The Rocky Shoreline

Three separate rockpools provide an opportunity to get up close to some of the intriguing creatures that inhabit the rocky coastlines of the British Isles. We believe that this hands-on experience will help raise awareness of the need to care for a special environment and encourage respect for its inhabitants.

There’s a chance to see Mullet Dogfish, Bass and Rays, and you will learn that dogfish and rays are in fact members of the shark family!

Dogfish are the most common shark found in UK waters. Rays have broad flat bodies with eyes on the top, and the gills and mouth underneath. They shoot strong jets of water over the sandy bottom of the sea to uncover hidden prey, which they then grind up with their flattened teeth.

PLAICE

This flatfish can change colour to merge into its background. Can you spot the plaice in our pool?

Maximum Size: 1M

TUB GURNARD

Their fins have evolved into legs which they use to stalk prey.

Maximum Size: 75CM

SPIDER CRAB

Plants a garden of seaweed and sponges on its back for camouflage which it transfers to a new shell after moulting!

Maximum Size: 60CM

THORNBACK RAY

Once common in British waters, but like most fish is becoming rare as a result of over-fishing. They are not fished for commercially but are caught accidentally with other fish.

Maximum Size: 90CM

SPOTTED DOGFISH

This shark, although known as a dogfish, is actually a member of the cat shark family (along with its bigger cousin the Nurse Shark). It mainly feeds on mussels, oysters, crabs and lobsters.

Maximum Size: 1.6M