Six animals you should meet at the Two Oceans Aquarium

The Two Oceans Aquarium is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from magnificent ragged-tooth sharks to spectacular stingrays. But here’s the thing: It’s easy to be so captivated by the “stars of the show” that you might miss out on some of the smaller, lesser-known animals that are just as fascinating.

Here are six animals you definitely don’t want to overlook on your next visit...

Dwarf pufferfish

Small but mighty, the dwarf pufferfish is one of the cutest residents of the Aquarium. With its dotted skin, yellow accents, and striking green-ringed eyes, this quirky little fish is a master of camouflage. It can often be spotted buried in the sand to hide from predators, leaving only its eyes peeking out!

Don’t be fooled by its size - this pufferfish packs a punch. Its fused teeth form a beak strong enough to crack open hard-shelled prey, and it even carries a natural toxin that deters predators from messing with it. Look for them in the Dwarf Pufferfish Exhibit just after the I&J Ocean Exhibit's tunnel.

Abalone

Locally known as perlemoen, abalone is more than just a sea snail - it’s a symbol of marine conservation. Their iridescent, "mother-of-pearl" shells are instantly recognisable, and their grazing on kelp scraps helps keep ecosystems in balance.

Unfortunately, abalone populations are under threat due to overfishing and poaching, making them a powerful reminder of the need to protect our oceans. At the Aquarium, you can see these incredible molluscs up close and learn why they’re worth saving.

Spiny sea star

They may look delicate, but spiny sea stars are anything but! With arms stretching up to 70cm, they’re some of the largest sea stars around. Their vibrant colours (often with yellow, red, or purple-tipped arms) may be striking, but their ability to blend into sand and rock makes them masters of disguise.

At the Aquarium, you’ll have a front-row seat to admire these resilient animals in the Diversity Gallery without straining your eyes...

Black musselcrackers

Despite their grumpy faces, black musselcrackers are fondly referred to as the grandpas of the I&J Ocean Exhibit. Their bulbous noses are actually muscle-packed adaptations for jaw strength, making them the ultimate “shell crushers.” Their jaws are equipped with cone-shaped teeth and molars that can crunch through the toughest shells, like mussels, sea urchins, crustaceans, and sea stars.

Watch them at feeding time and you’ll understand why they’re a true powerhouse of the ocean.

Parrotfish

It’s not just their bright colour that makes parrotfish stand out - it’s their unique beak-shaped mouths. Their "beaks" are actually tightly packed teeth that help them to scrape algae off rocks and coral. In the wild, parrotfish play a crucial role in keeping coral reefs healthy, and bring a splash of tropical colour to our local waters.

At the Aquarium, you’ll get to admire their beauty up close in the I&J Ocean Exhibit.

South African butterflyfish

Often overlooked (they share an exhibit space with our octopus), the South African butterflyfish is a true national treasure. Endemic to South Africa's coastline, they live nowhere else. Their bold stripes make them a dazzling sight, while their "false eye" markings help them confuse predators.

It’s not every day you get to see a fish that represents our waters so exclusively - don’t walk past the Octopus Exhibit without giving them a moment of your attention.

The ocean is full of hidden gems, and the Two Oceans Aquarium is the perfect place to discover them. While our sharks, stingrays, and penguins may steal the spotlight, these six animals show just how much beauty and wonder exist in the smaller details.

Next time you visit, take a little extra time to explore the exhibits and look a bit closer - you might just find your new favourite animal!