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Category: Species Highlights

Wild, Weird & Creepy Creatures

October 30, 2024
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Why do some animals give us the creeps? As Halloween season is upon us, it’s important to stop and consider. Have you ever felt a shiver down your spine at the sight of a spider lurking in a nearby corner, or watching a snake slither away through tall grass? At the Aquarium, we like to highlight some of these less beloved animals and dig into why their reputations leave a bit to be desired.

Let’s start with an easy one. Sharks have long been branded as these violent and blood-thirsty predators, seeking out both fish and human without preference. Thanks to sensationalized popular media such as ‘Jaws,’ we were fast to believe this behavior is real. This fearsome image overshadows the fact that sharks are vital gatekeepers of their oceanic ecosystems, providing balance to the underwater world. Sharks are in reality remarkable survivors, deserving at the very least our respect, and even our admiration.

 

Green Tree Python eating a mouse at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Snakes are another animal often evoking terror for humans, most likely due to their serpentine bodies and fear of their hooked fangs, which are sometimes equipped with venom. As with sharks, popular media and cultural narratives have painted snakes as malevolent over the years, moving far beyond the reputation snakes deserve. The vast majority of snakes are harmless, and would much rather escape our presence than engage with us. Many species also play critical roles in their ecosystems as both predators and prey.

Before judging animals based on their physical appearance and historical narratives, it’s crucial to stop and consider the facts. Facing natural obstacles in the world along with our persecution, negative reputations have pushed some of these species to the brink of extinction.

Join us for our Wild, Weird, & Creepy virtual program on October 30 to learn about some more of these animals, and how you could potentially help out with changing the narrative!

 

– Educator Matt D.

8 Things We Now Know About Sharks & Rays

July 16, 2024
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The ocean covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. According to NOAA, just 26.1 percent of the global seafloor had been “mapped with high-resolution technology.” Clearly, there’s a lot we don’t know about these vast, deep waters and their inhabitants. With hundreds of different identified shark and stingray species, we still have so much to discover! Here are eight shark- and stingray-related findings that have made the headlines in the 12 months since Greater Cleveland Aquarium celebrated Fin Fest 2023.

1: THE STINGRAY SHUFFLE

Recent scientific findings suggest that shuffling can help those who want to avoid being struck by stingrays buried in the sand. Vibrations from these little movements alert rays and give them time to move out of harm’s way. Taking tiny steps also means surfers and ocean lovers are less likely to squish a ray midbody. Stepping down where the rays’ organs are located “makes them strike 85 percent of the time,” say researchers from California State University, Long Beach.

2: LEAN & NOT SO MEAN?

The megalodon has so captured the popular imagination that despite being extinct for millions of years, it is the titular star of a box office franchise starring Jason Statham. Depicted as massively terrifying on the big screen, scientists reevaluating fossil records think the “the meg” might have been somewhat longer, possibly less agile and significantly thinner than previously believed.

3: OH BABY!

A wildlife photographer and filmmaker took footage of a shark off the coast of Carpinteria, California, that might be a newborn great white. IF (and that’s a big IF) it is a baby great white pictured, the imagery could verify that female sharks give birth in the area from Santa Barbara to Baja California. “Anything that gives clues to the lifecycle of their reproductive behaviors of any species is really important in understanding and preventing their decline or extinction,” noted Northeastern University professor Dan Distel.

In related news, the existence of a shark nursery near the “Big Apple” was confirmed. The urban location is believed to be “the primary nursery for North Atlantic great whites, where juveniles learn to feed, navigate and evade predators in relative safety.”

4: PALEONTOLOGY ROCKS

Two new-to-science sharks—Troglocladodus trimblei and Glikmanius careforum—were identified via fossils found in Mammoth Cave National Park, an area that would have been covered by a seaway hundreds of millions of years ago. Meanwhile, an exceptionally well-preserved fossil found in a Mexican quarry is expanding our understanding of the body shape and feeding habits of a distant relative of the modern-day great white shark.

5: WARMING UP TO THE IDEA

Researchers were surprised to only recently discover the globally endangered basking shark might be partially warm-blooded. While the majority of fish are ectothermic and cannot regulate their body temperatures, a few have been found to be regional endotherms, meaning they cannot generate heat in parts of their bodies. “The basking shark is a shining example of how little we know about shark species in general,” zoologist Haley Dolton commented.

6: GHOST HUNTERS

A deep-sea survey discovered a new fish species with an otherworldly appearance. A distant shark and ray relative, the primitive chimaera, or ghost shark, had “giant, glow-in-the-dark eyes, a huge head and feather-like fins.”

7: NOT KISSING COUSINS

When an apparent pregnancy of a lone female ray in North Carolina sparked wild public speculation, the public learned that (due to anatomy and genetics) there was no way that a round stingray could have mated with a neighboring bamboo shark. Although some species of sharks and rays are capable of parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, it was eventually reported that this stingray had a rare reproductive disease that led to its loss.

8: GOING THE DISTANCE

Researchers documented a silky shark traveling 17,190 miles—by far the most extensive migration recorded to-date for this overfished and vulnerable species. Tracking showed “Genie” journeying into international waters. The study’s authors believe the long migratory pathway reinforces that international coordination is imperative to help reverse the declining populations of silky sharks.

Follow us anytime on Facebook and Twitter for information on these elasmobranchs and other aquatic animals.

5 Things I Learned About the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark

July 11, 2024
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Found around coral reefs and sandy, muddy-floored habitats, brownbanded bamboo sharks are a smaller species coming in at only 2.8 feet long on average. Here are 5 things a non-aquarist learned about this fascinating animal at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

  1. Brownbanded bamboo sharks change color as they mature—juveniles maintain a medium-brownish color with dark banding, while adults appear solid brown. They’re estimated to live around 25 years.

  2. These sharks dine on smaller fare, like crabs, small fish, shrimp and bristle worms. Their own predators include larger fish and even other sharks.
  3. Brownbanded bamboo sharks are largely nocturnal, spending most of the daytime hiding in small spaces in the reef. After dark, they come out to hunt.
  4. Brownbanded bamboo sharks lay eggs in elongated cases. Given their smaller stature, it’s no surprise newborns are only 5 – 7 inches long when they hatch.
  5. Surprisingly, this species of shark can tolerate hypoxia—low oxygen levels—for up to 12 hours. This adaptation helps them survive low tides in the shallow pools where they’re often observed. Could you hold your breath that long?

Look for this interesting shark, as well as—sandtigers, sandbars and Atlantic nurse sharks—during Fin Fest (Now – Tuesday, August 6) at Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Nature. It’s a curious thing.

5 Things I Learned about the Sandbar Shark

June 24, 2024
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Sandbar sharks, like the one you see here, reside within shallow coastal waters around the globe—ranging from Massachusetts all the way to Brazil in the Western Atlantic. Here are 5 things a non-aquarist learned about this interesting animal at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

1. This species of shark is considered an opportunistic bottom feeder. From small fish and crustaceans to octopi and stingrays, sandbar sharks don’t leave much off the menu.

2. The only predator of sandbar sharks are—can you guess?—other sharks! Juveniles will sometimes fall prey to larger species like bull sharks, otherwise there are few animals interested in hunting them.

3. Sandbar sharks only breed every 2-3 years and live anywhere from 25 – 30 years old. Researchers estimate full maturity happens around 13 – 16 years of age, meaning they reach true adulthood around the time you first learned to drive!

4. In 2020, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified sandbar sharks as endangered, citing a 50 – 80% decrease in population over the last 75 years. However, management plans have been put in place and those regions are seeing populations begin to stabilize in the shallow waters they call home.

5. Sandbar sharks migrate seasonally, with juveniles often moving from shallow coastal waters to warm deep waters. Interestingly, males tend to migrate in large schools, while females make the journey solitarily with no company.

Look for sandbar, sandtiger and other species of sharks during your next Greater Cleveland Aquarium visit. Nature. It’s a curious thing.

What Does Parenting Look Like in Nature?

May 13, 2024
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Ever wondered what parenthood looks like when it comes to the animal kingdom? From mouthbrooding to live births, parenting takes many different forms depending on the species. Here are a few interesting examples among the animals you might see on your next Aquarium visit:

Box Turtles

Box turtle crawling over substrate at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Box turtles are an egg-laying animal. After breeding, the female will bury the eggs on shore, leaving them to hatch and fend for themselves. Did you know the temperature of the environment where the eggs are laid determines whether they emerge as male or female?

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Black-Naped Fruit Doves

Black-naped fruit doves sitting in a nest at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
This species splits parenting responsibilities between the male and female, with each bird taking turns looking after the nest while the other forages. That vigilant care is important, as the female often lays just a single egg that needs 18-26 days to incubate.

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Surinam Toads

Surinam toad sitting still underwater at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Fun fact, Surinam toads are actually frogs despite their misleading name. Their intrigue doesn’t end there—these frogs have a particularly interesting reproduction cycle. After breeding, female Surinam toads embed the eggs on their backs and carry them until they hatch. Instead of tadpoles, offspring emerge as fully metamorphosed little frogs.

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Cichlids

Eartheater cichlid swimming at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Cichlids like this red-striped eartheater are mouthbrooders—this means they carry their offspring in their mouths until they are mature enough for independence. It may look strange to humans, but these fish will let their offspring forage for food before sucking them back up if the parent feels threatened. This close-quarters parenting gives offspring a better chance of survival.

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Stingrays

Stingray giving birth in shallow water.
One of just a few animals that give live births at the Aquarium, stingrays like the one above will carry their young for 11-12 months. Most of the time they give birth to just one pup, who is then left completely independent. While it takes a bit longer for the pups to fully mature, they enter the world with a fully formed barb ready to deter any possible threat.

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SHELL-ebrate the curious moms and dads in your life at Greater Cleveland Aquarium during Mother’s Day Weekend and Father’s Day Weekend.

For more fun, parent-themed animal facts, check out the video below:

These Small Animals Make a Big Impact

March 28, 2024
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While the giant Pacific octopus or sandtiger sharks always make an impression on Greater Cleveland Aquarium guests, many little animals are capable of doing mighty things, often impacting their ecosystems in invaluable ways. Check out few examples of a few smaller species worthy of your appreciation on your next #cleaquarium visit.

Stoplight Parrotfish

Stoplight parrotfish swimming near coral at Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Parrotfish jaws and teeth are uniquely adapted for eating corals. Their strong teeth can crush up the hard coral skeleton and once it passes through the fish’s digestive system it is expelled as sand. It is estimated that parrotfish produce as much as one ton of coral sand per acre of reef in year.

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Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp

Scarlet cleaner shrimp on a rock in the Aquarium touchpool.
Cleaner shrimp set up cleaning stations on top of a rocks or coral, almost like underwater car washes. Once the cleaner shrimp sway side to side to signal they are “open for business,” fish drop in to have their dead cells and parasites removed.

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Cookie Dough Sea Cucumber

Cookie dough sea cucumber curled up against a rock.
Cookie dough sea cucumbers interact with their environment almost like an earthworm in soil, breaking down small particles in the water that contribute to the nutrient cycle.

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Eastern Musk Turtle

Up-close image of an eastern musk turtle standing on a rock.
Found in the Eastern and Central United States, these little turtles are sometimes called stinkpots for the big smell they produce to deter predators.

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Northern Clingfish

Underside of a northern clingfish stuck to the Aquarium acrylic.
The clingfish is unique in its ability to quickly attach and detach from wet, irregular surfaces. Their suction disk can cling so tightly that scientists are trying to create suction cups based on the clingfish’s disk’s functionality.

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Plan a visit to Greater Cleveland Aquarium for a BIG look at SMALL species during Spring Discovery Days.

For more small animal fun facts, check out the playlist below:

How Do These Animals Attract a Mate?

February 13, 2024
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Love is in the air—and underwater—at Greater Cleveland Aquarium. With Valentine’s Day this week, you might be wondering how certain species at the Aquarium attract mates. Read on for a few fun animal courtship facts, from horseshoe crabs to red-bellied piranhas.

Weedy Seadragons

Weedy seadragon male carrying eggs
Weedy seadragons perform an elaborate courtship dance beginning roughly two to four weeks before breeding. This dance often takes place at sunset and involves two seadragons mirroring each other’s movements.

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Solomon Island Leaf Frog

2 Solomon Island leaf frogs together
When they’re ready to mate, male Solomon Island leaf frogs emit a barking sound to attract a female. When their brood is ready, the eggs hatch as fully formed frogs, with no tadpole stage for this species.

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Red-Bellied Piranha

Red-bellied piranha close-up photo
Red-bellied piranhas swim in circles to attract mates. The eggs are then placed in bowl-shaped nests and hatch in just nine to 10 days.

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Red-Eared Slider

Two red-eared slider turtles
These turtles can be a bit forward with their courting rituals—fluttering their claws around the face of potential mates to show interest.

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Horseshoe Crab

Horseshoe crab next to a heart
Horseshoe crab females attract mates by coming ashore and releasing pheromones to signal males. They can then lay up to 100,000 eggs in a brooding season.

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Plan a visit to Greater Cleveland Aquarium to learn more about species and nearly 250 others. We’d love to “sea” you!

For more Valentine’s Day animal fun facts, check out the playlist below:

What’s On These Animals’ Wish Lists?

December 6, 2023
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At Greater Cleveland Aquarium, the holidays are for giving thanks and meaningful gifts. Let’s take a look at a few of the animals who call the Aquarium home, and the presents on their wish lists this year.

Picasso Triggerfish at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Named for its vibrant bands of color, the Picasso triggerfish wishes for a new paint brush set.

Paint Brushes

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Snowflake eel at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Snowflake eels want a tunnel to play and relax in. Tight spaces make them feel at home.

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Archerfish at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Archerfish have impeccable aim when they shoot water as far as 6 feet at prey, knocking them into the water. Let’s get this one a dart board!

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Harlequin Sweetlips at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Known for its plump lips that get more prominent with age, the harlequin sweetlips wants a new shade of lip stick for the holidays.

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Eastern Musk Turtle at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The eastern musk turtle, known for the smell it produces to deter predators, surely has perfume on its wishlist.

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Blue Runner at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Maybe not the fastest fish, blue runners still live up to their name with a fresh pair of tennis shoes.

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You can see these animals and more when you visit Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Check out the Aquarium’s See & Do page for a chance to see some of these species and nearly 250 others as you learn about their habitats and how you might support them.

What Are These Animals’ Favorite Meals?

November 21, 2023
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All animals have their favorite foods, just like people do. This Thanksgiving, while humans are filling up on turkey and stuffing, these species want tasty treats like mice, crickets, crayfish and even sea monkeys.

Green Tree Python
Green tree pythons love to eat live mice like they would in the wild.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium Mouse

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Sandbar sharks prefer a hearty helping of squid for dinner.

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Freshwater stingrays like this ocellate river stingray often dine on crayfish.

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Moon jellies make a meal out of teeny tiny brine shrimp.

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This crested wood partridge looks for crickets when it needs a tasty treat.

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You can see these animals and more when you visit Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Check out the Aquarium’s See & Do page for a chance to see some of these species and others dine on their favorite snacks.