Tanks

Nurse shark

Sand sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They have solitary habits and are sometimes seen in small groups hunting together. They are more active at night and have a very varied diet (crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs, bony fish, rays and smaller sharks). They can measure up to 4.3 meters and live for around 25 years. They are ovoviviparous and their reproductive behavior is common to all shark species, with males using their mouths to hold females for copulation. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, there is little data to estimate the danger of extinction of the species, due to its decline, fishing is being banned. Sharks of this species are common in aquariums for research, at AquaRio we use a conditioning technique called Tonic Immobility, which has the function of conducting responses to the animal after stimuli, such as feeding. This technique promotes proximity to the caretaker, facilitating the administration of medications and vitamins. In this tank we also find our nurse sharks, that usually stay on the bottom of the tank. In AquaRio we use a conditioning technique called Tonic Immobility, which has the function of conducting responses to the animal after stimuli, such as feeding. This technique promotes proximity to the keepers, facilitating the administration of medications and vitamins.

Shipwreck

The intentional shipwreck near areas with natural reefs is harmful to nature, as it causes an imbalance in that environment. Therefore, the ideal for planned shipwrecks is to be in environments that only have sand, so there will be no competition with natural reefs. Whether natural or artificial, they are very important environments for fishing and tourism, as long as these acts do not destroy the ecosystem.

Discoveries

AquaRio is a center for marine life conservation and research. Here, we develop more than 30 studies in partnership with institutions, universities, and the Brazilian Navy. All of this is possible because part of the ticket revenue is allocated to these important projects, which contribute to the conservation and understanding of marine ecosystems. Discover some of the research being carried out here:

At the Seashore: A Boundary Between Worlds

The meeting between the sea and the sand forms a living boundary, where two completely different worlds touch and transform each other. This region, called the intertidal zone, is inhabited by amazing organisms that have developed unique strategies to survive both on land and in the sea. At this boundary between the terrestrial and marine worlds, everything changes all the time: sometimes it is submerged by the tide, other times it is exposed to the sun and wind. Living in this unstable environment requires resilience, adaptation, and creativity. The animals that inhabit this place have to deal with daily changes in temperature, salinity, and humidity, which makes their survival a real challenge. The composition and size of the sand grains also directly influence the types of organisms that can live there. Many of these creatures can quickly bury themselves, seeking shelter in the wetter layers of sand, where seawater can still reach. Many of the animals living in these environments, such as mole crabs, crabs, polychaetes, and some fish, are fundamental for the health of coastal ecosystems. They participate in nutrient recycling, help oxygenate the soil, and serve as food for many other species. In this way, we can infer that an environment is healthy simply by the presence of these animals.

Marine areas

Epipelagic from 0 to 200 m The Great Barrier Reef of Australia (size: 348,700km²) is equivalent to the territory of Italy + Slovakia. Mesopelagic from 200 to 1000 m Apnea diving record. Herbert Nitsch reached over 200m. Bathypelagic from 1000 to 4000 m In 1912, the ocean liner Titanic sank at a depth of 3,800m. Abyssopelagic from 4000 to 6000 m In this region you can find the Black Devil fish, which is bioluminescent, has “light antennae” on its head to attract its prey. The females of this animal are much larger, due to the scarcity of food in the depths, when the males find them, bite their "bellies" and start to live as parasites. Haddopelagic from 6000 to 11000 m The Mariana Trench, the deepest point of the ocean, is located at 11,000 meters, inside it Everest Mount would fit and there would still be space left.

Getting to know the sandbank

Getting to know the sandbank animals - The restinga is home to a great diversity of terrestrial and aquatic animals. It is important for the reproduction, protection and nutrition of several species. It can be a temporary shelter during the nesting of sea turtles or a permanent home for crustaceans. Getting to know the sandbank vegetation - The vegetation of the sandbank is formed by creeping plants (herbaceous) close to the sea; shrubs, such as cacti and bromeliads; in the area furthest from the sea it has arboreal vegetation, made up of tall and short trees, such as mastic tree.

Indo-pacific fish

Most fish that depend on reefs for food and shelter move little and thus tend to live in restricted geographic areas. Because of this, Indo-Pacific coral reef fish are rarely found in Atlantic waters. In this tank we can see species that live in the great barrier reef in Australia. These fish are extremely important for the environment in which they live, because when they feed, they open spaces in the reefs for new organisms to settle. Because they have a wide range of colors and shapes, the commercialization of these fish for aquarism has grown rapidly in recent decades to meet the needs of thousands of aquarists around the world.

EXHIBITION AREA: A socio-environmental look

Shelter of traditional peoples who for several generations have made harmonious use, with low environmental impact, of forest and marine resources, without the culture of depredation, as, like the original peoples, they depend above all on nature and respect it. Curiosity (as found in shell amoebas): The Sambaqui People: This prehistoric people of hunters and gatherers lived between the restinga and the mangrove forest - a strategic location for subsistence through the collection of fruits, wood, vines, rocks and game. marine and terrestrial animals for food.

What does Restinga suffer from?

Wild animal hunting Vehicle traffic Urban expansion Destruction of the sandbanks threatens to perish with potential pollinator Reference: OEco - 28/04/2023 The hypothesis was raised from records that show a small species of tree frog (Xenohyla truncata) inside flowers larger than it to suck nectar. This exclusive species of sandbanks of the state of Rio de Janeiro sees its home increasingly impacted and pressured by human occupation.

SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE

1 - Environmental Protection Areas and Permanent Protection Areas: Environmental Protection Areas and Permanent Protection Areas are natural spaces that value conservation through the sustainable use of natural resources. 2- Wildlife hunting: Bird trafficking is considered the third more profitable in Brazil among all wild animals. The statistic shows that for every 10 birds trafficked, 8 die before reaching illegal trade. This practice is illegal and can lead to up to 5 years in prison. 3- Vehicle traffic: Trampling caused by humans, as well as vehicle traffic, deforests a large part of the sandbank, leading to a reduction in the vegetation of this ecosystem, which could lead to its complete extinction. 4- Urban expansion: Sandbank vegetation serves as a protective barrier, which prevents the sea from advancing towards the shore. Urban expansion and the unrestrained and disorganized construction of projects have already had an impact, and continue to cause significant damage to this ecosystem. 5- Pollution: More than 95% of garbage found at the Brazilian beaches is made of plastic, items like bottles, disposable cups, straws, cotton swabs, ice cream packages and fishing nets. The presence of this waste can lead to the extinction of many species. Positive phrase: Over the past five years, five species of sea turtles have increased by 86.7% of their overall population. Negative phrase: Over the past 30 years, more than 1.1 million turtles have been killed or trafficked. In the last decade alone there were approximately 440 thousand per year, in 65 countries or territories.

EXHIBITION AREA: Changing habits

The conservation of Restinga is everyone's responsibility. Through small actions, such as collecting your own trash and participating in cleaning efforts, we can make a difference. Reducing overfishing and deforestation are also essential for its protection. The SDGs are goals with the aim of overcoming challenges in favor of sustainable growth, how about helping us in these missions?

Soft Corals

They can be considered large neighborhoods, having many important inhabitants to maintain the balance of this environment, an example that we can mention is the herbivorous fish that act in the control of the growth of algae, giving the corals more space for growth.

Axolotl

Meet the animal considered a legend and a symbol of conservation and resilience in Mexico! With fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, these incredible beings need our help to keep persevering and enchanting the world!

Is a seahorse really a fish?

This species of seahorse is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina in the United States to the southern region of Brazil, in Santa Catarina. It is a fish that lives in marine and brackish waters, usually associated with reefs, at depths ranging from 0 to 55 meters.

Sandy beaches: what lives in this environment?

Beaches are very dynamic ecosystems that are constantly changing because of wave shocks, daily tidal movement and marine currents. Animals that live in these places need to be adapted to these conditions so they are not carried by the currents, so they have frequent habits like swimming or burying. Very well known and visited by people, this environment suffers a lot of impact because of the garbage that is left on its sand.

Rocky shore

Rocky shores are coastal ecosystems formed by rocks of different sizes. These rocks provide a variety of habitats, and thus many species find suitable places for their survival. Physical factors such as light availability, temperature, tidal fluctuations, wave action, and salinity directly influence the vertical distribution of species along this rocky wall. Therefore, the environmental conditions acting on the rocky shore vary according to depth, and as a result, the animals differ at each depth. In Brazil, rocky shores are mainly found in the Southeast and South regions, and the main threats they face are pollution, trampling, selective removal of organisms, and the collection of ornamental fish.

Igapó

Piranhas are native to South America, the red piranha exceptionally has been introduced to China and the USA. Igapó is a typical forest of the Amazon, which occurs along the rivers, remaining flooded during most of the year. In its forests, we find vitória-régia, seringueira, buriti and sumaúma. The Igapó is home to seed-dispersing animals, including some species of piranhas.

Little Amazonians

Some of the small Amazonians are endemic to this region (found only in the Amazon basin). Many trunks, branches and leaves of trees fall into the rivers, which are accumulated at the bottom and with the decomposition of this material, the water becomes more cloudy, having a “tea color” and the ph, more acidic. The species you see here are very popular for aquariums, but overfishing these animals is a risk, as is the construction of hydroelectric plants and the degradation of their habitats, through mining, for example.

Morays

The morays are fishes that have cilyndrical body, and as well as the eels, belong to the order Anguilliforme. Their skin presents a variety of colors to camouflage with the environment in which they live, and can also secrete a protective mucus that in some species may even contain poison. They are carnivorous and have a keen sense of smell to hunt for animals such as octopuses, squid, crustaceans and small fish hidden in cracks of rocks and corals. These animals have large teeth that they use to grab and cut their preys that are usually slippery.

Education Research

Protocooperation

Clown fish are immune to the stinging actions of anemones and can live in their tentacles. Thus, these fish protect themselves from predators and benefit the anemones by providing food for them. Anemones are animals that have a stinging substance in their tentacles, which serves to capture fish as food. Clownfish are animals native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, which are resistant to the stinging action of anemones. Thus, clownfish and anemones live in an association that is advantageous for both, where the fish gets protection, while the anemone receives food brought by it.

Oceanic

The Oceanic tank represents the most remote environment of the coast, the open sea. Not having much places to hide, the animals that live in this environment have a dark back to blend into the darkness of the bottom, and a lighter belly to blend into the brightness of the surface. Most of the species of this tank occur in our coast, and thousands of them are captured every day to serve as food for the population. This tank has 7 m depth, 3.5 million liters of water and 25 m in diameter, and houses the largest specimens of AquaRio, such as our great sharks and rays.

Cartilaginous fish: sharks and rays

In the case of these sharks, the male wraps his body around the female’s body and maintains this position by biting her on the back or fin, keeping her immobilized until the end of copulation. This form of reproduction is clearly visible in this tank with the bamboo sharks and may be mistaken for fights. The butterfly ray is ovoviviparous; the number of offspring can vary from one to eight, and gestation lasts from four to nine months. The pups are born ready to live independently. However, its population has declined by 30% in recent decades and it is among the ray species at greatest risk of extinction. Among the causes is the illegal hunting of these animals, as they are sold commercially as “cação” (a general term used for shark meat).

EXHIBITION AREA: Preserving Restinga saves lives

Sea turtles are examples of animals that rely on resting to survive, as they lay their eggs on the beaches. With increased urbanization, they are directly affected. Excessive artificial brightness near the beaches can cause confusion in puppies after they leave their nests, attracting them to the wrong side, making it difficult for them to go to the sea and increasing their chances of predation, capture and run over out of water. In addition, adult individuals can be caught by fishing nets, decreasing their population.

Ecosystems

Kelp forest - Found in most oceans, they can reach up to 60 meters in height, and are formed by brown algae called “Kelps”. They are of great importance to the planet, as they capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. They are areas of protection, reproduction and feeding of a great diversity of species. Sea grasses - They are found in coastal areas on all continents except Antarctica. They form extensive benches, functioning as large condominiums and nurseries for various animals. Critical to the health of the ocean, they filter pollutants from the water and store large amounts of carbon, which warms the atmosphere. Lake - Only 3% of the total water on planet Earth is fresh. Of that small percentage, just over 2% is frozen in glaciers, and less than 1% in rivers and lakes, available for consumption. Lake Baikal in southern Russia is the deepest and most voluminous on the planet. This UNESCO world heritage site contains 20% of the Earth's unfrozen fresh water, and more than 1,700 species of plants and animals. Polar Zone - The planet Earth has two polar regions, these areas receive less sunlight, thus being colder. To survive extreme temperature conditions, animals have several adaptations such as hibernating, reserving fat, having a lot of fur, etc.

Reef

Coral reefs are the richest and most complex marine ecosystems of all. In addition, they form the largest geological structure composed of living organisms. Coral reefs are built primarily by superimposing stony coral skeletons. In addition to corals, there are also fauna associated with reefs, such as sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, fish and molluscs.

What is sandbank?

Coastal ecosystem that accompanies the entire coastline. It is a biological reserve rich in flora and species of animal diversity, as well as a place of migratory animals.

Serranidae

Known as the Dusky grouper, it is a large marine fish belonging to the Serranidae family, the same family as other groupers and hinds. In several regions, the species has experienced population declines due to overfishing and its slow growth rate. For this reason, it is considered a threatened species in some areas, and protective measures have been implemented in certain locations.

Jellyfish: Why am I called that?

Seajelly are invertebrate animals. They have a gelatinous body, composed of 98% water, tentacles that release a stinging substance and oral tentacles that serve to capture their food and take it to the mouth. They are carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and fish, eggs, worms, larvae and other smaller cnidarians. They swim by means of jet propulsion but do not have the strength to swim against the current, so they are considered part of the plankton. They are very important in the food chain as they control the planktonic population and are food for large animals, such as turtles.

What would you do?

The ocean covers more than 70% of the planet’s surface and supports an immense diversity of life. It regulates the climate, produces much of the oxygen we breathe, and feeds millions of people around the world. Despite its vastness, the ocean is vulnerable to human actions: pollution, overfishing, acidification, habitat loss, and climate change severely threaten this vital ecosystem. Conserving the oceans is not just about protecting marine animals - it’s about ensuring the balance of life on Earth. It means recognizing that our daily choices, from what we consume to the waste we discard, have a direct impact on the waters that surround the globe. Rethinking our relationship with the ocean requires awareness, respect, and action. Marine conservation is a collective duty that starts with education, involves effective public policies, and grows stronger with the engagement of every citizen. If we want a future with vibrant, healthy, and abundant seas, we must act now. Because saving the ocean ultimately means saving ourselves.

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION: Restinga Viva Project

The Restinga Viva Project, linked to the Brazilian Institute of Biodiversity (BrBio), seeks to conserve biodiversity, restore and recover degraded environments and sensitize residents and visitors of the Costa do Sol, valuing the relationship between society and the sandbank.

Plankton and Restinga

The restinga is connected to the sandy beaches and all its biodiversity, including phytoplankton (microalgae and cyanobacteria), responsible for most of the planet's oxygen production, in addition to being a base of the marine food chain. Some of them are bioluminescent, emitting visible light through chemical reactions. Illuminated beaches: where to find the phenomenon of bioluminescence in Brazil? This phenomenon caused by microalgae (phytoplankton), especially Noctiluca scintillans, can occur in any region of the country, more frequently on the south and southeast coast of Brazil and generally in more protected and warmer waters. Its occurrence is more common in summer, however, with increasingly hotter days, there are records like this also in winter, demonstrating the lack of characterization of the seasons. Pollution also affects the intensity of the phenomenon, favoring the bloom of these microalgae due to the large availability of nutrients.

Sharks

Curiosities The smallest shark in the world is the lantern shark, reaching a maximum length of 20 cm. The largest is the whale shark, which can reach 20 meters in length. SHARKS DON'T SLEEP! To rest, they slow down their metabolism, stopping or swimming very slowly to expend less energy. Its coloring helps it in protection and predation! The dark skin on the back blends in with the sea floor when viewed from above; the lighter part of the body helps it to be camouflaged when viewed from below.

CURIOSITIES

Senses: They can see something 15 meters away. The heightened sense of smell allows them to feel one blood drop 300 meters away. Skin: Shark skins are made up of placoid scales, which gives them a very rough surface. If the shark skin was completely smooth, it could cause turbulence and slow their speed. Eating: They will never be “toothless”! Your mouth has several rows of teeth, and they are constantly replaced. They eat fishes, crustaceans, octopus, turtles and sea lions. Human flesh isn’t in their diet! - If sharks liked human flesh, there wouldn't be any safe beach in the world. Reproduction: The fertilization is internal, but the development can be inside or out the mother’s body. Livebearers - Baby sharks are born without the egg; Ovoviviparous - The egg develops inside the mother’s body; Oviparous - Put eggs. The late sexual maturation, the production of few babies and the slow growth made them extremely vulnerable to extinction. ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE - Sharks are at the top of the food chain, and are extremely important for the marine environment balance. Today - with sharks - lots of biodiversity. Soon - without sharks - little biodiversity. In a long time - without sharks - no biodiversity. FISHING - In portuguese, “cação” is used commercially to hide the sale of sharks and rays, avoiding the idea of consuming an animal supposedly devourer of human beings. 100 millions of sharks die per year! 1. They are cruelly captured to get their fins. 2. In thousands, these fins are placed to dry in the sun. 3. After they are dry, fins are sold as ingredients to soup. 4. Served as status demonstration in Asian countries. 5. Their fins are more valued than their flesh. So sharks come back to the ocean without them, dying slowly. Shark Finning - It’s fishing sharks with the goal of taking away their fins.

African cichlids

The cichlids family has more than 25 thousand different species (and every year they discover a new one), considered the largest family of fish in the world, representing about 5% of all vertebrates on Earth!

Ice Sea

Little is known about its biology. It is essential that further studies are carried out for the conservation of these species.

Coral bleaching

The phenomenon occurs due to the unfavorable environment for the survival of these animals, the change in the temperature of the oceans is the main cause of death, since the phenomenon coincides with the warming of the oceans, the change of 1°C in the temperature of the water is enough for that to happen. Reefs are very sensitive environments, so changes are affecting their well-being. AquaRio participated in a research study of a specific dose of probiotics that help protect these animals during heat waves. “We use microorganisms that can mitigate these effects caused by excess ROS, reducing their concentration and delaying the process of dysbiosis [breakage of the relationship between coral and algae]. In addition, we offer the coral bacteria that are involved in the cycling of nutrients and that will provide energy during this period of stress, helping it to sub-exist while the alga does not return. Finally, we include pathogen antagonist bacteria in this cocktail, which can help it survive even in this adverse condition, because when the coral starts to become dysbiotic, the pathogens tend to grow and sometimes many opportunists start to take care of it” , explains researcher Raquel Peixoto for the Conecta UFRJ portal.

Superpower Alert!

Here at AquaRio, many animals have real ‘superpowers’, such as camouflage, venom, regeneration, and amazing adaptations to survive in the ocean. In this activity, you will discover some of these fascinating abilities! And if you want to learn more, we have a complete list with details about all the animals and their special skills.

Restinga: Beach or Forest?

The sandbank integrates the Atlantic Forest biome, its vegetation is quite diverse and its sandy soil, so it can not retain water, and its shape is shaping through the influence of waves and wind. In addition, its fauna consists of aquatic and terrestrial animals. It is a transition ecosystem crucial to the balance of the terrestrial and marine environment. Sandbank vegetation acts as a physical barrier against sea surf and can mitigate impact of coastal erosion Reference: O GLOBO - Rio de Janeiro - 30/03/2023 Effect caused by the hangover that hit the coast of Rio and left the avenue in Leblon full of beach sand, could have been softened by vegetation. The sandbank vegetation serves as a natural protection between sea and asphalt, preventing soil erosion. In addition to serving as a protective barrier in case of surf and wind, the sandbanks contribute to the fauna and flora of the place and also soften the temperature of the environment.

Rocky Shore: Rays

Because it presents a diversity of habitats, the rocky shore also shelters a wide variety of fish species. They use the areas near the rocky shore for different activities, including shelter, feeding, reproduction, or simply as a passage route. Many species have great economic importance, especially for artisanal fishing. A rocky shore is a coastal ecosystem formed by rocks of different sizes. These rocks provide a variety of habitats, allowing many animals to find suitable conditions for their survival. Physical factors such as light availability, temperature, tidal fluctuations, wave action, and salinity directly influence the vertical distribution of species along this rocky wall. Therefore, the environmental conditions acting on the rocky shore vary according to depth, and the animals that inhabit each depth are quite distinct. In Brazil, rocky shores are found mainly in the Southeast and South regions, and the main threats they face are pollution, trampling, selective removal of organisms, and the collection of ornamental fish.

Biological Strategy: Octopus

They are invertebrate animals that belong to the mollusk group. Therefore, they have a totally soft body with only one rigid structure: a pair of powerful beak-shaped jaws in the oral cavity. They have eight suction cup arms that they use for locomotion and food capture. They swim through jet propulsion, expelling water through their siphon, but prefer to crawl on the substrate around where they live. Octopuses are animals with an incredible capacity of camouflage, they can change color and texture of their skin. It has three hearts, one pumping blood to its body, and the other two to the gills. They are extremely intelligent animals, with the ability to learn and use tools for playing.

Shell

Gastropods Gastropods are single-shelled or shellless animals. They are found both in marine environments and in fresh water and even in the terrestrial environment. Whelks, sea slugs and snails are examples of animals in this group. Super curiosity! Shells of the species Monetaria moneta began to be used as currency around the 11th century BC and, until the 19th century AD, continued to be used in transactions in some regions of Africa. Bivalves These beings have a shell divided into two parts forming a small box! Inside are your organs. They can live buried in the sand, stuck to rocks or even resting at the bottom of the sea! Super curiosity! Pearls are produced by some bivalves! Whenever foreign elements, such as grains of sand or pieces of coral, enter the organism of these animals, the deposition of nacre (a shiny-looking substance) begins involving this possible invader. Thus forming the pearls! Cephalopods Its main feature is the presence of feet that come out of the base of its head. They may have internal shells (such as squid), external shells (such as nautilus) or the absence of shells (such as octopuses). Super trivia! Nautilus shells are formed by different chambers that can fill and empty with gas, to control the buoyancy of these animals. Making them real floating machines! WHY SHOULD WE NOT TAKE THE SHELLS OFF THE BEACH? Calcium carbonate is found in the shells, which helps in the formation of the skeleton of some marine animals. In addition, they serve as protection and shelter for other beings, in the construction of bird nests, substrate for marine flora and to make the marine environment stable.

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION: Project Aruanã

The Aruanã Project works contributing to the research and conservation of sea turtles in Guanabara Bay and adjacent areas, through the inclusion of society in a participatory way, promoting the dissemination of information on marine conservation, knowledge of communities linked to the sea.

Sharks

Great white shark It has large serrated triangular teeth. Their diet includes basically all large marine animals, such as fish, octopus, turtles, seals, dolphins, whales and other sharks. Bull shark Its dentition is composed of serrated triangular teeth. They feed on medium-sized fish, molluscs, turtles, rays, marine animals and other smaller sharks. Shortfin mako Their teeth are fine, they feed mainly on shark fish, however, larger ones and can feed on large prey, such as dolphins. Sand tiger shark They have fine, piercing teeth, used to eat medium-sized fish and small sharks.

Biological Strategies: Body shapes

Puffer fish have thorns and moray eels have a very strong bite. Protoreaster nodosus has black protrusions on its body that are used to deter predators due to their threatening appearance.

Igapó

Red piranha

Ecological importance: The increase in attacks is related to human actions, such as the construction of dams. Piranhas are detritivores, that is, they feed on the remains of organic matter. For this reason they are important for maintaining the health of the rivers in the regions where they occur. Food: Piranhas are not top predators and always attack out of hunger or when they feel threatened. Despite their fame, many species of piranhas do not feed exclusively on meat, they also act as important seed dispersers. Dentition: The teeth are triangular in shape and pointed, connected to very strong jaws, capable of tearing off pieces the diameter of the piranha's mouth. Their dentition was not made for chewing, but for cutting and swallowing. So when a hungry school attacks, the prey quickly disappears.

Researsh

Education, research, conservation and recognition: In 2016 AquaRio and UFRJ entered into a research partnership with the objective of seeking solutions for coral bleaching. Two types of probiotics were developed and tested in species kept in the aquarium, one works like a vitamin, which diluted in the water is absorbed by the corals. Nourished, the animals remain alive longer than they would in nature, without the zooxanthellae, and have a chance to recover them. The second probiotic acts as a sunscreen for corals, making them resistant to variations in water temperature, making them pass unscathed by stress. World-renowned research: We won the Australian Out Of The Blue Box Program's Most Environmental Impact Project award. Research considered the best publication of the journal Nature, in 2018. The mission is not over, we continue to take the next steps for the conservation of marine life and society as a whole.

EXHIBITION AREA: Importance and biodiversity:

It stands out in the ecological balance as a physical barrier against erosion processes, maintenance of water resources, shelter for endemic animals and plants, threatened with extinction and of economic importance. Fun fact: They are suitable places for spawning, incubation of eggs and birth of baby turtles

Red piranha

Life expectancy: 10 years; Incubation 9 - 10 days; 5000 eggs; Reproduction: oviparous; 33 cm; 3.5 kg. Red piranhas are found swimming in shoals, in rivers, lakes and ponds with muddy waters. This behavior helps protect against predators such as alligators and in hunting.

Corals Gallery

What are corals? Although they are easily confused with plants or rocks, corals are invertebrate animals. They can be solitary, colony-forming or reef-forming! They belong to the phylum Cnidarians. Group that emerged more than 500 million years ago. They are related to: Anemones, jellyfish, sea wasps, hydras and caravels. How do corals feed? Each coral has a mouth and tentacles around it, the only moving structures on its body, which help it capture its prey. They are carnivores, feeding on small zooplankton organisms. But for some, the main source of nutrition comes through their relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live protected within their tissues and give them their color. These microalgae carry out photosynthesis, transforming light energy into chemical energy. The products of this process increase the growth rate of corals due to supplementation. How do corals reproduce? Do corals have more than one way of reproduction? Sexual, in which a colony can have organisms of both sexes (female and male), which release their gametes for fertilization in the water, generating larvae called planulae, which are carried by the current until they settle and become small polyps, juvenile corals also called recruits. Asexual, through fragmentation, when a coral is "broken", due to environmental factors or human activities and this fragment gives rise to a new coral. There is also budding, when a coral generates a bud, releasing it into the environment to settle, forming a polyp and, in the future, a new colony. The importance of corals: Coral reefs are home to about 25% of the planet's marine biodiversity. They are known as “the tropical forests of the ocean”, they function as large condominiums that house thousands of marine animals and offer them an ideal place for reproduction, food and protection. In addition to playing a fundamental role for marine life, corals are also essential for human life: they function as natural barriers that protect coastal cities from the action of large waves, favor tourism, generate food and livelihood for various communities, in addition to being a source of raw material for the production of medicines.

Brazilian Corals

Usually groups of reefs are about 5 km away from the coast, ours are located very close to the coastline, which has conditions that are not considered ideal for these animals. In our waters there is a lot of availability of nutrients, the high turbidity makes access to light difficult, which is essential for microalgae to carry out photosynthesis; and the sediments that reach the sea through the rivers, make these animals spend a lot of energy cleaning themselves. Research was carried out, and when Brazilian coral species were exposed to higher temperatures, there was an increase of up to seven times in the amount of zooxanthellae in their tissue. Thus demonstrating a high resistance, compared to corals that live in crystalline waters and low levels of nutrients and organic matter. In the south of Bahia, mainly in the Abrolhos region, there are very characteristic coral formations, the so-called Chapeirões. These formations grow vertically on the ocean floor and expand to the sides, forming different designs, sometimes similar to mushrooms.

PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION: Project TAMAR

With the mission of promoting the conservation of sea turtles, focusing on Brazilian species, through research actions, environmental education and social inclusion, the TAMAR Project develops the management and protection of these animals, protecting other species and ecosystems. Since the 80’s the project has been successful in its actions present in 23 locations distributed in eight Brazilian states.

Partners for the sake of conservation

You have to know to keep it. Environmental education and scientific research are the pillars for conservation and Aquario, through partnerships with scientific projects and institutions, promotes the protection of biodiversity, which is already an urgent and essential issue in ensuring a lasting ecological balance. These projects work in the field, that is, in natural environments, bringing real and significant changes to a more sustainable world.

Chico Mendes Municipal Natural Parks e Marapendi

The Natural Parks are areas of nature conservation and all its biodiversity, being the responsibility of the federal government and used for tourist visits, scientific research and environmental education. The Chico Mendes Municipal Natural Park is located in the sandbank area of the sandy plain of the Baixada de Jacarepaguá, in order to conserve the Lagoinha das Tachas and its surroundings, while the Marapendi Municipal Natural Park extends the coastal strip of Barra da Tijuca, and emerges as an outdoor leisure space, in addition to an environmental conservation environment.

Medium-sized Amazonian fish

Because it is a region characterized by an extensive network of rivers, lakes, streams, and flooded forest areas known as igapós, the Amazon hosts one of the greatest diversities of freshwater fish on the planet. In this dynamic and highly complex environment, new species are described frequently, making it difficult to determine precisely the total number of species present in the region. Among the medium-sized fish that inhabit these ecosystems, freshwater stingrays stand out, being especially adapted to the conditions of Amazonian rivers. These animals play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, occupying specific niches and reflecting the extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary processes of the Amazon Basin.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WITH SHARKS

One of the research developed here is related to Elasmobranchs reproduction, growth and ex-situ behavior. We succeeded in reproducing the Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), an endangered species that reproduced for the first time under human care in Brazil. Research, Education and Conservation are the AquaRio pillars. That’s why we invest in scientific researches for the conservation of Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), due to population decline in recent times. In partnership with REPROCON (Reproduction for Conservation), we develop semen collection and analysis of our sharks and rays. So, we can guarantee the maintenance of a healthy population under human care and the creation of a genetic bank for these species.

What does Restinga suffer from?

Sewage pollution and disposal Trampling The Central Beach of Balneário Camboriú passed, between March and December 2021, by a work of enlargement in the North Coast of Santa Catarina. However, it lost 70 meters of sand due to sea erosion and on days of strong hangover, for example, it was common for the sea to invade Atlantic Avenue and cause havoc in the city.

SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE

RESTINGA The strip of sand serves as a breeding and feeding ground for some creatures. Sea turtles, for example, create their nests by laying their eggs there. In this space there is a higher concentration of salts and moisture brought in by the sea. Dunes move according to the wind, which is why these formations help to contain the winds coming from the ocean. Vegetation, on the other hand, provides structure for the dunes, and this connection, when preserved, acts as a natural barrier, preventing the sea from advancing. Few plant species are able to adapt and develop in this region, which is characterized by low, spaced vegetation that resembles a carpet. It is also common to find thorny bromeliads and cacti making up this scenery. In this region the soil is a little more stable, which is why there is an increase in the diversity of plant and animal species. During periods of flooding, the scenery resembles a swamp. A little further from the sea, the vegetation reaches larger sizes, around 15 meters high. The leaves, branches and some fruit provide shade, and when they fall, they fertilize the soil. DRY OR WET? Although the restinga has a drier characteristic, there are also environments that occur during a certain season of the year. This is the case with temporary pools, aquatic ecosystems of great importance for the life cycle of many species. Despite their momentary existence, they shelter and provide ideal conditions for the development of various animals, including fish. DID YOU KNOW? In Maricá-RJ, there is a species of annual fish, Leptolebias citrinipinnis, which is endemic and only occurs in this region, with a distribution in the temporary pools between the municipalities of Itaipuaçu and Barra de Maricá. The life cycle of this group is very short. The eggs are deposited on the bottom and remain in slow development throughout the dry season. The chicks hatch with the next rain and then the cycle begins again. The Annual fish are also known as cloud fish because of the belief that they were formed in the clouds before the rains.

EXHIBITION AREA - What is restinga?

Coastal ecosystem that accompanies the entire coastline. It is a biological reserve rich in flora and species of animal diversity, as well as a place of migratory animals.

Biological Strategy: Octopus

Did you know that crustaceans change their clothes?

That's right! Unlike us, these animals have a skeleton outside their body. During their growth, they exchange, a process that is called moulting or ecdysis. These changes guarantee a hard carapace, which will work as armor and protect the animal.

Cerianthus anemone

Anemones are animals that have a stinging substance in their tentacles, which serves to defend and capture food such as fish. Clownfish do not feel the stinging action of anemones, as they produce a mucus that covers their body. Thus, clownfish and anemones live in an association that is advantageous for both, where the fish gets protection, while the anemone receives food brought by it.

Rochy Shore

Supralittoral it is the region that is out of the water and receives splashes from the waves. In these areas live: barnacles, mussels and sea cockroaches. Mesolittoral is the region that is exposed at low tide and covered at high tide. In this area, in addition to barnacles and mussels, we find green algae and gastropods. Infralittoral is the region always covered by sea water. In this place live species of starfish, sea urchin and octopus.

Small Richness

In this fascinating place, there are creatures with a wide variety of strategies to ensure their survival. Some have different types of respiration, allowing them to move through various environments and even breathe outside of water. Others are true walking shields, covered in spines that may contain venom to keep predators away. There are those who have adapted to complete darkness, where sunlight never reaches—so they never even developed eyes! Some communicate through delicate body movements, almost like an underwater dance. And in some curious cases, it is the male who carries the offspring, while the female only lays the eggs.

Longsnout seahorse

Despite their body being different from most of the fish we know, seahorses are part of the bony fish group. Its body is made up of small bony plates and lacks scales. They can change color and move their eyes independently. They are difficult to find, as they adapt to the environment in which they live by camouflaging themselves among algae and corals. They have a prehensile tail, which they use to attach themselves to the substrate, preventing them from being carried away by currents. They are ovoviviparous! The female deposits her eggs in the male's incubator bag, which fertilizes and carries them until birth. A single male can give birth to 150 to 1,200 pups per gestation depending on the species.

Lobsters

Crustaceans, such as lobsters and crabs, during growth shed the outer part of their exoskeleton in a process we call molting or ecdysis. All groups of invertebrates have representatives in the marine environment (many of them are exclusively marine), which in these places are mostly benthic (they live on or buried at the bottom). Spiny lobsters live in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic, from North Carolina, USA, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the entire Caribbean.

What do small moray eels and lionfish have in common?

Small moray eels and lionfish live on rocky bottoms and coral reefs, where they use natural crevices and shelters to protect themselves and hunt. Both are carnivorous predators, feeding mainly on small fish and crustaceans. These species usually display discreet behavior, remaining still while waiting for prey, which helps with camouflage and hunting efficiency. Despite their relatively small size, they have effective defense mechanisms, such as the morays’ strong bite and the lionfish’s venomous spines. Small moray eels are usually solitary and do not pose a danger to humans. They belong to the order Anguilliformes, the same as eels, and to the family Muraenidae. Their bodies are long and snake-like, but they are fish. Depending on the species, their length can vary between 40 cm and 150 cm. They also have coloration patterns and spots that help them camouflage in their habitats. Moray eels are nocturnal fish, usually found near the substrate, inside tunnels and holes, and the depth varies depending on the species. In general, they feed on crustaceans and have a wide distribution around the world.

Jellyfish and plastic bags

In the ocean, plastic bags float as if they were natural prey, like jellyfish. When turtles mistake them for food, they end up ingesting the plastic, which can cause serious injuries or even death. Each improperly discarded bag becomes an invisible trap for marine life. Rethink your habits. Use less plastic. Protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Reef fish

Reef fish live among corals and form one of the most colorful and diverse ecosystems in the ocean. They help maintain the balance of the reef by controlling algae and participating in the food chain. In addition to their beauty, these fish are essential to the health of coral reefs and marine life as a whole.

Christmas at the poles

The activity “Christmas at the Poles,” developed by AquaRio’s Environmental Conservation Education Department, reinforces the role of environmental education as a transformative tool, especially when combined with festive and symbolic moments such as Christmas. The proposal is to celebrate and, at the same time, learn about the importance of protecting life in all parts of the planet — from the Arctic to Antarctica. Meet some of the animals: