The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium introduced hundreds of marine animals to public exhibit when it reopened its doors with its restored Living Gallery of
Aquariums in March of 2024.

While many of the original popular species are still on view, several new species have been added, including:

  • Flamingo Tongue: This western Atlantic mollusk has striking orange and yellow spots on its body.This is the first time Flamingo Tongues have been exhibited in a public aquarium.
  • Lion Paw: For the first time the Museum is exhibiting a group of these large bivalves whose colorful shells are among the most prized by collectors. The new exhibit of Lion Paws also includes Thorny Oysters.
  • Two-Spot Octopus: This octopus may grow up to two feet and loves to play with toys and other items provided by staff for enrichment in her aquarium.
  • Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus: Also known as Bumblebee Octopus, Caribbean Two-Spot Octopuses are well known for their bright colors and the two eye-like spots of vivid iridescent color.
  • Strawberry Conch: Strawberry Conchs’ large, camera-type eyes are exceptionally well-developed and have at least six cell types in their retinas that can detect objects as small as one degree within their visual field.

“These welcome additions to the Living Gallery will introduce visitors to diverse marine life including cephalopods and animals with beautiful shells from Southwest Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific,’’ said Carly Hulse, National Shell Museum & Aquarium Senior Aquarist.

Other species on view include Giant Clam, Disco Clam, Queen Conch, Horse Conch, Lined Seahorse, California Sea Hare, Giant Triton, and Red Abalone, among dozens more.

New supporting exhibits in the Living Gallery illuminate the biology and behavior of mollusks including growth, anatomy, feeding, reproduction, and amazing traits that can be difficult to explain by science. New exhibit features include videos, large touchable shells, dioramas, a growth series of Junonia shells, and more.

Keeper Chats are presented daily at 11am and 2pm during which Aquarists share stories and fun facts about marine life on exhibit. Touch Pool Talks are offered by Educators at 3pm daily.

Plan your visit today at ShellMuseum.org.

###

About the Museum

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.

 

Media Contact:

Stephanie Muddell

smuddell@shellmuseum.org

(239) 347-5113