TWO OCEANS MEET

Exuberant in color and bursting with life – the Two Oceans Aquarium at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is particularly interesting due to its location, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. The aquarium captures the diversity of the rich marine heritage of Southern Africa, and in particular, the Cape. It showcases the dazzling colors of fish, sponges and comb jellies. The life on display ranges from minuscule worms, arthropods, bryozoans, sea squirts and echinoderms to reptiles and the great predators. It truly is phenomenal how many aquatic species exist in this region.

I have always been intrigued by the mystery lurking under the deep blue sea –particularly by the benefits that colours and patterns provide to different species of fish. Their uses range from a means of communication and mate selection to predator avoidance. The Two Oceans Aquarium is the place to see and learn what lies below.

The predator tank has Ragged tooth sharks, rays, a turtle and a range of large predatory fish from local and more distant waters. However, do not expect to see the larger fish behaving in the true form of their character! They are so well fed that they are lulled into apathy. The Rock cod, for instance, would normally hide amongst the rocks and hunt aggressively rather than cruise around in a tank in a controlled environment.

As far as the education, knowledge, activities and the ability for children to experience a hands on feel and touch of marine life go, the Two Oceans Aquarium is geared up for budding Oceanographers. There is also easy access for wheelchairs. The Aquarium truly is an ocean hub where two oceans meet.

QueenB!…….Abuzzing off

Dock Road
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
Tel: +27 (021) 4183823