Two Oceans Aquarium - Explore South Africa's Marine World
The Cape Town Aquarium, better known as the Two Oceans Aquarium, derived its name from it location. South Africa is at the southern tip of Africa and this is where two oceans meet - the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated within the V&A Waterfront in the Cape Town Harbor. Showcasing the diverse marine life found in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the Cape Town Aquarium is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Cape Town.
And it is not difficult to understand why the Two Oceans Aquarium is so popular. They house over 3000 living sea creatures, including fish, penguins, turtles and last but not least, sharks. Amongst the live finger leather corals, cauliflower leather, and elephant ear mushroom corals, the Two Oceans Aquarium brings to life the Indian Ocean, with their exquisitely colorful tropical fish darting around the tank. Because of the warmth of the Indian Ocean, you will find other natives to this ocean, such as sea snakes, box fish and devil fire fish.
In stark contrast with the Indian Ocean, the Benguella current sees to it, that the Atlantic Oceans remains cold. Therefore, these three exhibitions feature amazing creatures like silver grey fish, juvenile ragged tooth sharks and snake-like hag fish. Many of the creatures that live in the Atlantic Ocean are masters of camouflage, and this makes it particularly interesting, as counting animals in an exhibit becomes quite challenging. Also, under the Atlantic Ocean exhibits, you will be able to touch and feel, sea anemones, seaweeds and sea urchins.
At the Sappi River Meander exhibit, the Cape Town Aquarium has a unique collection of penguins to view. Most exciting is that the African Penguins are a breeding colony, of which juvenile penguins have been released back into the wild. Also amongst the milkwood forest, you will find African Back oystercatchers, Rockhopper Pengiuns, and a great variety of freshwater fishes.
With only two in the world, and the Two Oceans Aquarium being one of them, their 800 000 liter Kelp Forest display is close to enchanting. Visitors will find themselves staring at this exhibit for hours. Three different species of kelp grow within the confines of this exhibit, protecting and sheltering fishes, such as galjoen and white steenbras. The fishes are fed by professionally trained divers twice a week.
But the biggest, most sensational exhibit has to be the predator tank. Our fascination with sharks is undoubtedly the reason why visitors will find it difficult to drag themselves away from this tank. The Two Oceans Aquarium knows how to draw a crowd. Watching the ragged tooth sharks slowly glide by the glass, together with loggerhead turtles, rays, Yoshi and a variety of fish, is a spectacular sight. For the avid scuba divers, dives into this tank are available. Feeding times are also open to public viewing, and time tables are displayed due to each inhabitant being fed either daily or on certain days of the week, and most are hand fed!
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