Our day began at the Bass Splashtank, which mimics the movement and oxygenation of turbulent coastal waters. At the heart of this exhibit swam the European bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a sleek and powerful predator native to the Atlantic coast. Petra explained how the splashing mechanism was designed to mimic crashing waves, allowing fish like the bass to thrive in an environment that replicates their natural habitat. These bass are strong swimmers and skilled hunters, their behavior reflecting the dynamic energy of Ireland’s rocky shorelines.
From there, we were introduced to a range of native coastal and intertidal species in the Tropical Tidepools. This exhibit offered a transition from salty, shallow zones to deeper, brackish water mirroring the ebb and flow of tidepools. Among the stars here was the snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis), a vibrant, tentacled species that tucks itself in to retain water during low tide. Unlike some passive filter feeders, these anemones actively sting and trap prey with their venomous tentacles. Their colors made them an unforgettable sight. We also saw other intertidal inhabitants like spiny starfish, prawns, cotton spinners (sea cucumbers), and black urchins, each equipped with fascinating adaptations. The cotton spinner ejects fine, sticky threads to snare organic particles for which its web-like structures released when stressed or moving through the sand earns its name.
Next, we visited the Shark and Skate Nursery, where species such as the Greater Spotted
Dogfish and Starry Smoothhound were being raised. Petra shared that any sharks hatched at the aquarium are prohibited by law from being released into the wild, for reasons ranging from genetic management to disease prevention. We learned that some sharks “breathe” by drawing water through their nostrils to their gills.
While much of our trip focused on marine environments native to Ireland, the aquarium’s Freshwater Tropical Exhibit showed many species from the Amazon and from Africa. Among the many fascinating species here was the Ocellate River stingray (Potamotrygon motoro), a stunning freshwater ray from South America. Its spotted disc and stealthy movement made it one of the most mesmerizing animals we saw all day. Adapted to life in rivers, these stingrays are bottom-dwellers, using electroreception to locate prey hidden beneath silt and sand. Also featured were peacock cichlids and giraffe cichlids, known for their bright colors and strong parental instincts, especially mouthbrooding. But the fish that caught many students’ attention was the cuckoo catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus), a marvel of evolutionary trickery. Native to Lake Tanganyika, these catfish sneak their eggs into the mouths of mouthbrooding cichlids. The cichlid unknowingly raises the catfish young at the expense of its own offspring, a remarkable strategy for survival. In the same exhibit, we also encountered red-bellied piranhas, mbu puffers, and suckermouth catfish, each demonstrating unique feeding, defense, and breeding behaviors.
Many more tanks housed trout, tench, minnows, roach, and other freshwater fish native to Irish rivers and lakes. Petra emphasized how sensitive these species are to water quality and temperature, making them excellent indicators of environmental health. Another class favorite exhibit was the wreckfish, a large bottom-dwelling predator often found lurking around sunken ships and artificial reefs. These fish are emblematic of the hidden worlds that exist beneath the surface, where old shipwrecks become vibrant ecosystems in their own right.
Our final stop in our tour took us behind the scenes of the aquarium, where Petra showed us the systems that keep the Atlantaquaria running. The filtration system uses layers of sand to trap particulate matter, followed by UV sterilization to kill harmful microorganisms. These systems ensure that both saltwater and freshwater tanks remain stable and safe. The quarantine area housed new or recovering animals to protect the main exhibits from contamination. This kind of care is essential, especially when dealing with species from different ecosystems or with varying immune responses. One animal that was being cared for at the time was a young Loggerhead turtle that had washed ashore from a heavy storm.
Our visit to the Galway Atlantaquaria was a window into the diverse, delicate, and often surprising world beneath the waves. From the European Bass braving simulated waves, to the silent grace of stingrays, to the ingenious reproductive strategies of the cuckoo catfish, each species told a story of adaptation, resilience, and ecological wonder. Petra’s expert narration tied it all together, helping us connect marine biology concepts with the real-life behaviors and needs of these animals. We left with a renewed respect for Ireland’s coastal and aquatic biodiversity and a deeper commitment to understanding and protecting the ecosystems that support life on Earth.
Cameron Croce
