From peppermint shrimp to the hovercraft cowfish, marine animals go by some pretty funky names. And this makes sense when you consider that there are over 33,000 known species of fish in our seas and oceans, with biologists hard-pressed to come up with original names for all of them. So, exactly how do scientists go about … Continued

Angelfish are known for their mesmerising beauty and elegant movements, and hold a cherished place in the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts and marine biologists worldwide. From the regal Emperor angel to the enchanting Blue Queen angel and the fiery Flame angel, angelfish captivate observers with their diverse forms and striking hues. In our latest blog … Continued

Throughout the oceans, there are a wide variety of creatures that each have very unique characteristics, from fish to mammals, reptiles to molluscs, but today we’re here to explore a particularly fascinating type of aquatic animal: crustaceans. Crustaceans are a group of animals characterised by their hard exoskeleton, seen in species such as crabs and … Continued

There are hundreds of different species of tetra fish, some with very unique appearances and characteristics. At Hastings Aquarium you can see a great number of these fish right here in our exhibits, but for now, let’s learn a little more about this diverse family of fish and what makes them so interesting. What is … Continued

Oceans are home to one of the widest range of creatures on the planet, with huge variation even within species. Each species is uniquely adapted to its specific environment, whether that be diet, temperature or vegetation. The pipefish is no different in this regard. An instantly recognisable fish, the pipefish stands out for its odd-looking … Continued

Octopuses are some of the most intriguing and fascinating creatures on the planet, with its name literally meaning “eight legs” in Greek. With many different types of octopus out there in the world’s oceans, each species has its own interesting features and characteristics. Octopuses come in all different shapes and sizes, not to mention their … Continued

Aside from the fact that they’re kind of adorable, how much do you really know about seahorses (Hippocampus)? Did you know, for instance, that they don’t have stomachs? Or that they’re infamously awful at swimming? And were you aware that there are 47 distinct species of seahorses, of which 14 were discovered in the last … Continued

Here at Hastings Aquarium, we’re in a very fortunate position. Not only are our wonderful exhibits brimming with rare, colourful and exotic species, but we’re a mere hop, skip and jump away from the English Channel – where a whole host of native and migratory creatures can be found. And that got us thinking: which … Continued