TROPICAL FISH

This exhibit contains more fish from the warm tropical waters of the western Atlantic, Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The coral reefs in this area provide food and shelter for millions of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans and invertebrates — making them one of Earth’s most diverse habitats.

This tank contains several species of triggerfish, black margate, dusky squirrelfish, graysby grouper, indigo hamlet, ocean surgeonfish, porkfish, sailor's grunt, Spanish hogfish and parrotfish. 

Also in this tank you may spot a large horse conch on the glass or sea floor. Horse conch are one of the largest marine snails in the world and is native to the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States. Despite its size, it is an active predator that feeds on other mollusks, using its muscular bright red foot and a sharp, rasping tongue called a radula to overpower prey. Horse conchs play an important role in balancing benthic ecosystems by controlling populations of other invertebrates.

TRIGGERFISH

Triggerfish may look colorful and calm, but they are known for their bold personalities and powerful bite. Their strong teeth are designed to crush hard-shelled prey like crabs, sea urchins, and mollusks.

These fish get their name from a special defense mechanism on their dorsal fin. When threatened, a triggerfish can raise a strong spine and “lock” it in place like a trigger. This makes it very difficult for predators to pull them out of rocky crevices where they hide. Many triggerfish are also highly territorial and will fiercely guard their nests, especially during breeding season.