Most of the time in the media, there’s a strong focus on the larger marine animals  of the world, like Great White Sharks, Killer Whales, and Giant Manta Rays. These large animals, while beautiful, fascinating, and well worthy of discussion, have had enough of the spotlight! At Hastings Aquarium, we want to celebrate the smaller … Continued

Hastings Aquarium is home to an incredible array of marine life, with species from across the globe decorating our huge tanks. Among the many fascinating residents we have, the pufferfish stand out as some of the most intriguing creatures. Known for their unique defence mechanisms and vibrant appearances, pufferfish are a favourite among our guests, … Continued

Across the animal kingdom, there are an incredible amount of different classifications of animals that vary wildly, from furry mammals to scaly reptiles.  Classifications are broken into two broad groups, vertebrates and invertebrates, that get gradually more specific. Today, we’re going to be looking at a phylum of invertebrates called arthropods. We’re going to delve … Continued

Many different species use venom as a survival technique, usually to defend themselves against predators. Venom are delivered through the likes of a bite, sting, spines or even claws. Snakes and jellyfish are probably the quickest  venomous animals that come to mind, but this defence and attack mechanism can be found in many other families … Continued

An aquarium is an incredibly special day out, helping visitors to delve under the water for a completely unique experience that sees people entering a new world of underwater exploration. Capturing this underwater world can help to create lasting memories for you to share with your family and friends, possibly spurring them to make a … Continued

When observing nature, it’s easy to see how different environments have played a role in certain adaptations which allow animals to thrive in the area that they’re in. For instance, giraffes developed long necks over millions of years because those with longer necks survived long enough to pass their genes on. The same can be … Continued

The world’s oceans are a treasure trove of biodiversity teeming with life. Creatures with unique traits and appearances inhabit the world’s oceans, from gentle giants like whales to the vibrant corals that form reefs, and the oceans brilliantly showcase just how diverse life on Earth can be. Among the many forms of marine life, echinoderms … Continued

Seahorses are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean, with their unique characteristics and behaviours setting them apart from other marine life. Despite their fish classification, seahorses boast distinctive traits that make them truly distinct from other fish. The peculiar appearance and unique behaviours of seahorses makes them stand out amongst other marine … Continued

Sharks, snakes, rays and seahorses may draw the biggest crowds here at Hastings Aquarium, but we reckon our wrasse deserve a slice of the limelight too. These colourful fish come in many different shapes and sizes, so seeing how many species you can spot in our tanks will certainly keep you occupied during your visit. … Continued

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