Level Four
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The fourth level of the aquarium will be the largest by viewable exhibit space, featuring three individual galleries situated around a center entrance room. While the two previous levels feature smaller galleries, allowing much of the floor space to be used for equipment and surplus animal storage, this level will feature minimal maintenance spaces, with spaces holding only what is absolutely necessary for the included exhibits. Guests will be advised to travel through both the Coldwater Climates gallery and the Pacific Coral Reef gallery before viewing the Amazon River Forest, as this gallery holds the only route up to the top level of the aquarium, the Upland Tropical Rainforest, featuring the Fanning Hidden Life gallery.
Coldwater Climates
Both the Coldwater Climates gallery and the Pacific Coral Reef Gallery will be laid out in a similar manner to the Benthic Lagoon gallery, except in a continuous curved manner. Relatively thin walls will separate the three tanks along the circular walls of the gallery, while a large central exhibit greets visitors as soon as they enter.
The central exhibit is large, taking up over 800 square feet and viewable from three sides. Two thirds of its somewhat ovalline shape is fronted in glass from the floor to the ceiling, with artificial rockwork at the top and base and artificial mosses and fine grasses growing in the occasional crevice. Lighting from overhead is strong, allowing clear visibility in the water below. The waterline extends to a height of nearly 4 feet above the floor, and an additional foot or so beneath this. The nearly 20,000 gallons of water are empty, save for artificial rockwork coming in at the edges of the exhibits, and the rock wall at the back end of the exhibit. The back of the exhibit features a sandy seashore at the water’s edge, held in place by more rockwork, with large driftwood perches reaching out over the water’s surface. Beach grass species native to the coastlines of Washington and Oregon grow here in small patches, furthering the resemblance to a northern Pacific coastline. As the exhibit goes further back, the sand will slowly transition to gravel, leading up to a moss-covered cliff, standing almost 10 feet high at its peaks. The rockwork here will give seabirds a place to roost, and natural nesting materials will be provided to encourage breeding.
The aquatic portion of this exhibit will house a small group of Pacific Angelsharks (Squatina californica), one of the more moderately sized angelshark species. At first glance, these rarely-displayed sharks may appear to look like a species of ray, but upon further inspection, their large jaws indicate to visitors that these are indeed a species of shark. Before their banning, commercial gillnets often entangled these fish along with halibut, leading to their decline. However, after banning gillnets in the 1990s, these sharks’ numbers have steadily increased back to normal levels. Signage on the exhibit will explain the success story in restoring angelshark populations. Two species of small, schooling fish will be present in the enclosure, alongside the sharks - Northern Anchovies (Engraulis mordax) and Pacific Sardines (Sardinops sagax). These will provide a sense of flourishing life within the water column, and will provide seabirds with natural feeding opportunities, visible to guests.
Invertebrate life within the exhibit will consist of Strawberry Anemones (Corynactis californica), a small red and pink species that can quickly carpet itself over rock structures, as well as a variety of sea stars native to the Pacific Northwest. These species will include the Giant Spined Sea Star (Pisaster giganteus), a large species growing up to two feet in diameter, the Pink Sea Star (Pisaster brevispinus), typically a medium-growing species that has been known to grow up to a massive three feet in diameter, and the Bat Star (Patiria miniata), one of the most common sea star species throughout the northern Pacific.
Seabird species throughout this exhibit will be a combination of those found along the cliffs and those found along the beaches. Filling the beaches of this enclosure will be a small flock of Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani), the resident oystercatcher species of the Pacific Northwest. These species are of high interest to conservationists throughout the area, as their overall population health is a good indicator of the health of the entire intertidal ecosystem. Representing the true seabirds are two species of puffin, both the Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) and the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). Both species are common along the coastlines of this area, with the horned puffin having numbers slowly climbing to the millions. A small group of murrelets will accompany the puffins, represented by one of three endangered species found in the region. Any one of either the Guadalupe Murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus), the Scripps’s Murrelet (Synthliboramphus scrippsi), or the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) would be appropriate for this exhibit, and chosen based upon availability. All three species are threatened by loss of nesting sites due to logging, as well as increased predation and rising sea levels, and these threats would be outlined in the signage for the exhibit. Two other species, the Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) and the threatened Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus aleuticus) would be displayed as the final species. This wide variety of seabirds and shorebirds will provide a natural, varied display to visitors, educating them on the plight of seabirds in the Pacific Northwest.
The back of the sea cliff will include signage for threatened marine mammals of the region, including sea otters, sei whales, and north Pacific right whales. These signs will detail the biology of each species, threats to their populations in the wild, and what is being done in the Pacific Northwest to help conserve and restore these populations.
Beginning on the left side of the circular wall of aquariums, the first of three nearly 20,000 gallon aquariums can be seen. This tank houses a collection of fish and invertebrates from Alaska, with signage indicating the high levels of biodiversity found in Alaskan waters, as many visitors will not understand the richness of Alaska’s seas. This tank will be shrouded in dim blue lighting, with a very fine, dark substrate. Rock piles will cover each side wall, inching towards the back, painted a deep dark blue to give the illusion that the tank travels much further back than it does in reality. This large display will extend from the floor to the ceiling, giving visitors a view of both benthic and free-swimming species found throughout Alaska’s waters.
The largest residents of this aquarium will be several large Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), a vitally important food and sport fish in the area. These fish are rarely displayed at their full size, which can be over 8 feet long and 500 pounds in weight. As sharks and rays are somewhat less common in this region, large halibut will make an exciting alternative to visitors. Peering carefully into the rockwork, within a few abandoned traps for king crabs, visitors may see one of several large Wolf Eels (Anarrhichthys ocellatus), another large predatory species that is an eel only by name, and is only a very distant relative to the moray eels often seen in aquaria. Nestled on ledges within the rocks will be a multitude of Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), as well as several species of rockfish, such as the Quillback Rockfish (Sebastes maliger), Silvergray Rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis), Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), Tiger Rockfish (Sebastes nigrocinctus), Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus), and China Rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus). These species are all colorful coldwater relatives of the tropical groupers, most reaching about two feet in length. Rockfish are one of the longest-lived fish species on the planet, with many species averaging lifespans of over 100 years. They are another important food fish in Alaska, and recreational fishing impacts will be discussed in the signage for the exhibit.
A variety of coldwater invertebrates will share the tank with these fish, including the White Sea Cucumber (Eupentacta quinquesemita). Guests will be educated on the habits of sea cucumbers, which can spill out their internal organs to deter predators from eating them. The largest species of chiton, the Gumboot Chiton (Cryptochiton stelleri), will be displayed in this tank as well. These are a little-considered type of mollusc which can grow to over a foot long and weigh several pounds. Representing the crustaceans is a colony of Northern Kelp Crabs (Pugettia producta), a common prey species found along the entire North American Pacific coastline. Two species of algae-eating sea urchin will be represented, the Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) and the Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). A number of anemones will be displayed, including the Fish Eating Anemone (Urticina piscivora), the Giant Green Anemone (Anthopleura xanthogrammica), the Painted Anemone (Urticina crassicornis), and the Brooding Anemone (Halianthella annularis). Finally, a number of sea stars will be on display, including the Bat Star (Patiria miniata), the Pink Sea Star (Pisaster brevispinus), the Leather Sea Star (Dermasterias imbricata), the Ochre Sea Star (Pisaster ochraceus), the Vermillion Sea Star (Mediaster aequalis), and the Rough Six-Armed Sea Star (Leptasterias aequalis). Significant notes bringing home the importance of Alaska’s diverse invertebrate species will be included in signage for the exhibit.
Traveling along the wall, visitors will encounter the second of these large tanks, designed after a California kelp forest. This tank will extend back further than the other two, giving it a volume closer to 30,000 gallons. The full 14 foot height of this tank will allow growing bull kelp to be possible, with frequent trimmings which can be fed to species throughout the aquarium. Rock structures throughout the tank will provide caves for cover to various species, and structure for various sessile invertebrates to latch onto. A large-grained sandy substrate will cover the bottom, camouflaging a few benthic inhabitants. Flow throughout the tank will make the live kelp dance throughout the water column, occasionally stirring up some of the less active fish species for visitors to notice.
Large fauna in this exhibit will include both the Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) and the Soupfin Shark (Galeorhinus galeus). These species are found more commonly in kelp forests than in perhaps any other environment, and a small mixed shoal of both species will prove to be the main attractions of the exhibit for visitors. Looking down, visitors can see a group of three or four Shovelnose Guitarfish (Rhinobatos productus), a mid-sized species of guitarfish found along California’s beaches and kelp forests. Other large species of interest include a mating pair of California Sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher), a threatened species known for their curiosity with divers and aquarium visitors alike, a small shoal of California Yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis), one of the most common sportfish in California’s waters, and a group of three California Moray Eels (Gymnothorax mordax), a mid-sized species of moray growing to about 5 feet in length.
Smaller species found in shoals and larger schools throughout the exhibit include Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus), a large orange damselfish and an iconic resident of kelp forests, Senorita Wrasses (Oxyjulis californica), a medium-sized species of cleaner wrasse found in coldwater reefs and kelp forests, Pacific Mackerel (Scomber australasicus), a small-growing mackerel species that will bring life to the top of the exhibit, the Ocean Whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps), a species of tilefish highly sought after as a food fish, the Giant Kelpfish (Heterostichus rostratus), a medium sized fish reaching about two feet in length and one of the largest species of blennies, the Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis), a medium-growing species of chub also highly prized as a food fish, the Calico Bass (Paralabrax clathratus), a species of coldwater grouper endemic to the Californian kelp forests, both the Kelp Greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus) and the Rock Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus), colorful bottom fish species, the Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus), Bronzespotted Rockfish (Sebastes gilli), and Cowcod (Sebastes levis), three species of protected rockfish in California waters, and the Redtail Surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus), one of the larger-growing species of surfperch in the state.
Invertebrate life is not to be overlooked in this exhibit either, with a small selection of sea stars and anemones present, including the Ochre Sea Star (Pisaster ochraceus), the massive Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia helianthoides), the ever-common Bat Star (Patiria miniata), and anemones being represented by two large species, the White Plumed Anemone (Metridium farcimen) and the Giant Green Anemone (Anthopleura xanthogrammica). Signage for this extensive exhibit will focus on the biological importance of the kelp forests, with a special dedication to explaining the largely unknown predatory habits of the various starfish species.
The final exhibit in this gallery will be another of roughly 20,000 gallons, making it one of the largest displays for the species housed within. Rockwork will fill the tank, with portions being easily rearranged as a form of enrichment for the inhabitant. Small patches of artificial kelp will be present, as live kelp will hardly thrive under the dim purplish-blue lighting. Similar to the Alaskan exhibit, the substrate will be a very dark, fine-grained sand, allowing the animal housed within to dig through it for prey items. Caves, outcrops, ledges, and crevices will fill the rock structures of the tank, giving the inhabitant plenty of space to explore its surroundings. Covering the walls will be a large collection of anemone species, including the White Plumed Anemone (Metridium farcimen), the Strawberry Anemone (Corynactis californica), the Tube Anemone (Pachycerianthus fimbriatus), the Fish Eating Anemone (Urticina piscivora), and the Painted Anemone (Urticina crassicornis). These species will provide little interference to the main inhabitant of the display, as most sea stars, crustaceans, and fish would. The sole mobile inhabitant of this enclosure will be a Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini), the largest and longest-lived of the octopus species. Several forms of enrichment will be provided to this animal and visible to guests, including an assortment of toys, live feedings, and human interactions. Signage for the exhibit will focus on the intelligence, life cycle, and predatory habits of octopuses as a whole, with some significant notes on the giant Pacific octopus.
After completing a lap of the room, perhaps viewing the seabird enclosure one final time, guests will leave this gallery, crossing the main hall into its sister gallery, the Pacific Coral Reef.
Pacific Coral Reef
The Pacific Coral Reef gallery’s shape is best described as octagonal, with three sides being devoted to a single large exhibit. The entrance takes up one side of the shape, while four mid-sized tanks fill the other walls. Upon entering the gallery, visitors walk through a small circular tunnel, filled with Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). This species is the staple of jellyfish exhibits throughout the world, and the large group floating slowly throughout this tank will change hues throughout the day, as lighting on the tank changes from blues, to greens, purples, and reds.
After walking through the jellyfish tunnel, visitors will be greeted by another room, illuminated brightly by the lighting on each display. A large column tank will grace the center, while guests are free to view tanks along each wall of the room. At the back of the room will be a massive live reef tank, viewed from floor to ceiling, as fish swim overhead.
The large column tank, 18 feet in diameter and holding over 25,000 gallons, will have a soft sandy bottom and a large insert throughout the center. Realistic false corals will be used in this display, as live corals would prove to require extraordinary amounts of maintenance in such a setup. This tank will highlight the predators of the Indo-Pacific coral reefs, highlighted by a group of Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus). These are one of the few species of requiem shark that are not considered to be obligate ram ventilators, meaning they have the ability to rest motionlessly on the bottom, or perched on a rock outcrop. These fish will largely remain on the bottom of the aquarium, with one or two of the shoal taking a quick lap of the tank at a time. The unfortunate nature of these species is that they are highly predatory, and keeping any fish in with them is a challenge. As such, other fish selections will need to be either large enough to not be bothered by the sharks, too quick to be captured, or easy enough to replace, serving as no more than attractive feeders.
Other large species highlighted in this tank will include a pair of Blue and Yellow Groupers (Epinephelus flavocaeruleus), perhaps the most attractive of all the grouper species. These fish have a sky-blue body, with a yellow outline, and grow to an impressive size of nearly three feet in length. In addition to these marine predators will be a rarely-exhibited species, the Giant Moray Eel (Gymnothorax javanicus), the largest species of moray, known to grow to nearly 10 feet. These morays have been known to take down juvenile reef sharks when fully grown, so introductions of this species and the sharks must be carefully timed. Such a large eel slowly snaking its way through the artificial coral and rockwork will provide an interesting display to guests. A lone Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) will patrol the entire tank, interacting with guests through its seemingly threatening displays of dominance. These large triggers reach lengths of 30 inches, making them the largest species in the Indo-Pacific, and the second largest worldwide. They truly fit the description of a reef predator, being known to even chase down and harass snorkelers and divers.
The common Mono Argentus (Monodactylus argenteus), a broad, silvery schooling fish, will make an excellent candidate for filling the upper water column of the exhibit. While they are not particularly fast, they are easily obtainable, meaning that should their numbers dwindle within the exhibit, they can be quickly replenished. Due to their relatively small size, several dozen of these fish can be housed together. Joining them will be a group of nearly a dozen attractive Bluefin Trevally (Caranx melampygus), mixed with a small group of Golden Trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus). These two species are common as sportfish along the reefs, prized for their fighting ability relative to their size. Feedings on this tank will be exciting, due to the extremely food-motivated nature of these fish. Several pairs of Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator), Yellowbar Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus), and Scribbled Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus duboulayi) will grace the reefs, providing some slower, more peaceful action amongst the swarms of schooling fish and predators. A large mixed school of Blue Tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus), large Blue Unicorn Tangs (Naso brevirostris), Vlamingii Tangs (Naso vlamingii), Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens), Kole Tangs (Ctenochaetus strigosus), Naso Tangs (Naso lituratus), Orangeshoulder Tangs (Acanthurus olivaceus), and Achilles Tangs (Acanthurus achilles) will grace the reef, seemingly dancing back and forth between the coral. Mixed in with the tangs will be a group of Black and White Butterflyfish (Heniochus acuminata), mimicking the much more sensitive moorish idol, which would unfortunately not thrive in such an enclosure. Also included in the school will be the Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) and the Pakistan Butterflyfish (Chaetodon collare). A variety of wrasses will be housed here, including the Lyretail Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare), the colorful Klunzinger’s Wrasse (Thalassoma rueppellii), the blue and yellow Jansen’s Wrasse (Thalassoma jansenii), the large Broomtail Wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus), which is a smaller relative of the napoleon wrasse, and the Australian Harlequin Tusk (Choerodon fasciatus), a more brightly colored race of a typically duller Indonesian species. Finally, along with the titan triggerfish, four smaller shoaling species will be represented, those being the Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus), the Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento), the Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger), and the Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus), thus rounding out the fish selection for this exhibit. Signage on the tank will focus on the predatory habits of different reef species, including reef sharks, moray eels, groupers, triggerfish, and trevallies.
Along the left walls of the gallery will be two tanks, a hair over 1,000 gallons a piece. The first will have the typical medium blue sheen of a reef tank, although very little rockwork will be visible. It will be largely covered by Bubble-Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), hosting a large harem of Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). A number of varieties of ocellaris clownfish have been selectively produced over the years, in a variety of black, white, and orange patterns. Special consideration would be given to the harem being made up of these morphs, although the typical orange and white banded form would make an equally interesting display. Signage on this display will teach visitors about symbiosis along the reefs, featuring the relationship between clownfish and anemones, as well as examples such as octopuses and tropical groupers, sea cucumbers and pearlfish, and cleaner wrasses and various megafauna.
The other display along this wall will be a mangrove forest setup, with a mix of artificial and live roots coming from the rocky background. Medium white lighting will fill the tank, covering the open patches of sandbed and providing light to the live seagrasses housed within. Two species of coral will form colonies over the scattered rockwork, Toadstool Corals (Sarcophyton sp.) and Pom Pom Corals (Xenia sp.). These soft coral species will quickly cover the rockwork, providing even more shelter to the tank’s inhabitants, a group of any one of a number of cuttlefish species. In such a large tank, a sizable species such as the Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) would be preferred, but a number of other species would also be suitable. These color-changing cephalopods would be provided with a number of different colors of macroalgae throughout their exhibit, in order to show guests the abilities of these animals. Signage would reflect this, adding in the fact that even though cuttlefish have the most developed chromatophores on the planet, they are actually colorblind, and can’t see any of the colors or patterns they are matching. Other details on signage would indicate their intelligence, which ranks close to that of octopuses.
Along the right wall of the gallery, two more equally sized tanks will be on display. The first will be a medium-lit, slow moving tank filled with a variety of macroalgaes over a light sandy bottom, littered with small rocks. These marine plants come in an extraordinary variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and provide an excellent medium for small copepods and amphipods to reproduce in - primary prey items for both the Weedy Sea Dragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) and the Leafy Sea Dragon (Phycodurus eques). Groups of roughly a half-dozen of each species will be appropriate for this size aquarium, with signage representing the differences between both species. Conservation issues will also be reflected for these incredibly vulnerable fish, as they have no natural defenses save for camouflage, which is easily exploited by humans.
The final wall tank in this gallery will be dimly lit, with a rocky background and large formations within the tank simulating an underwater cave. The substrate on the bottom will be a much larger grain, closer to gravel than anything one might consider sand. Small rocks will be littered throughout, with the larger structures providing smaller caves and crevices for the inhabitants. No fish or invertebrate species will be represented here, as they would be quickly consumed by the small group of sea snakes within. Species under consideration include the Yellow-Lipped Sea Snake (Laticauda colubrina), the Blue-Lipped Sea Snake (Laticauda laticauda), and the Golden Sea Snake (Aipysurus laevis). It is possible that two or all three of these species could be displayed, and choices would be main upon availability. Signage would indicate the diversity of sea snake species, as well as their extreme toxicity, as they are among the most venomous species of snake. One species, the Dubois’ sea snake, is considered to be the second most venomous species in the world, behind only the inland taipan of Australia.
Finally, covering three walls of the gallery, as well as the ceiling surrounding these areas, is the live reef tank. This large system is filled with nearly 60,000 gallons of warm saltwater, filled with thousands of fish, coral, and invertebrates. Visitors can walk up to the main acrylic window of the exhibit, looking throughout the extensive reef structure of the inside, or they can look overhead and view fish swimming just above their heads, likely some of the larger tangs. Species housed in this reef will be native to the waters of Hawaii, with corals represented from Indonesian waters as coral collection in Hawaii is not legal, and ethically-farmed alternatives are available in Indonesia. Corals represented in this tank will include a variety of Small-Polyped Stony Corals (including the likes of Acropora, Montipora, Pavona, Pachyseris, Heliopora, Hydnophora, Pocillopora, Seriatopora, Stylophora, and Porites), Large-Polyped Stony Corals (including the likes of Euphyllia, Turbinaria, Caulastrea, Favia, Platygyra, Herpolitha, Fungia, Merulina, Symphillia, Cynarina, Lobophyllia, Galaxea, and Trachyphyllia), Soft Corals (including the likes of Cladiella, Klyxum, Sarcophyton, Sinularia, Briarium, Clavularia, Rhodactis, Lobophytum, Xenia, and Zoanthus), and Gorgonians (including the likes of Erythropodium and Rumphella). This species list is very similar, if not identical, to the list seen in the Blacktip Reef exhibit - coral fragments located in that exhibit will be taken from this exhibit within the Pacific Coral Reef gallery. In addition, attentive guests will be able to see the same variety of mobile invertebrate species as the Blacktip Reef exhibit, including Nassarius Snails (Nassarius distortus), Nerite Snails (Nerita sp.), Astraea Snails (Astraea tecta), Cerith Snails (Cerithium sp.), Banded Trochus Snails (Trochus sp.), Turban Snails (Tectus fenestratus), Mexican Turbo Snails (Turbo fluctuosa), Zebra Turbo Snails (Turbo sp.), Queen Conchs (Strombus sp.), Fighting Conchs (Strombus sp.), Scarlet Hermit Crabs (Paguristes cadenati), Left-Handed Hermit Crabs (Calcinus laerimanus), Blue-Legged Hermit Crabs (Clibanarius tricolor), Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni), Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus), and Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis). Invertebrate life will be rich throughout this tank, allowed to flourish as fish kept here will all be considered reef-safe, in that they do not eat coral polyps or mobile invertebrates within an aquarium setting.
A variety of tang species will be present in this exhibit, including a massive mixed school of Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens) and Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus), whose numbers could hit several hundred in such a large system. Smaller groups of tangs will be made up of Kole Tangs (Ctenochaetus strigosus), Chevron Tangs (Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis), Orangeshoulder Tangs (Acanthurus olivaceus), Achilles Tangs (Acanthurus achilles), Naso Tangs (Naso lituratus), Bluespine Unicorn Tangs (Naso brevirostris), Bluelined Tangs (Acanthurus nigroris), Lavender Tangs (Acanthurus nigrofuscus), Whitebar Tangs (Acanthurus leucopareius), and two large Hawaiian species, the Ringtail Tang (Acanthurus blochii) and the Dussumieri Tang (Acanthurus dussumieri). Joining the tangs would be a somewhat close relative, a school of nearly a hundred Moorish Idols (Zanclus cornutus), perhaps one of the most iconic reef fish of Hawaiian waters.
Angelfish and butterflyfish would be represented in this exhibit, although not as much so as in others. These species are known to pick at coral polyps, so selected species are those that cannot or will not do any serious damage to invertebrate populations within the exhibit. Starting the list is the Bandit Angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus), a rare deepwater angel species coveted by marine aquarium hobbyists, as well as two species of dwarf angelfish, the Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) and the Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri). The Hawaiian race of flame angelfish is known for its brilliant red coloration, and its true form would be represented in the exhibit. Representing the butterflies are the Auriga Butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga), the Lemon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon miliaris), the Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), the Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus), the Multiband Butterflyfish (Chaetodon multicinctus), the rare Ornate Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ornatissimus), the Fourspot Butterflyfish (Chaetodon quadrimaculatus), and the deepwater Tinker’s Butterflyfish (Chaetodon tinkeri).
Smaller species represented from the damselfish family include the Blue-Green Reef Chromis (Chromis viridis), the large Hawaiian Sergeant (Abudefduf abdominalis), the Chocolate Dip Chromis (Chromis hanui), and the Agile Chromis (Chromis agilis). All of these species will be present in large schools, dividing themselves into smaller groups and patrolling the reef for food. Other small species include a variety of hawkfish, such as the Arc-Eye Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus), the Blackside Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri), the Stocky Hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus), and the Blood Red Hawkfish (Cirrhitops fasciatus). These comical fish will perch themselves amongst the coral colonies, entertaining guests by hopping around in search of small bits of food.
A variety of wrasses will be displayed in this exhibit, mostly smaller species. These include the Jansen’s Wrasse (Thalassoma jansenii), the Lyretail Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare), the Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius), the Fivelined Wrasse (Thalassoma quinquevittatum), the Elegant Coris Wrasse (Coris venusta), the popular Yellow Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus), Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres ornatissimus), and finally, a sizable group of Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasses (Labroides phthirophagus). The cleaner wrasses will swim throughout the tank, picking parasites and dead skin off of the larger species, particularly the tangs. Signage will indicate the importance of these fish, and detail other known cleaner species, including gobies and shrimp.
The reef floor will be littered with small groups of various goatfish species, including both the Sidespot Goatfish (Parupeneus pleurostigma) and the Whitesaddle Goatfish (Parupeneus porphyreus). Both species of these bottom dwellers are endemic to Hawaiian waters, allowing for the signage to detail several endemic Hawaiian fishes. Finally, a pair or small group of Pacific Trumpetfish (Aulostomus chinensis) will gracefully swim throughout the reef, allowing visitors to see a very rarely-exhibited fish swimming amongst a native reef biotope.
After viewing the entirety of the Pacific Coral Reef gallery, learning about unique creatures found throughout the Indo-Pacific reef systems, visitors will exit, heading into the final gallery of the level, the Amazon River Forest.
Amazon River Forest
Entering the Amazon River Forest gallery, visitors will hear simulated calls of birds, rushing waterfalls, and the croaks of frogs, from speakers conveniently placed throughout the room. Similar to the other two galleries of the floor, this gallery will feature a large central exhibit, along with several large displays along the walls. This gallery serves as a preface to the fifth floor gallery, the Upland Tropical Rainforest and the Fanning Hidden Life gallery, showcasing life from the upper reaches of the rainforest as well as various parts of Central America. This gallery, however, will focus on the aquatic life of the rainforest, as well as a select few terrestrial species.
Upon entering, guests will enter a hallway with two displays on either side. These will be smaller by public facility standards, approximately 6 feet long and 4 feet high. Each will house a pair of emerald tree boas, one housing the Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus batesii) and the other the Northern Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus). These two species were formerly considered one, until Robert Henderson formally described the Amazon Basin emerald as a separate species in 2009. Both species are inactive, but their bright green coloration with varying white dorsal markings will make them attractive display species. Exhibits will be similar in structure, with several perches of varying diameter for each snake, a background incorporating false tree trunks and additional perches, a realistic rainforest substrate similar to the ones seen in the tree monitor enclosures of the Oceania gallery, and lush tropical plantings. Bright lighting and frequent mistings will imitate the natural habitat of these snakes, and signage will indicate the differences between the snakes, including head structure, geographical range, and patterning.
Continuing into the gallery, guests will first notice a large, full glass hexagonal exhibit sitting directly in the center of the hall. Covering nearly 2,500 square feet and holding over 60,000 gallons of water, this exhibit will hold an assortment of fish and reptiles from the Amazon Basin and its surrounding waters. The focus will be on endangered reptiles, as well as common schooling fish species from the area.
Guests will notice a large central island, with mostly open space for the reptiles to bask. A sandy riverbank substrate will cover it, with plant growth getting thicker and thicker as it reaches the center of the island. The artificial rockwork surrounding both the base and the top of the exhibit, inside and out, will have a number of vines and hardy tropical plant species growing from it, including ferns and philodendrons. Under the water, a number of large-growing, hardy aquatic species will grow, along both the rocks and the open sandy bottom. The central island’s edges will feature large logs, allowing the large turtles and crocodilians inside to easily haul themselves out of the water. These will be coated in aquatic mosses and algae, giving them a very established feel - natural, artificial, or both forms of log would be appropriate in this setting.
The main species housed in this exhibit will be a pair of large, threatened crocodilians from around the Amazon Basin, making two species ideal candidates. Both the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and the Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) reach sizes that make them impressive display animals, with either being a great choice for this exhibit. The Orinoco crocodile remains one of the rarest species of crocodilian in the world, while the black caiman is making a steady comeback - signage would tell the story of both species, including notes on the several other species of crocodilian found within the Amazon.
A number of endangered turtles would fill the waterways as well, all of them being some of the largest found in the area. Each species will ideally be housed in at least a group of five individuals, with at least two males present for every three females to encourage breeding. The first of these would be the Big-Headed Turtle (Peltocephalus dumerilianus), a species found throughout the Amazon River Basin that resembles the common snapping turtles of North America. Next will be a group of Red Headed Turtles (Podocnemis erythrocephala), a much smaller-ranging species known for tucking its head sideways into its shell, rather than straight back. A number of Magdalena River Turtles (Podocnemis lewyana) will be housed as well, a critically endangered species of sideneck turtle known only from northwestern Colombia. Yet another species of large South American sideneck turtle, the Yellow Spotted Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), will also be present. Finally, a group of the largest species of turtle found in South America, the Arrau Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) will be housed. These turtles can reach a massive three and a half feet in carapace length, weighing nearly 200 pounds, making them one of the largest freshwater turtle species in the world, dwarfed only by a few species of softshell turtle. Signage will indicate the vulnerability of these turtle species, and conservation efforts such as national parks being declared in order to protect them.
The aquatic section of this exhibit will be filled with large groups of several cichlid species, as well as a select few characins. Species will include a number of large South American natives, including the Chocolate Cichlid (Hypselecara temporalis), a brown and red species from areas of Peru, the Green Terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), a brilliant turquoise and gold species from Peru and Ecuador, the Red Terror (Cichlasoma festae), a bright red and yellow species from Ecuador and Peru, and both the Green Severum (Heros efasciatus) and the Redhead Severum (Heros sp. ‘red shoulders’). In addition to these cichlids, the Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus) and the Flagtail (Semaprochilodus theraponura) will represent the characins. This variety of fish species will bring light to the extensive diversity of South American cichlids, highlighting key species and also including notes about estimates on the number of species of cichlid throughout Central and South America.
Heading left through the gallery, visitors will first see a large planted aquarium. Dense forests of aquatic plant species, including various swords, mosses, grasses, and ferns, will fill the tank, with minimal pieces of driftwood providing some shelter for the fish inside. This tank will be quite large, one of the biggest planted tanks of its type in any facility. The planned length is roughly 20 feet, holding over 4,000 gallons of water inside. Fish species will include a number of peaceful cichlid species, namely the Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum), a much larger, more iridescent relative of the freshwater angelfish commonly seen in the aquarium trade. These fish can grow larger than the diameter of a dinner plate, with their tall dorsal and ventral fins included. Accompanying a group of these angels, nearly 80 strong, will be a group of Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus), a popular warmwater cichlid from the Amazon Basin. While a number of interesting color morphs of these fish have been selectively bred, the aquarium will exhibit the wild-type discus, choosing a colorful wild race such as those collected from the Alenquer River, a small tributary of the Amazon in Brazil. A smaller breeding group of Cupid Cichlids (Biotodoma cupido) will also inhabit this tank. These smaller, colorful cichlids are found throughout much of the Amazon Basin, including the tannin-stained, acidic waters that hold both discus and angelfish. Finally, a massive group of dwarf cockatoo cichlids from the genus Apistogramma will scatter themselves throughout the lower levels of the tank, with their spawning habits being displayed, providing an interesting look at cichlid reproduction to visitors. A number of species would be appropriate, with the Threadfin Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma iniridae) and the Macmaster’s Dwarf Cichlid (Apistogramma macmasteri) leading the pack. While both species could theoretically be housed in this system, it would be wise to limit the collection to a single species to prevent interbreeding.
One of the few species of tetra able to tolerate the warm waters required for both discus and altum angelfish, at over 80 degrees fahrenheit, is the Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus). A large school, numbering in the thousands, will be appropriate for such a tank, as these fish reach under two inches long when fully grown. The characteristic pale white body, black and white striped tail, and red head make these fish an attractive schooling species for the planted aquarium.
Finally, a number of small catfish species will live throughout the bottom and cover the driftwood found in this exhibit. Two species of corydoras catfish, both the Bandit Corydoras (Corydoras metae) and the Sterba’s Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) will school throughout the bottom of this tank, occasionally providing additional movement throughout the upper water column. A school of over a hundred corydoras is one of the most graceful sights of the world’s freshwater rivers, and must be experienced in person to truly be understood. A number of Twig Catfish (Farlowella acus) will be visible to the most attentive visitors, perched carefully along the driftwood. These relatively small catfish are slender and brown, with armoring making them mimic a small twig, camouflaging them perfectly from predators. Another group of similar species, the Whiptail Catfish (Rineloricaria sp.) will be housed here as well. These are another species known to mimic small branches within the water in order to avoid predation. A number of small pleco species will round out the fish selection in this tank. Any number of species could be chosen, and several could be selected as interbreeding rarely occurs in these fish. However, smaller species of the panaque group, including but not limited to the Gold Stripe Panaque (Panaqolus sp. ‘L169’), as well as species of Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus sp.) would be the most appropriate choices. Species selection will come down to availability, upon approval that the species will be able to tolerate the warm waters of the exhibit.
Continuing down the walkway, visitors will see another tank holding over 4,000 gallons. This tank will imitate a flooded forest, with large artificial tree trunks coming out of the dark, sandy bottom. Little to no plants will be present in this tank, as the inhabitants will simply uproot them while searching for food. The background of this tank will incorporate more artificial trees, in the form of roots coming down into the water. Species housed within here will be highlighted by a number of freshwater stingrays, of which a number of species would be appropriate. For display purposes, a mix of both black and brown ray species would be best, such as the Black Diamond Stingray (Potamotrygon leopoldi) and the Pearl Stingray (Potamotrygon jabuti). An experimental group of Flower Stingrays (Potamotrygon schroederi) would be grown out off display, and introduced to the exhibit if they proved to do well in aquarium settings. However, hopes are not particularly high, as this species has been known to die rather quickly and suddenly in aquaria - breeding them in captivity would be a major accomplishment for the aquarium. Other potential candidates, chosen based upon availability, include the Henlei Stingray (Potamotrygon henlei) and the Galaxy Stingray (Potamotrygon albimaculata). All of these species are larger-growing, meaning they would be appropriate with one another, but do not grow large enough to outgrow this system. It is possible that all of these species could be housed together, but again this would depend on availability at the time.
Several other species of large fish will be housed in this aquarium, including a lone individual Gilded Catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii). This is a close relative of the infamous piraiba, one of the largest growing catfish species in the world. However, this member of the genus grows to a smaller, but still impressive size, making it a better candidate for this system. A pair of Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) will provide activity in the upper water column of this aquarium. These fish are a smaller relative of the arapaima, which is highly regarded as the largest-growing freshwater fish species in the world. Unfortunately, no exhibit within the aquarium is suitable to house these fish, so the arowanas will be used as a substitute, with their relationship being used to teach visitors more about the arapaima, a threatened fish which was recently reclassified into five distinct species. Other larger, predatory species in this tank will include a group of Kelberi Peacock Bass (Cichla kelberi), a smaller growing peacock bass species with a brilliant golden hue. A number of peacock bass species are found in Brazilian waters, but the kelberi’s bright coloration and small adult size compared to some of the others, known to reach over 30 pounds, makes it the best candidate for such an exhibit.
Smaller fish within this exhibit will be made up of a mix of cichlids and characins, including the Zebra Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla zebrina), a brilliant yellow and red species of which a pair would be appropriate, a large group of Uaru (Uaru amphiacanthoides), a beautiful brown and black species commonly seen in tannin-stained blackwaters of the Amazon, a group of Mapirito Eartheaters (Satanoperca mapiritensis), a rare species of eartheater from northeastern Brazil, and a pair or two of the Parrot Cichlid (Hoplarchus psittacus), a deep turquoise colored cichlid from the Orinoco Basin. Representing the characins will be a large mixed school of both Tiger Silver Dollars (Metynnis fasciatus), a banded species from eastern Brazil, and the Blackberry Silver Dollar (Myleus schomburgkii), a rare color form of the blackbar silver dollar in which the entire body is a rich purplish-black color.
As guests continue the other way through the gallery, they will come upon two more 4,000 gallon systems, each housing a predator of the Amazon waterways. The first tank will house two major predatory species, highly prized by both anglers and aquarists, and rarely displayed, if at all, in public aquaria. These include the Giant Wolffish (Hoplias aimara), represented by a large lone individual, and the Payara (Hydrolycus armatus), represented by a shoal roughly a half dozen strong. The wolffish is an ambush predator, sitting motionlessly along the bottom, until an appropriate prey item swims by. The payara, on the other hand, is a free-swimming species, typically found amongst rapid systems, preferring to chase down its prey for consumption. The payara is also known as the vampire fish or saber tooth tetra, for its large canines used to grab prey. This interesting mix of predators has been done successfully in much smaller aquaria, and will make a very unique display in such a large exhibit.
The exhibit will have a dark sandy bottom, with a bit of hardy, low-light live plants and minimal rockwork and driftwood. The payara are more of an open water fish, while the wolffish is a structure-oriented species, and this combination will allow both species to occupy their respective niches. Towards the upper columns of the tank, the flow will be extremely heavy - giving the payara an at-home feel of being in a set of rapids, able to chase down live fish placed within their tank and feed naturally. Although live feedings are not always preferable, payara are known to adapt well to captivity with the caveat that they tend to take only live food items. To make the experience more respectable for guests, these fish will be fed only during the early mornings and evenings, when guests are not present. Also housed in this tank will be a large school of Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi), a colorful red and blue species that will provide smaller activity throughout the entire water column, while being small enough to be of no interest to the predatory fish inside. Signage on this exhibit will describe some of the lesser-known predators of the Amazon Basin, including other species of both wolffish and payara.
The final exhibit within this gallery is a paludarium, containing both a land and water area visible to guests. The water area will account for roughly half of the exhibit, holding approximately 2,000 gallons as opposed to the full 4,000. This exhibit will stretch from the floor to the ceiling, rather than the 4 foot high displays found along the other walls of the gallery. The land areas within this exhibit will be made of artificial rockwork, constituting several large islands in the exhibit. All islands will be covered in a soil-based substrate, allowing the inhabitant to burrow if it chooses. The background of this enclosure will feature several massive artificial trees, with their roots coming down into the water column, stretching from the top of the exhibit down to the sandy bottom beneath the water. Floating plants will cover most of the water’s surface, while fast-growing vines will cover much of the background and large logs throughout the exhibit’s islands. The sole large inhabitant of the enclosure will be a large female Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), considered by most to be the largest species of snake in the world by mass. The female in this display will be among the largest in the country, being at least 16 feet long and weighing over 150 pounds. She will share her aquatic environment with a school of Fat Oscars (Astronotus crassipinnis), a far less common relative of the common oscar, one of the most popular tropical aquarium fish in the United States. Signage on this display will explain that anacondas are actually a fairly docile species, and are not the monsters they are made out to be. They will also dispel other myths about these snakes, including their size - a $50,000 cash prize has been offered to anyone who can find an anaconda 30 feet or longer, but this prize has still yet to be taken. The longest verified wild specimen was just 17 feet long, which is certainly a massive animal, but no 30 foot snake. Signage will finally discuss anaconda conservation, including threats to the species in the wild and conservation efforts to protect their numbers.
After viewing the final gallery of the aquarium’s fourth level, guests will head up a short distance to the fifth and uppermost level, holding more species native to the Amazon Rainforest. The transition will be made short, and themes found in the Amazon River Forest gallery will be carried throughout the preferred methods of transportation to the fifth level, as well as the entrance to the walk-through rainforest exhibit.
