Native Zone

The UK is home is a diverse array of creatures, and the Atlantic Ocean in particular houses quite a few of them! Together with the waterways of the British Isles, it’s safe to say that the native aquatic species to the UK are fascinating and plentiful. But how much do you really know about the fish and other creatures that live under the water’s surface?

Here at our Native Zone exhibit we showcase a number of species that you might have heard of but may not have seen up close.

What to expect at Native Zone

The UK has a temperate climate, which means that water temperature can vary from almost freezing to around 15-20 degrees. Temperate waters are found between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle, including parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean.

With that in mind, our Native Zone exhibit has been designed to replicate those conditions for our species, so that they can live comfortably in an authentic environment. Many temperate fish are well adapted to the cooler waters around the UK, which includes rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

The Native Zone exhibit is the perfect opportunity for you to understand more about the species that call the UK home, including sharks such as the nursehound and lesser dogfish, crustaceans such as the European lobster and invertebrates like strawberry anemone. See them up close and learn something new about the creatures that are found on our very own shores!

What species will you find in the Native Zone?

Here in our Native Zone exhibit there’s an incredibly assorted group of species, all of which can be found in the waters of the UK. It’s the perfect chance to see some of the fascinating species on our own doorstep that sometimes go underappreciated.

You’ll find the following in our exhibit – how many can you spot?

• Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
• Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris)
• Grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus)
• Lesser dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicular)
• Ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta)
• Thornback ray (Raja clavata)
• Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)
• Painted ray (Raja microocellata)
• Shanny (Lipophrys pholis)
• Cushion star (Culcita novaeguineae)
• Common goby (Pomatoschistus microps)
• Black sea cucumber (Holothuria atra)
• Strawberry anemone (Actinia fragacea)
• European lobster (Homarus gammarus)
• Snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis)

Learn more about our native species

To give you a little taster of the species you could be seeing up close for yourself, here’s just some interesting information about some of the creatures that can be found here.

Ballan wrasse

The ballan wrasse is a brightly coloured marine fish found in the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its striking appearance and important role in marine ecosystems. They are used in the aquaculture industry, particularly in salmon farms, where they help control sea lice populations by feeding on the parasites. Their ability to change sex from female to male is a fascinating aspect of their biology, allowing for flexible reproductive strategies.

Nursehound

The nursehound, also known as the bull huss or large-spotted dogfish, is a species of catshark found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a bottom-dwelling predator, often found near rocky reefs and kelp forests. The large, dark spots on their bodies make them easily identifiable.

Grey triggerfish

The grey triggerfish is a species of marine fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its unique shape and behaviours, it is a common inhabitant of coastal waters and reefs. They are named for the spines on their dorsal fins. The first spine can be locked into place by the second, creating a “trigger” mechanism that allows them to wedge themselves into crevices for protection.

Thornback ray

The thornback ray is a common species of ray found in the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its distinctive shape and thorn-covered body. The presence of sharp thorns on their back and tail is a key identifying feature that provides some protection against predators.

Strawberry anemone

The strawberry anemone is a colourful marine invertebrate found in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its distinctive appearance. The texture and coloration of their body give them a strawberry-like appearance, making them visually striking and easy to identify.

Don’t forget to book your tickets and discover something new about our world’s creatures! We have a number of different exhibits, from our nursery tanks to our incredible jungle room.