With their adorable looks and their playful natures, it’s easy to see why everyone loves otters. But how much do you actually know about these wonderful aquatic mammals? Read on for five amazing facts about otters. They Hold Hands When Sleeping Adorable pictures aside, there is a good reason why sea otters hold hands … Continued
As part of National Science Week, Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is inviting younger visitors to test their skills against some superstars of the animal kingdom. Between March 11th and March 20th visitors to the aquarium will be able to take part in a series of free science-based activities, trails and talks. Among the activities on … Continued
A colony of toxic fire bellied toads has delighted keepers at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium by laying eggs. It’s the first time the amphibians have spawned and aquarists are hoping this will prove to be a lucky leap year. The toads were originally part of a group of more than 50 that were born at … Continued
Aquarists at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium are confident love is in the water after two of their scarlet-coloured skunk shrimps paired up over the Valentine’s weekend. The scarlet, or skunk cleaner shrimp, which gets its common names from its brightly-coloured body and the white stripe which runs down its back, is widespread in the Red … Continued
Visitors to Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium will be able to enjoy close encounters with weird and wonderful crabs and lobsters from around the world as part of their ‘Claws – Incredible Crustaceans’ event (February 13th-21st). From comical cleaner shrimps and hermit crabs to giant lobsters and mighty edible crabs this exciting event offers a fascinating … Continued
Visitors to Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium will be able to create their very own jellyfish hats, funky fish and octopus artworks as part of a new ‘arts and crafts’ event taking place this weekend (January 30th – 31st). Aimed mainly at families with younger children, there will be three arty events taking place daily at … Continued
Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is looking after a dozen newborn sharks and rays after an unexpected New Year baby boom. In the past few weeks two thornback skates, two bull huss sharks and eight catsharks have all hatched out, and experts at the Southsea aquarium are confident more are on their way. The sharks and … Continued
The annual stock-take takes place from Saturday, January 16th to Sunday, January 17th at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium with their own version of a ‘fishy census!’ Throughout the weekend, staff at the Southsea aquarium are inviting visitors to volunteer to help spot and record the number of certain species including sharks, rays and seahorses. The … Continued
A family of otters at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium is enjoying some early festive cheer thanks to their keepers. Staff have been hard at work preparing their own ‘otterly’ delicious version of a Christmas dinner and have even been wrapping up special yuletide gifts for the highly intelligent mammals. Among the items on the Christmas … Continued
A family of otters at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium are enjoying their own version of trick or treat in the shape of carved pumpkins filled with tasty surprises. The pumpkins, which were carved by keepers and filled with a selection of tasty treats, have proved to be hugely popular with the aquarium’s Asian short clawed … Continued