeared during the Eocene period, which occurred around 55-33 million years ago. The dinosaurs had already been extinct for around 10 million years before this period began. It’s a similar time to when the first cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) first appeared.  

Most cichlid species are found in 3 African lakes

A huge number of species of cichlid are found in just 3 lakes in Africa – Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi. In Lake Malawi alone, you can find over 600 known species of cichlid.

They differ vastly in colour and size

Due to the sheer number of different species, it’s no surprise that cichlids vary greatly in colour and size. They are incredibly vibrant, with species including the rusty cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae) which is either rusty brown or lavender purple depending on the gender. The auratus cichlid (Melanochromis auratus) is also known as the golden mbuna, with the females being bright yellow with black and white stripes.

Their size can vary too. The smallest cichlids are around 5cm long, with the African giant cichlid being the biggest at around 91cm.

Some species are mouthbrooding

This is a very unique way of looking after the eggs, also known as oral incubation. It means the animal will hold them in their mouth for extended periods of time. In cichlids, it happens more frequently where the female takes the eggs. It’s a very effective way of protecting the eggs until they hatch!

Cichlids provide parental care

It’s quite uncommon for fish to care for their young after they have hatched or been born. In many cases, the offspring are left to fend for themselves from the beginning. In cichlids, however, the parents have been known to protect, clean and even help feed their fry.

Where can we see cichlids?

As you can see, this diverse family of fish is a fascinating one and just another example of how interesting the world of aquatic animals can be. You can see some of these incredible species right here at Blue Planet Aquarium, at our Lake Malawi exhibit!

Within the exhibit we’ve captured some of incredible beauty of this body of water, complete with surroundings to mimic the mountains and rock that is found at the real Lake Malawi. You’ll find a number of cichlid species here – and don’t forget to stop by for feeding time that happens at the exhibit daily!

If you’ve never considered the difference between the sea and the ocean, it’s actually a far more fascinating topic than you might think. With lots of neat facts and stats to explore. So, that’s what we’re going to focus on today, as we take you on a deep-dive look at what makes seas and oceans different.

What is an ocean?

Defining what seas and oceans are seems like a good place to start. After all, these are unique water bodies, each with their own distinct features and characteristics.

Oceans, then, are the largest water bodies on Earth. They cover roughly 70% of the planet and, impressively, have an average depth of approximately 3,800 metres. That’s deep enough to fit the tallest building in the world (the Burj Khalifa, 828m) four and a half times over.

Another defining feature of oceans is that, unlike seas, they’re not contained by land. In fact, you could say that they contain the land, such is their size, scale and power.

What’s more, ocean currents have a huge impact on climate, geography and environmental conditions all around the world. For example, the Atlantic Gulf Stream brings warm, tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico to the UK and beyond, all powered by the intensity of the North Atlantic Ocean current.

While we tend to think of the ocean being divided into five distinct areas (including the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic). It’s actually one giant water encircling the entire Earth. There is no point where the open ocean is split by land, unlike seas, which can be fully or partially enclosed.

What is a sea?

A sea is a smaller part of the ocean that appears where the ocean meets land. For instance, the North Sea is part of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, but since it’s located between two land masses (the British Isles and the European continent) it’s classed as a sea.

Not only are most seas enclosed and contained by land (with the exception being the unique Sargasso Sea, which is bordered by the currents of the Atlantic), but they’re also much shallower than oceans. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the largest seas in the world. It only has an average depth of 1,500 metres – over 50% less deep than the ocean.

Ever heard the expression “the seven seas”? Well, it’s not exactly accurate. There are actually 50 seas around the globe, from the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe to the South China Sea in the Far East. So, where did the term “seven seas” come from?

It’s actually a historical term once used by sailors, merchants and pirates to describe all the seas of the “known world”. Different cultures had their own meaning for the seven seas, depending on where they travelled and the waters they discovered.

What animals are found in the ocean vs. the sea?

So, we’ve established that oceans are significantly larger and deeper than seas, with strong currents that influence climate, environment, and habitats all across the globe. But so far as the marine animals that live in them, how do seas and oceans compare?

Ocean animals

Since oceans cover 70% of the world’s surface, they naturally contain a significant amount more marine life than seas. Ocean habitats are hugely varied, from coral reef systems to open ocean, so they’re home to an extraordinary diversity of life. This includes coral-dwelling clownfish,  colourful lionfish, sharks, eels, whales, and the impressive giant Pacific octopus.

It’s important to remember, too, that many species found in open oceans are migratory. Indeed, some of the largest animals on Earth, including the mighty blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) will travel thousands of miles each year between oceanic breeding and feeding grounds.

The ocean also contains a wealth of deep sea-dwelling animals, which live at extraordinary depths in total darkness. From the Sloane’s viperfish (Chauliodus sloani) to the humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii); hundreds of species have adapted to life in the seemingly inhospitable depths of the open ocean.

Sea animals

With all that said – don’t underestimate the diversity of life found in the world’s great seas. Our seas provide a rich habitat for all kinds of animals and plant life. With many unique species found exclusively in different seas all around the globe.

What’s more, seas often provide safe breeding grounds for innumerable species, offering protection against the intense currents of the open ocean. The Mediterranean Sea, for example, is the only breeding ground of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), which seeks refuge in the calmer waters that the Mediterranean provides.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this deep-dive look at how seas and oceans differ. If you’d like to learn more about the animals that dwell in these unique water bodies, book your tickets to Blue Planet Aquarium. Here, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to the animals of the Ocean along with ten other unique marine habitats.

We have replaced our daily octopus talk with a Coral Cave talk and feed at 12.30pm each day. During the talk we will showcase Pufferfish, Rabbitfish, Regal Tangs and more.

Below is a collection of pictures of Kevin to commemorate him by.

Ready to delve into our findings and find out which popular sea creatures at Blue Planet Aquarium have the most relatable personalities? Dip into our research below and find out – you can even take our quiz for yourself at the end!

Our Method

We created a fun quiz filled with questions to find out more about your behaviour and personality traits. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, idle or determined, creative or athletic, your answers will pair you up with the sea creature you’re most like personality-wise.

We then took the answers our participants gave and collected them to give us our results. It’s that simple!

Overview of the different personalities

From gentle stingrays to energetic clownfish, discover each of the distinct personalities of some of the wonderful sea creatures below.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Much like the giant Pacific octopus, you’re a little on the shy side, and consider yourself an introvert. You prefer the night time to mornings, and sometimes only leave the comfort of your home if it involves food! You like to blend into the crowd (some may say you even ‘camouflage’ yourself), and you’re super-intelligent and great at problem-solving.

Stingray

Similar to the stingray, you’re a gentle being who avoids confrontation and are pretty laid back. You can be social but also like having time to yourself, and it’s safe to say you’re not a morning person.

Eel

Much like the Moray Eel, you’re an introvert and consider yourself shy. However, when it comes to working, you’re a team player and work really well with others. You’re not confrontational and you have a unique sense of style.

Clownfish

Just like the clownfish, you’re energetic, confident and have a great imagination. You’re sociable and pride yourself on having a unique style. You are good at problem-solving and thrive in the daytime.

Pufferfish

Much like a pufferfish, you aren’t afraid to stand up for yourself and like to portray yourself as a tough cookie. You prefer to be alone rather than socialise and are more of a night owl than a morning person. Although some may say you’re a little unpredictable, one thing’s for sure, you’re a true romantic!

Piranha

You’re a super social being, just like the red bellied piranha! Despite being a little shy, you love to be around other people – you even like to share your food. You have a unique style and prefer day to night – probably so people can see your fun outfits!

Sand Tiger Shark

Despite what people may think, you are a relaxed and gentle person who’s a little bit shy. You’re athletic and don’t care much for your appearance. You prefer night over day and love a midnight snack. One thing you like to do is travel!

Key findings

So, what were the main findings of our quiz? Are more people similar to eels or clownfish? Or is the giant Pacific octopus the more common personality? Dive into our results below!

Sea Creature Results

First up, almost 1 in 3 (32%) participants’ personalities matched up with the ‘Giant Pacific Octopus’. These people are typically a little on the shy side, prefer night over day, like blending into a crown and are great problem-solvers!

Meanwhile, just under 30% of personalities matched with a ‘Stingray’. Anybody that matches up with this sea creature is a gentle soul who generally avoids confrontation, enjoys being social but also likes time to themselves. Just like the ‘Giant Pacific Octopus’ personality, they’re also night owls.

Just over 1 in 10 participants matched with the personality of an ‘Eel’. The eel personality is more introverted and shy, but that doesn’t stop them from getting stuck into some teamwork. Their sense of style is usually unique, too!

Following closely, slightly less than 1 in 10 of our participants were most similar to our ‘Clownfish’ personality type. The complete opposite of most of our other creatures, these are energetic, confident, social and early risers.

‘Pufferfish’ relate to 6.70% of our quizzers. These creatures aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves, prefer solitude to social settings and are true romantics. They’re also big fans of the night time.

Our second to last most matched personality was the ‘Piranha’, which over 6% of participants were similar to. While these are on the shy side, they also love hanging around with others, have a unique sense of style and prefer working at night time.

The least commonly matched personality was the ‘Sand Tiger Shark’, with only 3.70% of participants being most like these relaxed and gentle creatures. They have a more athletic nature, don’t really care about their appearance and prefer staying up late over waking up early.

Key Personality Traits

Getting into the nitty-gritty, we’ve collected the results on the most common traits of our quiz takers. We have to say – the results are very interesting.

When completing tasks, nearly 4/10 (37.90%) quiz takers would describe themselves as being efficient. Meanwhile, almost a quarter of the participants (24.10%) would say they’re more determined.

A massive 44.40% of participants revealed that they are more of an introvert, and just over 1 in 10 (10.10%) said that they are more extroverted. 45.50% said they are ‘in between’. 

The majority of participants said that their style is to blend into the crowd (39.10%) – this could be because many of our participants describe themselves as introverted. Nearly 3 in 10 people claim that they like to have a unique sense of style (29.20%). 

It was a close call on the question about which time of day the participants prefer! 46.40% of quiz takers claim to be an early bird, compared to the 53.60% who say they are night owls. So, we’ve got more night time people on our hands here.

The majority of quiz takers said they are both social and unsocial (41.80%), while 8/10 participants don’t describe themself as confrontational (82.10%). We’re not surprised considering how few people are more social.

When it came to the best trait, it was much more of a mixed bag. 4/10 said their best trait was their intelligence (40.20%), while 29% would say that their creativity was one of their best traits. Meanwhile, a good majority said their best trait was how fun they are (28.30%).

Key Trait Comparisons

So how do the key traits compare among the quizzers? The key stats are swimming around below…

• Only 3.20% of people said they ‘like to look tough’ when describing their style. However, only 43% of these people who ‘like to look tough’ admitted to being confrontational, whereas the other 57% said they were not.

• Creative individuals appear to be night time people (55%) over morning people (45%), which could be because their best creative ideas come at night time.

• Out of everyone who ‘likes to blend into the crowd’, almost half (49%) said that they are introverted, 46% say they are ‘in between being an introvert and extrovert’ and only 5% would class themself as extroverted.

• 4 in 10 people (40%) who chose their best trait as being ‘fun’ also stated that they are social. 

• 14% of people with a ‘unique style’ are extroverts, 38% are introverted and the majority with 48% are in between. 

• 73% of the people whose best traits involve being athletic are more of a morning person. Could this be because they include a morning workout each day to spark their productivity? We think so!

Take our Quiz

Want to know which sea creature’s personality matches yours best? Take our quiz and find out for yourself!

If all this talk about Eels and Stingrays has you itching to see some incredible sea creatures, then why not plan your next visit to Blue Planet Aquarium? We’re ready when you are!

So, if you’re fascinated by the world’s seas and want to learn more, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re itching to uncover the most exciting facts related to the Caribbean Sea or want to delve deeper into the creatures found most often in these waters, this blog will leave no stone unturned.

Where is the Caribbean Sea?

The clue is in the name really when it comes to the location of the Caribbean Sea. But just in case you need a quick geography refresher, it sits just south of the Gulf of Mexico, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Central and South America to the west. 

Plenty of countries and islands sit on and around it. To be precise, nine Caribbean countries are on the mainland to the west of the sea, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Meanwhile, the eastern side of the sea is where you’ll find the Caribbean islands, such as St Lucia, Barbados and Grenada.

How big is the Caribbean Sea?

Classified as one of the world’s largest seas. The Caribbean Sea covers a massive area of around 2.75 million kilometres squared. To put its size into perspective, the sea is around nine times the size of the UK!

Features of the Caribbean Sea

So, what are some of the main features of the Caribbean Sea? From the depth to the average temperature, let us answer some of your burning questions below.

How deep is the Caribbean Sea?

On average, the Caribbean Sea is around 2,200m deep. Its deepest point can be found in the Cayman Trench between Cuba and Jamaica. Here the water is believed to reach depths of around 7,686m.

What’s the average temperature in the Caribbean Sea?

The average water temperature is around 27°C (80°F), and this rarely changes. Throughout the year, the temperature only differs by a few degrees across the entire body of water. Though the temperature stays mostly the same, the tropical climate in these waters means that other weather variations are quite common.

Some areas of the sea will experience an average of just 25cm of rainfall, while others are known to have been hit with averages closer to 900cm. Intense tropical storms are relatively common in the north. These are practically non-existent in the southernmost areas of the Caribbean Sea.

What does it look like?

The waters are typically clear, which is why visitors love to dive and snorkel in this sea. It’s easy to get a good view of the variety of plants, coral and creatures living down in the depths!

Is it a calm sea?

The Caribbean is generally known for smooth sailing, though it can get choppy in areas where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean. When bodies of water meet, bigger waves and rockier conditions should be expected. This mostly affects the northern and eastern edges of the sea, where more intense weather variations can usually be found.

Which creatures are found in the Caribbean Sea?

The tropical climate in the Caribbean provides the ideal conditions for a range of exciting marine life to thrive in. From bigger creatures like sharks, dolphins and manatees to smaller ones like turtles and eels, there’s no shortage of variation in these waters!

Sand Tiger Sharks can often be found in subtropical and temperate waters, the shores of Caribbean Sea offer an ideal climate for them. Lionfish are also commonly found in the Caribbean Sea, and feature brightly coloured, bold stripes and long spines. They might be easy to spot because of their markings, but watch out for these fish as they are actually venomous!

Another species often found swimming around in the Caribbean Sea are Stingrays, who are closely related to sharks. Similarly to Sand Tiger Sharks, these fascinating sea creatures are typically found relaxing in the coastal areas and shallow waters. They prefer warmer temperatures too, which is why the tropical climate provides the perfect habitat for them.

These creatures might thrive in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, but you don’t need to travel all the way across the world to see them and find out about their habitats. Blue Planet Aquarium is home to Sand Tiger Sharks, Lionfish and Stingrays, amongst many other exciting creatures. You can find many of these species in our Ocean Exhibit, alongside around 100 other species of marine animals!

Hundreds of other creatures live in this vast sea, including Moray Eels. These bizarre creatures are difficult to find, and usually take up residence in hidden areas of reefs. Poisonous Rock Fish also hide deep under water between algae and coral at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.

Facts about the Caribbean Sea

Ready to find out some of our favourite facts and figures about the Caribbean Sea? Below are six of the most exciting things to learn about this wonderful sea!

• The Caribbean Sea is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It stretches over around 700 miles and provides the perfect conditions for a range of coral to form, creating habitats for many wonderful marine creatures.
• Despite being almost six times smaller than the Arctic Ocean, which is the world’s smallest ocean. The Caribbean Sea contains 14 percent of the world’s reefs.
• More than 12,000 marine species are known to live in the Caribbean Sea. Over 1,000 of these are fish species like flying fish, moray eels, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and Caribbean reef sharks. Around 90 mammal species also live in the Caribbean Sea, including dolphins, sperm whales, manatees, and seals.
• The Caribbean Sea is home to more than 7,000 islands, belonging to 28 nations in total.
• The average depth of the Caribbean Sea is around 2,200m below the sea’s surface.
• Providing approximately 170 million tons of oil each year, the Caribbean Sea is one of the largest oil producing regions in the world.

Book your tickets and plan your visit to Blue Planet Aquarium where you can find out more about the world’s marine life and the different bodies of water they live in.  

Here at Blue Planet Aquarium we’re home to a number of animals that might be tricky to spot, but it’s certainly fun trying! Animals that are able to camouflage usually have the ability to change colour, while others might have the perfect markings and colouring to blend in to their surroundings. So, let’s find out why animals camouflage and just how they do it!

Why do animals camouflage?

There are two main reasons why an animal might camouflage itself, both playing an essential role in the animal’s survival. Firstly, animals both in the water and on land may have to camouflage in order to protect themselves from predators. This means there’s a higher chance the predator will simply pass by, and not notice their next meal hiding in plain sight. This is a great defence mechanism for many sea creatures, including fish and octopus.

Secondly, many animals will camouflage so that they can sneak up on their own prey and increase their chances of a successful catch! This clever trick means many creatures are able to avoid going hungry.

How do animals camouflage?

Animals camouflage themselves in a number of different ways. Some don’t need to do anything, while others undergo a physical change in order to become almost invisible. There are a number of camouflage tactics, including background matching, which is the most common. This is where a species is able to hide itself by resembling its surroundings – this can include both colour and texture.

Another way animals can camouflage themselves is through mimicry, where they might look and act like something else altogether. A third method of camouflage is known as disruptive colouration, where an animal may have an unusual pattern or colour that causes a predator to misidentify it.

Interestingly, colour tactics can be used in the reverse as well – which we see in our very own Poison Dart frog! In this way, the animal highlights their identity and species through colouration on purpose. This is known as warning colouration, or aposematic colouration, and is usually done when the animal is poisonous or dangerous to predators. This keeps the animal safe, despite giving itself away with bright colours or markings.

Which animals can camouflage?

So, which animals can successfully hide themselves when needs be? While there are hundreds out there across the land and sea that can successfully camouflage, we’ve handpicked a few of the most interesting… some of which you might be able to see in our exhibits!

Frogs

Frogs in particular are renowned for being masters of camouflage, with colours that help them fade into the vegetation around them while others also use reverse camouflaging tactics. For example, the family of Poison Dart frogs come in an array of beautiful, bright colours including yellow, copper, red, blue and green to clearly show predators they are dangerous and to stay away. See if you can spot our Poison Dart frogs at our Frog Zone exhibit, where you can learn about how these amphibians have evolved to survive their harsh environments.

Other species of frog are incredibly adept at camouflaging, including the glass frog that appears transparent, and the Vietnamese mossy frog that closely resembles a clump of moss!

Cephalopods

Cephalopods is the family of marine creatures that includes octopus, squid and cuttlefish. This family are particularly well-known for their ability to camouflage, including the Giant Pacific octopus, which you’ll also find here at Blue Planet Aquarium. The octopus can rapidly change colour and even texture by using special pigment organs in their skin, known as chromatophores, and may also use items from the ocean to hide itself when necessary, such as shells. As an invertebrate with no skeleton, the Giant Pacific octopus can manipulate its body and hide in the smallest of spaces too.

Cuttlefish are able to control the colour cells within their skin to change colour, pattern and texture – and some will even make shapes with their tentacles to really go the extra mile. They will do this to evade predators, but also to mimic other species in order to catch their next meal, and sometimes to communicate with other cuttlefish.

Fish

Stonefish are a fascinating species that can perfectly match their surroundings with minimal effort. They have an encrusted brown-grey skin with some red or yellow patches, and are typically mistaken for a stone or piece of coral reef. Did you know that stonefish are the most venomous fish in the world?

The Red Bellied piranha camouflages itself through its natural appearance, thanks to its glimmering scales that give it almost a glittery appearance. The way their scales shimmer can make them seamlessly blend in with the sparkling, flowing water!

Download our checklist and see how many animals you can spot in our aquarium.

Tick them off once you’ve spotted them and remember, they might be well-hidden thanks to their camouflage skills! Book your tickets to Blue Planet Aquarium today for a fun-filled family day out.

Throughout history, marine biologists, conservationists and everyone in between have spent their time learning everything they can about the creatures known and unknown to us. But even with their dedication to the cause, only around 5% of the world’s oceans have been explored.

So how many are known to us, how many others could be out there? what do we already know about marine life biodiversity?

How many sea creatures are known to be in the oceans?

Around a quarter of a million species of marine creatures are currently known to us. From some of the most common species like sea turtles and seals to the rarest ones only found in specific regions, a lot has been learned about marine life over the years.

Of course, one of the most common sea creatures is fish. Around 236,000 species are known to be swimming around the seas and oceans, making up the biggest proportion of vertebrates.

How many other creatures could be out there?

With so much water undiscovered, it’s entirely possible that there could be hundreds of thousands more marine creatures out there. Deeper ocean areas and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, for example, could be home to a variety of exciting new species we’re yet to know anything about. This is likely to be due to the different climates and water habitats in these areas, which could be the perfect conditions for all types of sea creatures.

The unknown marine life could have various features that help them thrive in these areas, such as extra gills and fins. We won’t know until they’ve been discovered!

Who is responsible for discovering new marine animals?

Hundreds of new species of sea creatures are discovered every year, and as technology and understanding of marine life advance over time, we can learn more about what’s swimming around in all parts of our oceans and seas.

Marine biologists, researchers and scientists around the world are responsible for continuously studying marine life and habitats to gain a better understanding of the massive variety of species. They use a variety of techniques to delve into the waters and identify the different creatures. Whether they dive down themselves, use submarines or underwater cameras, it can be difficult to spot them, differentiate between them and learn more about their behaviours or habitats. As a result, they need to be carefully monitored and studied, which requires time, patience and money. Research can take a long time to get right – many species that were identified over the years have been declassified because of duplications, for example.

The variety of marine animals

Our oceans and seas are home to a huge variety of marine animals. From the biggest species like whales and sharks to the smallest marine life like seahorses and crabs, these creatures come in all different shapes and sizes.

While some species thrive in colder waters, others need warmer climates to survive. Meanwhile, other species are best off in shallow waters and hundreds of others are best suited to the deeper saltwater areas.

Fun facts about marine animals & the ocean  

Although there are plenty of unknowns when it comes to marine life, there are many fun and interesting facts to learn about the sea animals taking up space in the waters around the world. Below, we’ll take you through some of our favourite facts…

• Blue Whales are the largest ocean creatures known to exist. Averaging just over 108 feet in length, these incredible creatures are bigger than many of the dinosaurs are thought to have been! However, these creatures are sadly on the endangered list, only fewer than 25,000 are known to be out there.

• Irukandji jellyfish could be the smallest of sea creatures. They might also be the most venomous jellyfish in the world. At just 0.06 cubic inches, these tiny invertebrates can be found in tropical regions including the Caribbean.

• Around 95% of the world’s oceans are yet to be explored. Although researchers and marine biologists continue to work on discovering more species, there are always new things we can learn about marine animals.

• Hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures are part of the massive range of biodiversity we’re currently aware of. From the large Japanese Spider Crab to the Ocean Sunfish which is the heaviest fish, we’re sure there are plenty more exciting and strange species to discover in years to come.

Book your tickets today and come along to learn more about the marine life living at Blue Planet Aquarium.

Before you get you dive in and start working alongside marine wildlife, however, there are hoops to jump through, skills to gain and qualifications to earn. So, to help you on the way and point you in the right direction, here’s our no-nonsense guide on how to become a marine biologist.

This guide will cover:

• What is a marine biologist?
• What does a marine biologist do?
• Why would you want to be a marine biologist?
• What qualifications do I need to be a marine biologist?

What is a marine biologist?

The role of a marine biologist is to study marine animals, plants, and other organisms to gain a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems. It’s important work, not least in the fight against marine habitat loss and the impact that climate change is continuing to have on all aquatic life.

Of course, there isn’t a singular form of marine biology; the profession has tons of unique offshoots and areas that you may wish to specialise in. Some of the typical roles you might find in the broader field of marine biology include:

• Marine biology researcher or assistant
• Marine biology technical assistant
• Zoologist/aquarist
• Fishery manager
• Marine ecology consultant
• Reef restoration specialist
• Oil spill response expert

It’s not all scuba diving, coasteering and jetting around the world on speed boats, either. Depending on your role, you could just as easily be working behind a desk or in a laboratory – it all depends on your area of expertise and the skills and experiences you gain as part of your studies.

What does a marine biologist do?

Becoming a marine biologist sounds like a very cool job on paper. But what does the role actually look like day to day? And what can you expect to be doing?

Although your responsibilities will be very different depending on the area you end up working in, typical duties might include things like…

• Carrying out risk assessments of prospective coastal and riverside developments, evaluating the impact this could have on local marine life.

• Gathering information from fishermen and local authorities about how particular waterways are used and the types of aquatic animals typically found there.

• Counting and categorising animal species within a particular area to monitor local populations.

• Coordinating large-scale marine restoration projects, particularly in areas threatened by habitat loss due to human interference.

• Analysing samples in a laboratory to report on particular environmental factors and water toxicity levels.

Remember, these are just a few examples of the types of things you may be doing as a marine biologist; your role could look very different should you choose to branch out into a particular field of marine biology.

Why would you want to be a marine biologist?

Are you still umming and ahhing whether to pursue a career as a marine biologist? Perhaps you’re interested but aren’t yet ready to take the leap and fully commit to the profession? That’s perfectly OK, but here are some of the benefits and highlights that could help seal the deal for you…

You’ll get to work with marine animals

Let’s face it: most people become marine biologists for the chance to work with animals, whether that’s fish, birds, or mammals. Granted, you may not get to do that right at the start of your career, but by setting yourself up with the right skills, experience, and qualifications, you’ll be well-placed to work side by side with your favourite species in the future.

You’ll contribute to the fight against climate change and habitat loss

Never before has the field of marine biology been as important. Now, scientists are not only focusing their efforts on learning more about underwater life but also on how to safeguard it for the future. And since marine biology is all about learning how different factors impact marine life, you’ll be very much a part of the ongoing battle against climate change and aquatic habitat loss.

You can expect a varied and challenging career

From the laboratory to the cliff face, the depths of the ocean to the lecture theatre; who knows where your career as a marine biologist will take you! With so many different areas to specialise in and pursue, you can look forward to a wonderful and varied career – and the potential for an adventure or two.

You’ll get to travel

OK, so this benefit isn’t nailed on by any means, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that your career as a marine biologist could see you travelling the world. From reef restoration projects in the tropics to species inventory and research work in the polar regions, there’s always the possibility of travel in the field of marine biology, so if that sounds up your alley, it could be the perfect profession for you.

What qualifications do I need to be a marine biologist?

You’ll almost always need a degree to pursue a career as a marine biologist, specifically in a marine biology-related subject. Indeed, if you achieve a general science-related BSc, you may need to sit an additional marine-related postgraduate course to stand any chance of becoming a full-time marine biologist.

Happily, if you decide early on that marine biology is something you’d like to pursue as a career, there are a handful of BSc degree programmes that are well-recognised within the profession. These include marine biology, marine science, oceanography, and coastal ecology, to name but a few.

Of course, your career as a marine researcher and biologist may naturally lead you to pursue other qualifications, with many of the best biologists going on to attain postgrad qualifications and PhDs. There are also a range of other vocational courses that may help your career, including diving skills and boating programmes, while work placements and sandwich courses are also not uncommon within the field of marine biology.

We hope this guide helps you decide if a career in marine biology is right for you – it’s certainly a rewarding and varied proposition. In the meantime, why not pay a visit to Blue Planet Aquarium and meet some of the animals you could be working with in the future? Tap here to book your tickets.

As well as adding colour and variety to the already massive number of species in our waters, they’re massively important to sea life for a few different reasons. From supporting other ocean life to improving the quality of seawater, there’s plenty of exciting information to learn about these incredible creatures.

In this guide, we’ll be answering the question of whether coral is a plant or an animal, alongside giving you some of our favourite exciting and interesting facts about these sea creatures.

Is coral a plant or an animal?

Coral is in fact an animal! Despite looking very much like a plant and being rooted to the ocean floor, they’re classed as Cnidarians and are most closely related to jellyfish and anemones. Due to their lack of spine, they can also be categorised as aquatic invertebrates.

Coral is made up of tiny polyps, which are actually individual sea creatures in their own right. Polyps are very similar in appearance to that of their jellyfish relatives and live in close proximity to one another, forming colonies which allows them to share resources and grow larger. This is how coral reefs are created. Polyps can come in all different shapes, sizes and colours which can cause confusion since they’re almost flower-like in appearance.

But since these creatures have mouths and stomachs, they’re actually more like animals than they might originally seem.

What animals live in coral reefs?

Coral reefs are home to a variety of aquatic creatures, including fish, reptiles, birds, and other mammals. Since there’s plenty of variety in coral reefs and where they tend to live, there’s an equally large biodiversity of creatures that live in and around the structures they create.

Below, we’ll split these off into categories and give you some examples of animals that live in these habitats.

Fish living in coral reefs

Some of the ocean’s most beautiful and exotic fish live in the depths of the waters amongst the coral reefs. Coral reef fish are most likely to enjoy a more tropical climate, but there are some exceptions.

Here are just some of the fish that call coral reefs home:

• Lionfish
• Whale shark
• Manta ray
• Blue tang
• Clownfish
• Sea dragon

At Blue Planet Aquarium, we have plenty of these fish around every corner for you to meet. Head to our Discover page to learn all about our wide variety of coral reef-dwelling fish.

The reptiles contributing to coral reefs

While they’re much less common than fish or other mammals in these parts of the oceans and seas, reptiles like sea turtles and crocodiles are also known to contribute to the dynamic coral reef environment. Just think of ‘Crush’, the giant sea turtle from Finding Nemo!

Other mammals and creatures

Of course, many other exciting creatures of all sizes live and exist in coral reefs. From dolphins and octopus to oysters, clams and crabs – there’s no shortage of variety down in the depths of the waters, that’s for sure!

Facts about coral reefs

Ready to find out what some of our favourite coral reef facts are? Let’s go!

1.     Corals can move

Once coral reaches the adult stage, they’re most likely attached to the ocean floor for the rest of their life. However, corals in the larval or baby stages are free to swim around. Some soft corals, such as mushroom corals, are still able to move around throughout adulthood using a foot to get around.

During reproduction, corals release sperm and eggs into the water. After fertilisation, tiny babies are formed which can swim straight away.

The babies can ride the waves and currents until they discover a new suitable place to live. Once they do, they’ll swim straight down to the bottom of the ocean, attach themselves to the floor and grow into a new coral colony.

2.     Coral supports a quarter of ocean life

Coral provides a home for around 25% of the marine species we’re aware of. That’s a pretty big chunk! They provide homes for many species, alongside protecting coastal areas from erosion or natural disasters.

These creatures also have a mutually beneficial relationship with algae. Tiny algae will live in the coral’s tissues and grow on the polyps because this means that they can photosynthesise and produce food for the coral while also staying safe from predators.

Corals are also pretty important to humans since they benefit modern medicine and help support commercial fisheries.

To find out more about the importance of coral reefs, check out our blog!

3.     Coral reefs are found worldwide

Coral reefs can be found in a huge variety of locations, including in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf. They tend to thrive in stronger currents and warmer climates, so this is the most likely place you’ll see them.

Since there are so many species of coral, they can often survive in many conditions. This is mostly due to the fact that they live at the very bottom of the seas and oceans where temperatures tend to be much warmer than at the surface. 

4.     Corals eat plankton & small fish

Coral polyps have stinging cells like jellyfish do to help them catch their food as it floats by. Plankton and some small fish can fall victim to these seemingly innocent tentacles, ending up as part of a coral reef’s diet. However, the majority of their diet consists of photosynthetic algae.

5.     Coral stabilises the seabed

Sand mining can be a serious issue for many underwater creatures. Luckily, the formation of coral reefs means that the seabed can be built back up and prevent massive shifts in the land. 

This helps protect the habitats of the creatures that also live at the bottom of the ocean, such as clownfish. Without a stable seabed, the biodiversity of creatures living in the reefs could be disturbed.

6.     The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef in the world

You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard about The Great Barrier Reef. Found in the Coral Sea, this massive reef has been thriving just off the north eastern coast of Australia for tens of thousands of years, at the very least.

Since it’s the biggest, it’s no surprise that this reef is home to the most coral species in the world. An estimated 400 types of coral exist here!

7.     They contribute massively to local tourism

Unsurprisingly, these colourful and vibrant creatures tend to draw big crowds. Whether it’s boat trips or scuba divers, millions of people flock to the world’s coral reefs every year just to see them up close and personal. And we don’t blame them really – they are really wonderful to look at!

8.     Climate change threatens corals

Although this isn’t a particularly nice fact, it’s an important one to know. Corals are under threat from climate change, and many species across the world are now on a protected list to help preserve them and prevent extinction.

They can be incredibly sensitive to any changes in the ocean’s temperatures and salinity. When they detect changes, polyps become stressed and lose their vibrant colours, which ultimately prevents them from getting energy from the sun.

This process is known as coral bleaching and can easily kill off a huge colony if they experience significant stress. Coral is also at risk from coral mining, pollution, overfishing and other local threats.

We can all do our bit to help slow the effects of climate change and protect our coral and other sea life. From advocating for environmental policy changes to smaller changes like cleaning up the beaches and always picking up your litter, anything you can do to protect the environment will help.

Here at Blue Planet Aquarium, you’ll find our coral in the Coral Cave as part of our Tropical Exhibit. Plan your visit today to discover the rest of our marine life at the aquarium!

If you’re interested in learning more about sea creatures and how their world works in the depths of our seas, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Here, we’ll be swimming through the different levels of the ocean food chain, looking at how it works, and what would happen if the chain was disrupted.

The Ocean Food Chain

As you can see in the image above, the typical ocean food chain has four levels. At the top, we have the top predators which are usually larger sea mammals such as sharks, seals, and dolphins. They have no known predators except for humans, which means that they can basically eat whatever they want from any level of the chain, including themselves.

Second down in the hierarchy is the carnivores. These are the main prey of the top predators because they’re much bigger than the creatures in any of the lower levels of the chain, meaning they can provide more nourishment. Some examples of sea creatures at this level of the ocean’s food chain include squid and sardines.

Moving further down the chain, we have herbivores and smaller ocean creatures. Sea creatures at this level of the food chain include crabs, sea urchins, and parrotfish. These are usually eaten in large quantities by the carnivores of the ocean. Finally, we reach the bottom of the food chain where the photoautotrophs sit. These mostly provide food for herbivores, although carnivores will sometimes add these to their diets.

Who is at the Bottom of the Ocean Food Chain?

As we’ve already mentioned, photoautotrophs sit at the bottom of the ocean’s food chain. And it’s easy to see why – or at least it is with a strong enough microscope.

Read on to learn more about these super tiny but massively important creatures.

Where do they live?

One-celled organisms called phytoplankton account for the vast majority of bottom-dwelling creatures in the ocean food chain. These tend to live in sunlit upper-ocean waters because they use photosynthesis to convert nutrients and carbon dioxide into organic compounds for the other creatures in the food chain to eat. Living in an area of the water closest to the Sun means this process is usually pretty easy for them. This is also partly why we call them photoautotrophs.

What role do they play in the food chain?

These tiny but mighty plants play a large role in the ecosystem of the ocean. They are the primary producers of the organic carbon that each and every animal within the ocean food web needs to survive. So, if the numbers of phytoplankton and other organisms at the bottom of the food chain were to fall too low, this could have a huge knock-on effect across the entire food chain.

They’re also responsible for the production of more than half of the oxygen we breathe on the entire planet. That’s a lot of responsibility for such small creatures to take on!

Who is Top of the Ocean Food Chain?

The large predators sitting at the very top of the ocean’s food chain are sometimes also called opportunistic feeders. This is because they can and will eat anywhere within the food chain, including eating other large predators.

Aquatic animals at the top of the food chain include finned animals (sharks, tuna, dolphins), feathered animals (pelicans and penguins), and flippered animals (seals and walruses).

Where do they live?

Because they’re at the top of the food chain, the top predators basically have free roam of the ocean. But to catch the best prey, they usually set up camp in the areas richest in life.

Research from top marine scientists has shown that these apex predators often move to warmer sea temperatures since this is where ocean life is most productive. When the amount of food available to them becomes low, they tend to move on to a new area.

What role do they play in the food chain?

These animals are the apex predators of the ocean because they tend to be large, fast, and extremely skilled at catching their prey. So, while they cut down the numbers of other creatures within the food chain, the way they do this is usually still sustainable.

However, if there’s a sudden shift in the number of prey available to the top predators, this can have a knock-on effect on the entire chain. For example, if squid or sardine numbers suddenly dropped, the top predators would start searching for other substantially sized creatures to eat. As a result, the food chain could be disrupted since normal behaviours would change.

How Does Plastic in the Ocean Affect the Food Chain?

Unfortunately, we don’t just need to worry about overfishing and conserving the ocean’s wildlife. The threat of plastic pollution and the effect this can have on the food chain has become a growing concern over the last few decades.

Around eight million metric tons of plastic are thought to be ending up in our oceans every single year, and this number is only getting bigger. Because plastic takes so long to decompose, it stays in the ocean and damages the ecosystems.

Microplastics in particular can easily make their way into the sea, where smaller fish end up eating them. Once a fish eats the plastic, it stays inside them. This means that when larger animals eat smaller creatures, the plastic travels up the food chain to the top. Since the top predators tend to eat the most food, they are also eating the most plastic out of any other level of the food chain.

How can we help tackle plastic pollution?

Keen to do your bit to reduce plastic pollution and reduce the threat to the ocean’s ecosystem?

Take a look at our top tips below:

• Cut down on single-use plastic like plastic bottles and plastic straws
• Choose reusable everyday products, such as reusable bottles and steel straws
• Buy recyclable products from environmentally responsible retailers whenever possible
• Go litter picking on beaches and in coastal areas 

As interested in ocean life as we are at Blue Planet Aquarium? To find out more information about us or to book tickets, visit our homepage.