Reef Magic

‘Reef Magic’ will educate, amaze and enthuse you. Discover one of nature’s most complex and colourful tropical ecosystems, and raise your awareness of the threats to coral reefs – often called the nurseries of the seas. 

The living exhibit features over 15 different species of fish and 20 different types of coral as well as demonstrating the captive breeding process which aims to help alleviate pressure on endangered species in our world’s oceans.

The main attractions are a central, 2,000 litre free-standing tank which allows visitors to view every angle of this living exhibit, and a 4,000 litre tank will feature corals and fish exclusively from the Red Sea.

Four smaller 500 litre tanks complete the installation. These demonstrate differences in the behaviour of corals and fish during night and day and fluorescence. You will be able to see up close how different species of marine life behave at both times of day, alongside one another - one tank includes nocturnal fish and the other diurnal fish (asleep at night).

Coral reefs have thrived on earth for over 50 million years. In recent years, however, more than 20% of the world’s reefs have been lost, and 50% of remaining reefs are in jeopardy of collapse unless action is taken.

Many thanks to Mark Ellingham for the photography.