A Guide to Exploring the Aquarium's Hidden Species

by Kayley Johns

Almost two months have passed since my first day as a Summer Educator and in this short time I have learned so much about the Salish Sea and its many inhabitants. I have also learned many new skills, which include being able to spot hidden creatures within the habitats. I might now classify myself as an I-spy expert (I should add that on my resume!). To help you make the most of your next visit, I’m sharing my new knowledge and tips for spotting camouflaged creatures.

Camouflaging Tactics

One of the best ways to find these sneaky creatures is to learn about camouflaging tactics. Many local species rely on blending into their environment in order to hide from their predators or hide to ambush their prey. To help hone your I-spy skills, I would like to introduce you to some of our best camouflaging candidates. Try to spot them during your next visit!

Giant Pacific Octopus

Octopuses are known as masters of disguise, with one of the most sophisticated camouflage systems in the animal kingdom. Using millions of elastic cells in their skin called chromatophores, they are able to change the colour and pattern of their skin to blend in perfectly with their environment. They are also able to change the texture of their skin to better simulate their surroundings. When looking for our giant Pacific octopus, a good tip is to look in dark spaces and corners as they are often sleeping to conserve energy.

Mosshead Prickleback

Mosshead pricklebacks are known for their prominent cirri found on the tops of their heads and along their backs’ This helps them camouflage with the textural elements of their surroundings. They are known for being very good at hiding and will typically be found in rock crevices or empty giant acorn barnacle shells. Find them in our Centre poking their heads out of barnacles (Look for other creatures that use the barnacles as their home too!). Make sure you look in all of the nooks and crannies to find these adorable muppet-like faces staring back at you.

Starry Flounder

Starry flounder are very talented at blending into the sandy bottom, making them a real challenge to spot. Their bodies are flat and speckled which allow them to blend and bury into the sand. They can also change the colour and pattern on their skin as needed. This is perfect camouflage to hide from predators and to catch prey. Spot them by looking along the sand to find their darker fins or their two eyes sticking out of the sand.

HELPFUL TIPS

I have mentioned only a few of our best sneaky creatures but there are many more that can be easy to miss. Here are my top tips for finding camouflaged creatures:

Take your time — Make sure you slow down and peer into nooks and crannies; you may find animals hiding in the most unexpected places.
Ask an Educator — We have so many wonderful staff and volunteers that are excited to share their knowledge. They know some animals' favourite hiding spots and what to look for in each habitat.
Look from another angle — It can be challenging to spot a creature at a certain angle so make sure you look from different directions.

Good luck! I hope you spot many camouflaged animals.