Ragged-tooth sharks are the stars of the show in the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, but they share this space with several other species – all equally amazing, and fascinating. Let’s meet a few of these fantastical beasts so that next time when you visit the Aquarium and the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit, you will know where to find them.
Giant kob (Argyrosomus japonicus)
Not to be dramatic, but these incredible silver fish might be some of the most beautiful cold water fish around. With their large scales perfectly “paved” over their bodies, and the very distinct diamond shapes running along their lateral line, they definitely catch the eye with their sparkle.
If their silver glistening isn’t enough to hold your attention, their singing abilities might just do the trick. Large males contract their sonic muscles, creating vibrations against their swim bladders. This in turn creates a low booming sound which is used during spawning season to attract a mate or to deter other males.
Yellowbelly rockcod (Epinephelus marginatus)
Where the giant kob is bedazzled with diamonds and silver shine, the yellowbelly rockcod sports a deep brown body with white splodges, and a very distinct yellow belly. Well, most of the time. Yellowbelly rockcods can turn pale cream-white in colour in an instance. They do this to communicate with other rockcods and fish in the area. Being highly territorial and protective of their cave homes, these fish need to let others know that they mean business. What better way to do that than to magically change colour? That is sure to get everyone’s attention.
You can often spot our yellowbelly rockcod digging a hole in the sand and "people watching" near the main window of the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit.
Spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii)
Another spectacular species in the Save our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit is the spotted grunter. These fish are easily identified by their shimmering silver colour and small black spots. Their distinctive sloping foreheads end in large, almost pout-like lips. While doing the fish equivalent of a headstand, with tails up and heads down, they squirt jets of water into the sand to uncover their prey of crustaceans, worms, and sand prawns. As if fish acrobatics isn’t enough to make spotted grunter extraordinary, they also produce a grunting sound in their throats by grinding their strong jaws together!
Well, there you have it. Sharks are magnificent, but when visiting the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium, also keep an eye open for all the other fantastic species that bring their unique and fascinating qualities to this exhibit.
