With that in mind, throughout the year there are some beautiful sights to see around some of Cheshire’s nature reserves. So, whether you’re reading this in the depths of winter or the height of summer, you’ll get some great tips to see some flora and fauna.

The best time of year to see your local wildlife

When it comes to trying to spot animals, insects or plants, you can make your attempt at any point in the year – so long as you know what you’re looking for! Here are some tips across each season to get you started.

Spring

Spring often brings with it new life and fresh starts, typically lasting from March until May. Look out for flowers blooming, such as bluebells that are at their best in late April and hawthorn with its white blossom that appears in April to May. One of the biggest signs that spring has arrived is the emerging bees. The first ones out will be the queens who have survived the winter, looking for pollen from some of the early flowers.

Frogspawn can be seen in local ponds as both frogs and toads start their breeding season. They typically travel through the night and find ponds to breed in.

Summer

Bats are at their most active during the evenings, especially in warmer weather. It’ll be tricky to tell which species are flying past, but it’s most likely to be the pipistrelle. Summer is also a great time to look out for butterflies, including the most common garden butterflies like the comma, red admiral  and meadow brown.

Poppies bloom throughout the summer, typically found along road verges and field edges. They usually flower throughout May and June.

Autumn

Throughout autumn you’ll see the world change colour. Start looking out for conkers, also known as horse chestnuts. You can collect these and play a classic kids’ game! You might also spot blackberries which come into fruition in early autumn. You can also see other berries such as elderberries and hawthorn berries, all of which are great food sources for birds, squirrels and hedgehogs.

If you live in area where deer are present, you might find deer ruts. Autumn is usually when the stags develop antlers and will likely fight other males for female attention.

Winter

Despite the colder temperatures, there’s still a lot to see in winter. Any snowfall or ice can provide the perfect canvas for tracks and footprints, so keep an eye out for these! You might see the prints of a fox or a badger.

Wildfowl are at their best in the winter, including ducks, swans and geese. Male ducks are at their brightest during this season, and if you look up you might see flocks of migratory geese too.

Nature hotspots in Cheshire

Cheshire is home to an incredible array of wildlife and nature hotspots. It’s important to remember that if you are out and about, you should be mindful of any wildlife and be sure to keep your distance.

Delamere Forest

This is a large wood in the heart of Cheshire, covering over 900 hectares which makes it the biggest area of woodland in England. You can see a whole host of wildlife here, including woodland birds like tawny owls and woodpeckers, as well as dragonflies and even common lizards.

Red Rocks Nature Reserve

The Red Rocks Marsh is Cheshire’s only coastal reserve, home to sand dunes and marsh. Located on the Wirral, you’ll find special plants that have evolved to survive in the dry, sandy conditions. Look out for orchids, sticky stork’s bill and fairy flax, as well as animals like Natterjack toads.

Gowy Meadows

158 species of bird have been recorded at Gowy Meadows, which is a larger site for showcasing Cheshire’s biodiversity. You might spot the likes of great white egrets and merlin if you keep a keen eye out!

This area is also known for its aquatic invertebrates, including the lesser known silver water beetle and dragonfly and butterfly species.

Warburton’s Wood

This ancient woodland on the edge of the River Weaver is home to an incredible amount of blooming flowers, including bluebells, primrose and common violet. You’ll likely be able to spot the dawn chorus of birds here at the right time of year too.

See nature up close at Blue Planet Aquarium

Here at Blue Planet Aquarium you have the chance to walk through an open-air exhibit to see some of the diverse flora and fauna. We teamed up with local conservation groups to offer an incredible habitat for this wildlife, which can include hedgehogs, moorhens, insects and more.

Our Nature Walk exhibit is the perfect place to enjoy a green space and the good old English weather! Book your tickets today to come and see it for yourself.

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!

In this blog, we’ll shell out the differences (and similarities) of these incredible animals that decorate most corners of the globe.

What are the physical differences between turtles and tortoises?

Despite their similarities, several key differences separate the two creatures. Let’s learn how to differentiate a tortoise from a turtle.

Shell: Tortoises tend to have large, dome-shaped shells. Turtles have more lightweight and flat shells, built to glide through the water at up to 22mph!

Legs: Arguably the most obvious difference between a turtle and a tortoise is that a turtle has flippers or webbed feet. These are designed to help them move through water, whereas a tortoise has a more conventional set of legs so that they can walk on land. When a turtle walks on land, its flippers are used to drag itself across the land, instead of stepping.

Behaviour and habitat of turtles versus tortoises

As well as physical differences, turtles and tortoises also behave very differently and live in very different environments. So, what are the behavioural differences between a tortoise and a turtle?

Habitat: Turtles spend the majority of their time in rivers, the sea or ocean, although they do spend some time on land and are usually hatched on beaches. Tortoises, on the other hand, spend their time exclusively on land. This is the reason for their very different limbs.

Diet: Turtles survive on a varied diet, feeding on fish, shrimp, jellyfish and crab, as well as underwater plants, making them omnivores, like humans. Tortoises are herbivores and live exclusively on a diet of plants. Some species are omnivorous and if given opportunity will scavenge on carcasses of other animals.

Lifespan: For wild animals, both turtles and tortoises have relatively long lifespans. In captivity, Turtles have been known to live for 20-30 years. However, Tortoises can live for well over 100 years old.

Fun Facts about Turtles and Tortoises

• Hot or cold: The sex of most species of turtle and tortoise offspring is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. This phenomenon, known as temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), is particularly prominent in many species of sea turtles. Warmer temperatures generally produce females, while cooler temperatures result in males. This temperature sensitivity adds an intriguing layer to their reproductive biology and highlights the vulnerability of these species to climate change. Temperature fluctuations can skew gender ratios in nesting areas.
• Rubbing shell-ders with the dinosaurs: Turtles and tortoises are among the oldest living reptiles, having existed on Earth for over 200 million years. These resilient creatures coexisted with dinosaurs and have weathered numerous environmental changes throughout history. Their ability to adapt and survive has contributed to their longevity, making them fascinating living relics with a rich evolutionary history.
• Fasci-dating: Courtship rituals among turtles and tortoises can be elaborate and fascinating. Male turtles often exhibit unique behaviours, such as head bobbing, biting, or displaying vibrant colours, to attract females. The courtship of sea turtles involves synchronised swimming and vocalisations. Nesting is another intriguing aspect, with females often returning to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs.
• Sense-ational: Turtles and tortoises have developed various sensory adaptations. Their sense of sight may vary among species. Many have an acute sense of smell and can detect pheromones to locate potential mates or identify their territory. Their hearing is also well-developed, and some species can produce sounds for communication, especially during courtship.

You should now be equipped with the knowledge you need to be able to tell a tortoise from a turtle. Why don’t you put your skills to the test at your next visit to Blue Planet Aquarium? You can see our turtles and tortoises at our Lake Malawi exhibit!

Whether you’re a bunch of adventurers or you’d prefer to stay close to the city, we’ve got just the guide to give you some inspiration.

Go back in time in Chester

Chester is a truly unique city, absolutely brimming with heritage and history. In amongst the modern bars and restaurants that line the streets are some of the most interesting sites, from the Roman amphitheatre (which is the largest in Britain!), to the 1,000-year old cathedral.

Whether you’re visiting for the day or for a short break, it’s the perfect place to go back in time. No matter the weather, you can walk the city walls and enjoy the views of Chester, or take shelter under the 700-year old shopping Rows that still stand today. You’ll be walking the very same steps that the Romans, Vikings and Normans took!

Of course if Chester’s history isn’t enough, there’s also plenty of modern shops, cafes and restaurants to while away your afternoon.

Wander through Delamere Forest

There’s something quite magical about being outside in the winter, being able to listen to the birds chirping and spotting some of the seasonal flowers starting to come through. You can do all of this and more at Delamere Forest, with plenty of woodland walks and wildlife on offer.

Enjoy a bike ride to keep warm, stop by the café or simply just walk and enjoy the stunning environment around you as you breath in the crisp, wintry air.

Be inspired at Jodrell Bank

If science is more your thing, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Jodrell Bank. For over 75 years, this observatory has been at the forefront of research and ground-breaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics. It’s an inspirational place to visit whether you’ve got the kids with you or not. Giving you the chance to learn more about its telescopes and findings over the years.

Including both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, not to mention a working model of the solar system. There are also extensive grounds here for the whole family to explore.

Visit a medieval site at Beeston Castle

With truly spectacular views, Beeston Castle sits atop a rocky crag, boasting a 4,000 year history. It’s an incredibly dramatic medieval site, on a clear day you might even be able to see the Welsh mountains. The castle well is said to be the hiding place of Richard II’s lost treasure. The exhibition tells the castle’s story dating back from the Bronze Age.

The castle is also surrounded by unspoiled woodland, which is home to a whole host of wildlife. Don’t forget your coat and binoculars, and who knows what you might see.

See the sharks at Blue Planet Aquarium

Of course, no visit to Cheshire would be complete without a trip to our very own aquarium. Our exhibits are home to one of Europe’s largest collection of sharks. You can see them swimming up close thanks to our underwater tunnel and daily dive shows!

But don’t forget, it’s not all about the sharks – even though they’re really cool. At Blue Planet Aquarium we’ve got a brilliant array of animals to discover, from turtles and snakes to clownfish and piranhas. Complete with café, gift shop and children’s play area, it’s set to be a perfect family day out.

For more inspiration on what to do in Cheshire throughout the year, Visit Cheshire have an extensive list of attractions and activities. You can book your tickets to Blue Planet Aquarium right here!

What is a Lizard?

To understand the relationship between geckos and lizards, let’s first define what a lizard is. Lizards, belonging to the Squamata order, are characterised by four legs, a long tail, external ear openings, and movable eyelids. This truly diverse group includes well-known species such as chameleons, iguanas, bearded dragons, and, of course, geckos. With this foundation, we can now embark on a closer examination of geckos themselves.

What is a Gecko?

Geckos, members of the Gekkonidae family, are indeed a type of lizard. What sets geckos apart is their incredible diversity, boasting over 1,500 distinct species, making them one of the most species-rich lizard groups.

Characteristics of a Gecko

Geckos showcase a distinctive set of features that make them easily distinguishable. Typically small with stubby bodies, large heads, and prominent limbs, they display a range of colors from browns and greys to more vibrant hues, helping them blend seamlessly into their environments. Noteworthy is the fact that geckos possess around 100 teeth, a set that is replaced every 3-4 months. Additionally, geckos are primarily nocturnal creatures, exhibiting behaviors adapted to the darkness of the night.

What’s So Special about a Gecko’s Tail?

Geckos are renowned for their incredibly unique tail which is a key aspect when identifying a gecko from another lizard. But what exactly makes it so special, beyond its uncommon shape.

When faced with a predator, a gecko can detach its tail, enabling a quick escape. Remarkably, this process incurs minimal damage to the rest of its body. But that’s only half the story! What’s even more impressive is the gecko’s ability to regrow its tail over time.

The tail serves as a reservoir for storing fat and nutrients, providing a vital resource during times when food sources are scarce.

Tails are not merely functional but also play a role in communication. Male geckos, in particular, use tail vibrations to attract females, showcasing the versatile nature of this appendage.

The tail serves as a crucial element for balancing weight, especially when navigating diverse terrains or engaging in agile movements.

Fun Facts about Geckos

Geckos are not just ordinary lizards; they come with a myriad of fascinating facts that elevate their charm in the reptilian world.

• The oldest known gecko fossil has been traced back to approximately 100 million years, a testament to their enduring presence on Earth and ability to adapt to a multitude of environmental factors.
• Geckos boast sophisticated vocal systems, equipped with vocal cords that enable them to bark or chirp when necessary, this is a feature completely unique to geckos. No other types of lizards have vocal cords.
•  Thanks to special toe pads that have thousands of hair-like structures called setae, geckos can stick to virtually any surface even upside down! Other animals that have setae include insects and other arthropods.

• Most geckos are without eyelids, meaning that they must lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. This quirky behaviour is both amusing and essential for the health of their eyes.

So, the question of geckos being lizards is resolved with a resounding “yes.” Geckos, with their rich diversity, unique characteristics, and astonishing adaptability, stand as a testament to the wonders that are found in the world of reptiles. Don’t forget to book your tickets today and come see the likes of our Yellow Headed Day gecko, along with many other creatures, in our Frog Zone exhibit!

How Many Teeth Do Sharks Have?

Sharks are known for their impressive set of gnashers, with some species having hundreds or even thousands of teeth. The number of teeth varies among different shark species. It’s worth noting that sharks continuously shed and replace their teeth throughout their lives.

Great White Sharks can have up to 300 teeth at any given time. They have multiple rows of teeth, typically around five, with new teeth developing to replace lost or damaged ones whenever they’re needed.

How Many Rows of Teeth Do Sharks Have?

When it comes to shark teeth, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many teeth they have, it is entirely dependent on the species of shark. As mentioned earlier, great white sharks typically have around five rows of teeth. These rows are staggered, with new teeth constantly moving forward to replace older ones. This arrangement ensures that they always have a sharp set of teeth ready to hunt.

Do Basking Sharks Have Teeth?

Basking sharks, in contrast to great whites and many other predatory shark species, have small, hook-like teeth that are quite different from the sharp, serrated teeth of predators. These teeth are not used for capturing prey but are vestigial remnants of their evolutionary history. Basking sharks primarily rely on their gill rakers to filter out plankton and other small organisms from the water.

Can Basking Sharks Close Their Mouths?

While most sharks can close their mouths to some extent, basking sharks (the second-largest shark species) have an interesting adaptation. As basking sharks primarily feed on plankton, they have mouths that are adapted for filter-feeding. Their mouths are designed to remain open as they swim. This allows them to filter tiny organisms from the water – talk about eating on the go!

What Are Shark Teeth Made Of?

Shark teeth are not made of bone, as some might assume, but rather of a hard material called dentin. Dentin is similar in composition to our teeth. It provides the hardness and durability required for a shark’s predatory lifestyle. The outer layer of a shark’s tooth is covered in enamel, which is even harder than dentin and helps maintain the sharpness of the tooth.

How to Identify a Shark’s Tooth

Identifying a shark’s tooth can be an exciting and fascinating endeavour for beachgoers and fossil enthusiasts. Shark teeth come in various shapes and sizes, which can be helpful in identifying the species they belong to. For example, the triangular teeth of a great white shark are distinct from the narrow, pointed teeth of a tiger shark.

The location where you find a shark tooth can also provide clues about the species. For instance, some species of sharks have specific geographic ranges, so finding a particular type of tooth in a specific location can indicate the presence of that shark species.

Are Shark Teeth Black?

When a shark is alive, their teeth can come in several different colours but are usually white in colour. Fossilised shark teeth have often absorbed lots of minerals by the time they’re discovered, meaning they will darken over time.

Shark teeth are not only essential tools for survival but also objects of fascination and discovery for many enthusiasts. Understanding the diversity of shark teeth, their structure, and their functions adds to our appreciation of these incredible marine creatures. Whether you’re combing the beach for shark teeth or simply curious about these apex predators, knowing more about their dental wonders can enhance your connection to the underwater world.

Come and check out our very own species of sharks and see if you can spot their teeth as they swim past! Book your tickets today to get the chance to see some of the world’s most fascinating marine life up close.

There are thousands of spider species, and within the tarantula (Theraphosidae) family there are around 800 different types. Tarantulas are typically found across the world’s tropical and subtropical regions, and are more common across the likes of Central and South America, Australia and Southern Asia. You may or may not be pleased to know that only one species of tarantula is found in the UK, which is the rare purse-web spider (Alypus affinis).

Where will you find tarantulas?

If you’re hoping to get a good look at what a tarantula looks like, you might struggle. Tarantulas usually come out at night, as this is when they hunt for prey, and they are mostly underground dwellers or arboreal, which means they live in trees. Tarantulas are solitary creatures by nature, coming together only to mate.

However, you might just be able to catch a glimpse of a real life tarantula at our Venom exhibit! Blue Planet Aquarium is home to the Tarantula Tree Tower, inviting you to crawl inside and come face-to-face with these fascinating creatures. We’ve also put together a handy visual to help you understand the anatomy of a tarantula, which you can view below! You can also download it here, if you’d like to print it out.

What is a tarantula’s body like?

The first thing you’ll notice about a tarantula is that it can be very hairy! These hairs are actually called urticating hair or setae, and they are designed to protect the spider. The tarantula can flick these when it feels threatened. Interestingly, Old World tarantulas do not possess urticating hairs – only the New World species.

A tarantula’s body is made up of two parts, just like other species of spider. These are the opisthosoma (abdomen), and the prosoma. The latter is the spider’s head and midsection (thorax), which is fused together. Its 8 legs are connected to the prosoma.

A tarantula also has two pedipalps, which resemble shorter legs but are used for sensory purposes, not movement. They help the tarantula to feel their environment. Between the pedipalps, you will find two chelicerae. These are mouthparts that can be used in catching prey, and they also contain the venom sacs.

How many eyes does a tarantula have?

You might assume that tarantulas just have two eyes like most other animals, but you’d be wrong! Tarantulas actually have 8 eyes, just like many other species of spider. These eyes are grouped into pairs, with the main pair hard to miss as they are the largest and sit in the middle of their heads.

There are 4 smaller eyes between these large ones, and two final eyes with one on each side of their head. All of the tarantula’s eyes are strategically positioned to help the spider get a good look at its surroundings.

Despite having this many eyes, a tarantula’s vision isn’t very good! They can make out movement and differentiate light from dark, but that’s about it. Instead, they depend on their other senses.

Are tarantulas venemous?

Tarantulas are able to inject paralysing venom into their prey before tucking into them with their fangs. However, a New World tarantula’s venom is mild and weaker than a bee. With that in mind, if a tarantula were to bite you, it would be painful but harmless! Old World tarantulas have been known to have a more potent venom, with a much more painful bite. The venom is delivered through the chelicerae. It is referred to by keepers as “medically significant”.

Tarantulas aren’t aggressive by nature, and will typically only bite in self-defence when provoked or threatened.  

Can tarantulas spin webs?

While most spiders spin webs to catch their prey, tarantulas do not. Instead, they spin silk for different reasons. Tarantulas have two pairs of spinnerets – these are appendages that can produce silk.

Tarantulas will spin silk to line and protect their burrows, particularly at the entrance, to stop any unwanted visitors from getting near. They also sometimes use their silk webs as additional protection with moulting and shedding their exoskeleton.

The webs are also an important part of the mating ritual, and can be used to help the tarantula anchor on surfaces.

Tarantulas are more fascinating than they are scary, and we hope you’ve learnt something new about these brilliant creatures. Don’t forget you can see them for yourself at our Venom exhibit – book your tickets online today and plan your next visit!

So, with that in mind, this post is here to help you learn more about what hibernation is all about. From what it is and what it involves to the question of which creatures hibernate – we’ll be answering some of the web’s most commonly asked questions on the topic.

What is hibernation?

Hibernation is a seasonal event in which an animal changes its behaviour to survive challenging conditions, typically harsh cold during the winter months. Rather than foraging for food or migrating somewhere warmer, animals simply rest, reducing their metabolism to save energy and get them through the worst of the winter.

And, fascinatingly enough, it isn’t just cold seasons that some animals are keen to avoid. In hot climates, certain species exhibit behaviour similar to hibernation known as ‘aestivation’, in which they hole up in a shady spot to survive extreme summer heat.

What do animals do when they hibernate?

The term ‘hibernating’ conjures images of big brown bears snoozing away in carefully constructed dens. But there’s more to hibernation than simply sleeping, with animals displaying a range of different behaviours during the annual winter shutdown.

While plenty of hibernators are happy to snooze from November to February, others are more active and may even move around, though at a much slower pace. Some animals even drop into a state of semi-unconsciousness that could easily be mistaken for death – a trait which can leave them vulnerable to predators and accidental disturbance.

How do animals prepare for hibernation?

To see them through the long winter season, animals work hard ahead of hibernation to build up their fat reserves and ensure they have plenty of energy. Remember, for some animals, autumn will be the last time they forage for food until the spring, so it’s vital that they have enough fuel in the tank to enable them to not eat for long periods.

As well as scoffing lots of high-energy food, many hibernators also build dens to serve as shelters through the winter. Hedgehogs, dormice, and even bats seek out or build these types of structures ahead of hibernation to ensure they stay warm, dry and undisturbed in the weeks and months to come.

Which creatures hibernate?

From bats to bears, hedgehogs to chipmunks – animals of all shapes and sizes hibernate during the winter months. And there are many more hibernators out there, too, some of which may come as a surprise…

Do reptiles and amphibians hibernate?

Many species of reptiles and amphibians hibernate at the first sign of winter, completely altering their behaviour to survive the coming cold. Here in the UK, this typically happens in October, with frogs, toads, and newts sheltering under piles of logs, leaves or compost.

Along with amphibians, many species of snakes also overwinter by slithering into deep burrows, which they won’t emerge from until spring. In fact, all UK snake species hibernate during the winter but may rouse prematurely on unusually warm days.

Do fish hibernate?

Sort of! Rather than hibernating in a traditional sense, some cold-water fish school in large groups before going into a restful state. Their heart rates drop to the most energy-efficient level, reducing the need for oxygen and food.

Other fish species, including the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the goby (Gobiiformes),take hibernation a stage further. They’ve been known to burrow in sand and sediment, sheltering from the cold as well as passing predators seeking an opportune meal.

With that said, few fish can survive in completely frozen water. That’s why most species descend to deeper depths where surface freezing is less likely.

Which creatures hibernate in the UK?

The UK has lots of animals that hibernate during the winter months, including true hibernators that sleep all winter long and other animals that exhibit some overwintering traits like reduced activity and feeding.

UK hibernators include:

• True hibernators: Bats, dormice and hedgehogs
• Partial hibernators: Shrews and badgers
• Insects: Butterflies, ladybirds and bees
• Birds: Swifts and hummingbirds

Note: Bats, dormice and hedgehogs are the UK’s only true hibernators. While other species exhibit hibernation-like behaviours, this is probably best described as a state of dormancy or torpor.

What dangers do hibernators face?

Hibernating animals are vulnerable to a variety of external forces, from passing predators to accidental disturbance from humans. They’re also easily disturbed by fluctuations in the weather, with unusually warm winter days waking them up well before spring.

Sadly, climate change is having a big impact on the hibernating patterns of overwintering animals. As winters become milder, a greater number of species are rousing long before spring arrives, leaving them at risk of starvation.

We won’t lie: sleeping the winter away can sound quite appealing at times. But then, you would miss out on all the action happening here at Blue Planet Aquarium. To plan your next visit to northwest England’s best aquarium, tap here to book your tickets today.

In truth, all animals shed their skin in some way, although in a less dramatic fashion – even us humans! In this blog, we’ll take a look at why, how and when snakes shed their skin, as well as some other similar animals that go through the same process.

Is there a reason snakes shed their skin?

Like all animals, snakes’ bones, muscles, and internal organs grow all through their lives, however, their skin doesn’t grow alongside them. Instead, a snake will gradually outgrow its skin, with new skin growing underneath and eventually, the snake will shed their old skin so that they can feel more comfortable. The scientific name for this is ecdysis.

There are other benefits to shedding in one go, too. The shedding process also removes harmful parasites from the snake that can be embedded in the skin.

Due to their lack of eyelids, it’s important that snakes remain undisturbed during the shedding process. Interrupting them can cause blindness due to their old eyecaps being left behind.

How do snakes shed their skin?

Just before a snake starts to shed its skin, you might notice that it will lose some of its colour and its eyes will go opaque, severely limiting its already poor eyesight. When this happens, the snake will usually rub its head on something rough like a sharp rock to nick the old skin and begin the shedding process.

During the process, snakes will usually hide away because they feel incredibly vulnerable, meaning that it’s unlikely you’ll see a snake shedding its skin in the wild.

Does it hurt the snake when it sheds its skin?

Although it seems like it would hurt, if done properly and gently, the process is completely painless to the snake. This is because a layer of lubricant is produced between the old and new layers of skin, making it a breeze for the snake. It’s a good job too, because this process will usually happen between 2 and 4 times per year.

Why aren’t snake skins brightly coloured?

Snakes can be an array of bright colours, but you’ll find that the old skins aren’t that colourful. This is because when snakes shed their skin, they’re only shedding the hard keratin (the stuff that makes our fingernails) epidermis layer on top of their dermis layer of skin. This leaves the coloured layer intact.

Snakes have colours and patterns for a few reasons. Snakes are coloured to blend into their environment through camouflage, although the patterns can also be used to lure in their prey or even scare off predators.

The viper family of snakes are a great example of how colour, pattern, shape, and characteristics can vary hugely even amongst a subset of a species. The viper snake’s name comes from the Latin vipera meaning living because most types of vipers give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs, like most snakes.

Vipers are also known for their hollow fangs that are used to inject venom into their prey or potential predators. If they just want to give you a warning bite, they can also dry bite, which means they don’t inject any venom, so as to not waste their precious reserves which take time to refill.

Another particularly beautiful type of snake is the Mangrove Snake (Boiga dendrophila), which is named after living in mangrove swamps which isn’t actually true in nature and they’re found more often in lowland rainforests. See the Mangrove Snake in our Venom exhibit – an attraction dedicated to the world’s deadliest creatures!

Do other animals shed their skin?

Many different animals will shed their outer layer, and the process is unique for each species. This can include spiders, insects and crustaceans. For example, tarantulas shed their exoskeleton in order to prevent growth stunting. This will happen annually throughout a tarantula’s life. You can see tarantulas in our Venom exhibit alongside our viper snakes!

The grasshopper will also shed its exoskeleton, but only during its nymph phase. Once the grasshopper reaches adulthood, it stops its shedding process. They typically will moult quickly, as they become easy prey during the procedure.

Crabs are another animal well-known for replacing their outer layer. Similar to snakes, they will do this to remove any parasites or barnacles living in its shell, as well as for growth reasons.

So, you now know why snakes shed their skin! We think you’d agree that snakes truly are one of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures on the planet. If you’d like to visit them up close, book your tickets to see them, as well as our other incredible animals at Blue Planet Aquarium.

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.