Journey to a Coral Reef
See, touch and experience corals and surrounding marine life.
The world's first large-scale exhibit of coral reproduction is found here on this floor.
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- Aquarium Area Guide
- Journey to a Coral Reef
- Freshwater Life
Let's think about Okinawan stream environment
Freshwater Life
We have an exhibit area that houses an array of life found in Okinawa's freshwater environment. This area compares life that has been brought in from the outside by humans, with indigenous species that have existed in Okinawa since long ago.
Many native species that live in the freshwater rivers and ponds of Okinawa are in danger of extinction. You can learn more about the river environment in Okinawa and throughout Japan through this exhibition.
| Species | Approx. 20 |
|---|
Marine life found in this area
Must-see Points
Tontonmi: A Goby in Your Hand?- Believe it or not, this tontonmi (barred mudskipper) eats feed from Aquarium staff's hands directly! If you are lucky, you might see this little creature nibbling at food.
* This exhibit is not always on exhibit. 
An Okinawan Mystery? The Giant Mottled Eel and Coconut Crab- The giant mottled eel is not just a regular eel that has grown large - it is a totally different species. You will see plenty of these eels around Okinawa. They can be up to 2 meters in length.
Weighing in at 2kg, the coconut crab is the largest member of the hermit crab to be found anywhere in the world. The coconut crab packs a powerful set of pincers that allow it to tear open palm tree fruits for food. Danger! Do Not Touch Hermit Crabs! 
The Swamp Eel: A marine creature that down in the water?- The swamp eel is a whole different creature to the regular eel. Its gills have degenerated over time, and now it is only able to breathe air. For this reason, if it cannot breathe air, it will drown in the water. The swamp eel is a Group IB endangered species, and is seriously threatened with extinction in the wild.
*Please note that there are reading mistake.