Clownfish like to snuggle
These orange sea creatures that we’ve all grown to love because of Finding Nemo protect themselves from predators by hiding within the waving tentacles of sea anemones. At the Two Oceans Aquarium, however, the clownfish have adopted a flat plastic surface as their ‘anemone’. Their behaviour is fascinating to watch as they gather over the surface and touch it with the sides of their bodies as though cuddling it. Some of the fish seem to get confused and can be seen trying to cuddle with the sand.
A mantis shrimp is a deadly killing machine
Mantis shrimps are beautiful. They are rainbow-coloured and the size of a large prawn. They are, however, not friendly creatures. They have two powerful claws that they use to kill their prey. These claws shoot out with such force that they kill instantly.
Pufferfish like to play hide and seek
Pufferfish, the ones that puff up into round balls when frightened, are surprisingly meek. They like to bury themselves under sand to hide from potential predators. It’s also a good way ambush their prey. Spot them by looking for two bobbly eyes sticking out of the sand.
Seahorses have eyes like chameleons
We all know that seahorses have heads like horses and that male seahorses give birth to seahorse babies, but did you know that their eyes move independently of one another, like those of a chameleon? These fascinating creatures also have traits of another animal – they use their tails like monkeys do, for stability. In currents, they use their tails to hold onto coral.
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