The Coral Reef Gallery is a one-of-a-kind view into one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the world - a habitat normally explored only by experienced divers.
The gallery simulates a 60-foot dive starting in shallow-water reefs and descending to deeper waters. Each viewing window presents a micro habitat which changes as the depth increases.
The exhibit is modeled after the coral formations of the Dry Tortugas off the Florida Keys. Housed in a 500,000 gallon tank, the reef provides the base for this vibrant community of more than 1,600 coral reef residents, representing 60 species, all native to Florida.
Gallery Highlights
Florida's Coral Reefs
Watch a kaleidoscope of colorful fish dart among fabricated sea fans, elkhorn coral and sponges.
Featured Animals: moray eels, squirrelfish, angelfish, blue tang.
Reef Tunnel
Walk under a virtual tunnel of water descending into an underwater coral cave filled with colorful fish.
Featured Animals: grunts, French angelfish, spotted moray eel, princess parrotfish.
Coral Cave
Peek in at some of the fishy inhabitants living in coral reef caverns and crevices.
Featured Animals: scorpionfish, blackbar soldierfish, fairy basslet, nurse shark, royal gamma.
Gallons: 5 tanks with over 6,100 gallons total.
Panoramic Window
This window allows a spectacular view into the coral reef face. Relax and watch the fish swim by or catch one of the daily dive shows held at the window.
Featured Animals: blacktip shark, groupers, yellowtail snapper, queen triggerfish.
Size: 42-foot wide, 14-foot tall, 12-inch thick acrylic window.
Corals Alive!
See live coral collected form the Keys under state and federal permits. Check out the Coral Farm to see a working lab where biologists experiment with new techniques in coral reproduction.
Featured Animals: 29 different species of coral plus small fish and hermit crabs.
Gallons: 1,000
Be sure to visit our Coral Farm on the 3rd floor!
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