We’re delighted to present a thrilling opportunity for all you junior enthusiasts out there: a chance to win an exclusive Junior Annual Pass!

To seize this spooktacular opportunity, simply submit your entries by emailing us at bristoladmin@bristolaquarium.co.uk before the bewitching hour strikes on October 31st.

You can get your creative gears turning by downloading Part 1 of the story below and unleashing your inner storyteller using our template.

Best of luck to all the spirited participants!

The Blind Cave fish, also known as the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) is a strange looking species, no less because of their complete lack of eyes and translucent pink skin, however, they are a fascinating example of how the environment can directly impact how an animal looks, feeds, and behaves.

Why is this species of fish blind?

While a blind fish might seem completely counterproductive, it’s actually very clever. Blind Cave fish are blind on purpose, because they have evolved to survive without the use of their eyes.

The eyes and parts of the brain that process visual information use a lot of energy to operate, which means that when living in environments where food is scarce, nature will often take its course to ensure that the animal is able to conserve its energy for the absolute necessities, such as keeping their vital organs working.

The Blind Cave fish evolved to eventually have no eyes, and have survived long enough to pass this characteristic onto its offspring. The species is able to conserve its energy from not having to try and see in the murky depths, and instead using that energy to hunt for food and mate. This is known as a process called pleiotropy, in which the genes usually needed for eye development are reassigned to other areas, like increasing the number of taste cells for finding food.

The complete lack of sunlight is also the reason behind their almost see-through skin which lacks a lot of pigmentation, with only a slight pink hue that can be compared to albinism.

Where do Blind Cave fish come from?

Blind Cave Fish originate in Mexico, the United States and Guatemala, which is why they’re also known the Mexican tetra.

There are actually two types of this species – one with eyes and one without. While one has evolved to have no eyes because of the depths it lives at, the other type lives in fast-moving rivers and still relies on its eyesight to navigate its environment and find food.

Mexican tetras are freshwater fish who like to live in tropical waters of about 20-25°c. They are quite hardy fish meaning they can survive within quite broad parameters, but are still sensitive to big changes in the environment such as large spikes in ammonia from decaying matter.

What do Blind Cave fish eat?

Because these Cave fish live so far down in pretty inhospitable conditions, food can be scarce, meaning their options are limited.

Despite this, Blind Cave fish survive on worms, snails, other small fish, and insects. They are also considered omnivorous because they can eat algae and other plant matter when other animals aren’t available to eat.

If you’re wondering how they find their food, then wonder no more. All fish have organs called lateral line organs which help detect water displacement. Over time, Blind Cave fish have evolved very sensitive lateral line organs which means they can find their way around without the need for sight.

They can also remember where objects are to stop themselves from constantly bumping into things, despite the common myth that fish have bad memories. This can, however, take time when first introduced to a new environment.

What are Blind Cave fish like?

As with most fish in the Tetra family, the Mexican tetra is a naturally schooling fish which means that they like to swim around in groups of at least 6. The blind variation of the fish doesn’t seem to be a schooling fish as such, but they do tend to congregate in groups when in the wild.

They are known to be quite peaceful fish although they can become more aggressive as they age and can sometimes nip tankmates if they mistake them for food. In the wild, and in aquariums, they live quite happily with other fish species.

Are there other blind fish species?

There are a whole host of cave fish species, some of which are also blind. This includes the southern cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus) found in eastern US, and the Ozark cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae). There are also a number of cave shrimp that are blind, including the British cave shrimp (Niphargus glenniei) and the Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri). Most blind fish live in caves or other dark dwellings, and have no use for good vision.

That’s all you need to know about the Blind Cave Fish. They truly are fascinating fish, with more to them than meets the eye. You will be able to see these fish, even if they can’t see you, at our Edge of the Rainforest exhibit.

Learning More about The Octopus

Octopuses, the mesmerizing cephalopods, are a testament to the marvels of evolution. Each species boasts distinct features and behaviors, but all share common traits that make them stand out in the aquatic world.

Here at Bristol Aquarium, we have Octavia! Octavia is a Common Octopus who is a cheeky character! She likes to play tug of war, and she often wins!

Here are some other facts you can sink your teeth into…

1. Shape-Shifting Chameleons: Octopuses are known for their shape-shifting abilities. Their skin can change color and texture almost instantly, enabling them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. This remarkable camouflage skill is a sight to behold.
2. Problem-Solving Prowess: These intelligent creatures are avid problem solvers. Researchers have observed octopuses navigating mazes, using tools, and even exhibiting playful behavior. Their cognitive abilities continue to astound scientists. Take a look at this video to learn more!
3. Remarkable Dexterity: With eight incredibly flexible arms lined with hundreds of sensitive suckers, octopuses display remarkable dexterity. They can manipulate objects and capture prey with astonishing precision.
4. Masters of Adaptation: Octopuses are highly adaptable, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. Some dwell in the depths of the ocean, while others thrive in shallow coastal waters. Their versatility is a testament to their evolutionary success.
5. Short But Spectacular Lives: Despite their impressive abilities, octopuses have relatively short lifespans, typically ranging from one to five years, depending on the species. After reproducing, most octopuses die, leaving behind a legacy of new generations.

If you’re interested in the Biology of the Octopus, this is an interesting video to watch too!

Conservation Efforts

While octopuses are not currently listed as endangered, they face threats from human activities, including overfishing and habitat degradation. At Bristol Aquarium, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Our efforts include promoting sustainable fishing practices, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems, and supporting research to better understand and protect octopuses and their habitats.

As we celebrate World Octopus Day at Bristol Aquarium, we invite you to join us in exploring the captivating world of octopuses. These intelligent, adaptable, and masterful creatures are a testament to the wonders of our oceans. Through our special exhibits and dedication to marine conservation, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for octopuses and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. Come dive into the depths with us and witness the magic of octopuses like never before.

On Friday 1^st September, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema and the wonders of an aquatic world with a special screening of Jurassic Park. But that’s not all! Step into our enchanting Botanical Houses, where dinosaurs roam among flora from different ecosystems. It’s a prehistoric adventure that’s sure to leave you in awe!

Arrive early from 6:00 PM to explore our marine exhibits and discover the beauty of the ocean and learn about marine conservation. As the sun sets, the cinema awaits! At 7:30 PM watch the film screening of Jurassic Park and relive the thrill of encountering dinosaurs on the big screen.  

Chloe O’dell, our brilliant Events Manager said, ‘We are all so excited to show Jurassic Park on our former IMAX screen, the IMAX sound system we have was made for Hollywood blockbusters such as this, hearing Rexy roar with our immersive surround sound will surely be a thrilling experience!

We also want to say a huge thank you to Dave at 20th Century Flicks for all his support with our cinema events!’

Experience one of the biggest films in motion picture history for the first time in 4K with director Steven Spielberg’s ultimate thrill ride, Jurassic Park. Featuring Academy Award®-winning visual effects and ground-breaking filmmaking that has been hailed as “a triumph of special effects artistry” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times), this epic film is sheer movie- making magic that was 65 million years in the making.

Avoid disappointment and book your tickets here today!

Straddling the River Avon in southwest England, Bristol has earned a world-spanning reputation for its progressive culture and outstanding maritime heritage. But bars, restaurants, and art galleries aside, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities here, many of which are ideal for those rainy-day visits.

So, where should you head to when the rain clouds gather? Here’s our complete guide on things to do in Bristol for families when it’s raining.

Bristol Aquarium

Where else to start than Bristol Aquarium? Sure, we may be biased, but for our money, this is the best family attraction in Bristol for wet weather days – or any day for that matter!

Fully covered and brimming with colourful marine animals, Bristol Aquarium is sure to delight the little ones, helping them forget all about the drizzly conditions outdoors. And with seven unique exhibits to explore, there’s certainly plenty to keep you all occupied, no matter how long the showers last.

From the Sunken Shipwreck to the Bay of Rays, each zone of Bristol Aquarium is designed to mimic habitats found in our seas and oceans, all while showcasing the incredible animals that live there. Expect to see everything from the smooth-hound shark to the Atlantic wreckfish, before paying a visit to the Learning Lab to get up close to the aquarium’s cute-as-a-button nursery displays.

Tickets to Bristol Aquarium are available to book in advance on our website and it is possible to pay on the door if you’ve experienced a sudden downfall! If rain is forecast during your visit to Bristol and you’re keen to visit the aquarium, we’d strongly advise you to prebook, as lots of people may have the same idea.

Bristol Hippodrome

If you’re looking to stay clear of the bad weather for a good few hours, heading to the theatre for a mid-afternoon matinee is always a great option. And it just so happens that Bristol is home to one of the largest and most successful theatres outside of London – the irreplaceable, irresistible Hippodrome.

Opening its doors in 1912, the Bristol Hippodrome instantly became one of the largest theatres with one of the largest stages in the country. Since then, it’s earned a reputation for its award-winning stage shows and musicals, many of which come straight from London’s West End to the affectionately named “Bristol West End Theatre”.

Recent big-name shows to grace the boards of the Hippodrome include The Lion King, The Mousetrap, Shrek the Musical, and Annie, with tickets still available throughout 2023. There are, of course, plenty of child-friendly matinee showings too – ideal if you need to keep the kids occupied when the weather has taken a turn for the worse.

Check out the official Bristol Hippodrome website for further information and to book your tickets.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

If you’ve done Bristol Aquarium and are keen to keep the engaging, kid-friendly fun coming, the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery should be next on your rainy-day hitlist. Located in the heart of the city, this expansive visitor centre offers a huge array of exciting exhibits, many of which are interactive – enough to keep even the most restless of young daytrippers busy.

Remarkably, Bristol Museum features over 20 unique gallery spaces, each packed to the rafters with incredible objects and exhibits. While younger visitors may not find every gallery as exciting as the last, there is still enough here to occupy families for hours on end.

Young dino enthusiasts are well catered for here, with the ferocious and frankly terrifying “Sea Dragons” exhibit offering a snapshot of what might have been found swimming off Bristol’s shores millions of years ago.

Elsewhere, a dedicated exhibit for under-fives called Curious offers a perfect blend of performance, games, and interaction, while the Egyptology collection is ideal if the kids are currently covering the Pharaohs in school.

The Georgian House Museum

Immersive visitor attractions like Bristol’s The Georgian House Museum are always a huge hit with children, so we’d definitely recommend a visit whether it’s raining or not. This impressive site offers a life-like look at what a Bristolian manor house looked like in the 18th century, with a collection of expertly preserved and recreated rooms to explore.

Downton Abbey fan? The Georgian House Museum may have a familiar feel. Because while it can’t match the grandeur of Highclere Castle – Downtown’s original filming location – it has the same upstairs, downstairs feel. Visitors can tour the house’s grand upper chambers which were once home to Bristol’s well-heeled gentry, before descending to the lower levels where the cooks, cleaners, and chambermaids spent much of their time.

The Georgian House Museum has 11 explorable rooms in total, spread over four floors in their original configuration. Families can enjoy wandering from room to room imagining what life was like all those years ago, with special exhibits that tell the story of some of the house’s former and at times infamous inhabitants. This includes John Pinney, the original owner of The Georgian Museum, who made his fortune as a sugar merchant and slave owner.

M Shed

One of our favourite family attractions in Bristol – aside from our aquarium, of course – has to be M Shed. This charming museum tells the story of Bristol from its earliest origins right up to the present day, with a wonderful collection of interactive exhibits for families to enjoy. And best of all? Much of it is under cover – ideal for those rainy afternoons that can make city breaks tricky for those with young’uns in tow.

M Shed consists of three unique galleries, each shining a light on Bristol’s curious and compelling origins. Your journey begins in the prehistoric period, with a spectacular Thecodontosaurus skeleton to marvel at, before you move through history, learning the story of the city’s proud maritime past.

Of course, the attention spans of younger visitors can wander quickly, so to solve this, M Shed offers up plenty of exhibits that keep the fun and stimulation coming. That includes working cranes, trains, and boats that can all be ridden and explored, moving audio and visual shows, and tons of interactive displays that encourage viewer participation. The result of all this leaves a lasting impression, making M Shed a must-visit destination whatever the weather.

Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe

Should the rain show no sign of letting up during your family holiday in Bristol, you and the little ones can while away a relaxing and creativity-packed hour or two at Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe.

This unique visitor centre tells the story of Bristol’s rich pottery-producing past, before encouraging you to get creative with your own wares. Visitors can spend a couple of hours designing and painting their own traditional Bristolian pottery piece, which, once fired by specialists in the cafe’s on-site kiln, is perfectly usable and the ideal souvenir to remember your trip.

No skill, tools or specialist knowledge are required to paint and design your own piece of pottery. The cafe provides everything you’ll need, and the helpful staff are always on hand to help or provide inspiration. There’s no upper or lower age limit on who can get involved in the pottery design, either, so the whole family are welcome to join in and show off their creative side.

Of course, spaces are limited at Flying Saucers, so if it’s something you’re keen to try during your visit to Bristol, it’s worth booking in advance. Pottery painting sessions are available to book in two-hour slots, ideal if the weather’s starting to look a little grim. Visit the official website to learn more.

Whatever the weather, Bristol is a fantastic place to visit for a day, a weekend or even a week, with so much to see and do indoors and out. Keen to add Bristol Aquarium to your travel itinerary? Access up-to-date visitor information about the aquarium and book your tickets.

Changing Perceptions

Fintastic Friday was created out of the recognition that sharks are often demonized, misunderstood, and underappreciated. This annual event celebrates sharks and encourages people to transform public opinion from hatred to love and from fear to appreciation. By educating and engaging people, Fintastic Friday strives to cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of sharks in our world’s delicate ecosystems.

Sharks face a grave threat to their existence. It is estimated that as many as 100 million sharks are killed yearly. Overfishing, bycatch, finning, and habitat degradation are among the primary culprits behind this alarming trend.

The Importance of Sharks

Contrary to popular belief, sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring ecological stability. Their presence is critical for maintaining the overall health of coral reefs and the oceanic food chain. Removing sharks from the equation can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of our oceans.

Advocacy and Conservation

By raising awareness about the challenges faced by sharks, this initiative encourages individuals to take action. From organizing educational events to supporting conservation organizations, there are numerous ways to contribute to the protection of sharks.

Fintastic Friday is an initiative that strives to change public perception and promote the protection of sharks. With the decline in shark populations due to human activities, it is our responsibility to take action, raise awareness, and work toward a future where sharks are valued and protected.

Together, we can help these remarkable creatures survival and our oceans’ health for generations to come.

Remember, every day can be Fintastic Friday when we choose to appreciate and protect sharks!

At Bristol Aquarium, we have 7 different species of sharks. Book your tickets here to come and meet them face to fin!

Flounder

Flounder is one of the main characters in the movie and is Ariel’s best friend. He is a bright yellow and blue fish with big, expressive eyes. Flounder is a loyal friend to Ariel and often accompanies her on her adventures.

Flounder is more than likely some type of angelfish or some other similar vibrantly coloured reef fish. Though the exact species has never been agreed upon.

Sebastian

Sebastian is a red Jamaican crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor. Although he is not technically a fish, Sebastian is an important character in the film.

He is known for his musical numbers, including “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”

There has been speculation as to whether Sebastian is a Lobster, but after much debate, people seem to have settled on the fact he is a crab.

Step aside Sebastian, there’s a new Red Hairy Hermit Crab in town!

Flotsam and Jetsam

They are a pair of electric eels who serve as the henchmen of the movie’s main villain, Ursula.

Flotsam and Jetsam are slimy, sinuous creatures with glowing green eyes and sharp teeth! The film does sadly give eels a bad reputation. We promise the eels in our aquarium won’t lure you to a sea witch!

Making their acting debut…say hello to Fun Size and Crunchy!

Blowfish

Blowfish are seen briefly in the movie as one of the many sea creatures who attend King Triton’s concert. They are easily recognizable by their puffy, spiky appearance.

Lionfish

Lionfish are another type of tropical fish that are briefly shown during the concert scene. They have distinctive stripes and venomous spines on their fins. We have lionfish in the aquarium, they are beautiful fish that are a real sight to see!

School of Fish

Throughout the film, there are many scenes featuring schools of fish swimming in unison. Also, these fish come in a variety of colors and shapes, and as a result, their movements add to the overall visual spectacle of the movie!

Overall, “The Little Mermaid” features a wide variety of fish and other sea creatures. Each fish has their own unique personalities and appearances. From Flounder’s cute nature to the eels ominous presence, these fish help bring the underwater world of the movie to life.

If you want to come and be part of our underwater world, book your tickets today!

As you’re being mesmerized by the beautiful array of creatures swimming over your head, it’s sometimes easy to miss the finer details.

What is the Fish Cam series?

The Fish Cam series is a new video film series that hopes to highlight the fish in the Aquarium that are often overlooked. This video below was filmed in the Ocean Tunnel in our Coral Seas Exhibit.

How many fish can you spot?

Where was this Fish Cam filmed?

Our Coral Seas display is the centerpiece of the Aquarium. This spectacular display themed on a warm water coral reef provides an awe-inspiring home to over 250 marine animals!

At over 250,000 liters this massive display is where our Cownose Rays can be found patrolling the reef alongside cleaner wrasse, eels, oriental sweetlips, soldierfish, and numerous other colourful species.

And of course, the reef wouldn’t be complete without Nemo and Dory!

You’ll get to witness the heart of a coral reef filled with colourful sea anemones and corals. There’s also a special floor-to-ceiling viewing window at the end of the tunnel. Spot the pufferfish, rays, eels and tropical fish who all call this reef home.

We’re hoping the introduction of our Fish Cam will help guests see a range of animals that they may normally miss on their visits.

Come and join us for the Easter holidays as we embark on our Prehistoric Sealife adventure! We’re taking visitors back in time to learn all about the ancient rulers of the sea.

Book your tickets here!

Learn about some of the features and behaviors that make these creatures so strange, as well as the challenges they face in todays ever threatened marine environment. Filmed in-house around our very own seahorse tanks, with production, editing, and narration all done by one of our Guest Experience Assistants and amateur filmmaker Billy Tonkin.

When and why did the Megalodon become extinct?

The earliest megalodon fossils (Otodus megalodon, previously known as Carcharodon or Carcharocles megalodon) date to 20 million years ago. For the next 13 million years the enormous shark dominated the oceans until becoming extinct just 3.6 million years ago.

We know that megalodon had become extinct by the end of the Pliocene (2.6 million years ago). This was when the planet entered a phase of global cooling. When the last megalodon died is not known. However, new evidence suggests that it was at least 3.6 million years ago.

As the sharks depended on tropical waters, the drop in ocean temperatures likely resulted in a significant loss of habitat.

Exactly how big were they?

Well, estimates suggest megalodons actually grew to between 15 and 18 meters in length! This is three times longer than the largest recorded great white shark! Imagine seeing that while having a swim in the sea.

These figures are based on tooth size, as there is no complete skeleton to measure. Megalodon teeth can reach 18 centimetres long. Did you know the word megalodon means ‘large tooth’?

The powerful jaws of a megalodon were filled with 276 teeth! It’s believed that it may have been one of the most powerful predators ever to have existed!

Where in the ocean would you find a Megalodon?

They adapted to warm tropical and subtropical locations around the globe. Megalodons were so widely spread that their teeth have been found on every continent except Antarctica. You can learn more about Megalodons at our Prehistoric Sealife event this Easter