The Swamp

Mangrove swamps are mysterious places which are incredibly important in ecological terms, and are home to many creatures with weird and wonderful lifestyles. The swamps bridge the gap between land and sea and are regularly inundated with seawater.

The mangrove trees stand in mud on stilt-like roots in the muddy estuaries of large rivers and in the lagoons, bays and tidal creeks found along tropical sea-coasts on both sides of the equator.

Not only do the mangroves provide a refuge from hurricanes and typhoons, they also protect the land against erosion and are used by many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds as nesting and nursery areas.

RAINBOW CRAB

It uses elaborate claw gestures to communicate with other crabs and to attract a mate.

Maximum Size: 15CM

SHARK CATFISH

They have poisonous spines to protect themselves from predators!

Maximum Size: 35CM

RED-EARED TERRAPIN

They are often kept as pets but are actually ill-tempered and aggressive. It is now illegal to import this species – in fact all the terrapins at Blue Planet Aquarium have been handed in by their former owners.

Maximum Size: 40CM

ARCHER FISH

This amazing fish shoots insects from overhanging branches by squirting a jet of water at them. They can hit prey at up to 1.5m away!

Maximum Size: 30CM