See the new look Lagoon of Light following a £500,000 refurbishment. Home to an array of eye-catching new species, colourful tropical fish and our very own juvenile Zebra sharks who were born and bred at The Deep this stunning new exhibit is a must see!
Representing where the rainforests meet the reef, the lagoon reflects the diversity of aquatic life and unique habitats found in and around many of the islands and archipelagos in the western Pacific ocean, from Tropical North Queensland to the outer islands of Palau in Micronesia.
It boasts amazing new corals and large mangrove trees, which are both very important to the health of a coral reef and its surrounding coastline. They provide an essential nursery ground for a number of species amongst their submerged root system.
Learn more about how this exhibit has been created and hear fascinating facts about the fish who live here at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm each day.
It also features a wave machine that replicates the tidal movements of a true coastal habitat so the animals feel right at home. Get up close in Touchpool sessions with smaller creatures such as Hermit crabs, Velvet Swimmer crabs, starfish and sea urchins that are native to British shores at every half past the hour throughout the day from 10.30am - 4.30pm.
Back to The Deep Tour
Birdnose wrasse
This species is named after its bird-like beaked nose that it uses to pick prey from tight rock crevices. If two females come together and if no males are present, the dominant female will change into a male.
Blue spotted ribbontail ray
This species of stingray is instantly recognisable by the bright blue spots that decorate its body. These act as a warning for its sharp venomous barb.
Epaulette shark
These small nocturnal sharks use their paddle shaped fins to ‘walk’ around. This means when the tide goes out, rather than getting stranded in rock pools, they can crawl back to the ocean.
Harlequin tuskfish
These fish have very distinctive teeth which turn blue as they reach adulthood. Part of the wrasse family, all juvenile fish hatch as females and the most dominant female becomes the male when they mature!
Lipstick tang
Lipstick tangs have the ability to quickly change colour in response to their environment or mood. When excited or hiding amongst the reef their body can become almost black!
Moorish idol
This iconic species got its name from the Moors people of Africa, who believed the fish to be a bringer of happiness.
Regal tang
Regal tangs are extremely important to the life cycle of the coral reef. They graze on excess algae on the corals with their sharp teeth, preventing the coral from suffocating.
