Nature's Most Unusual Critters To Be Featured At Florida Aquarium

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Aquarium will open a new gallery this summer featuring nature's most remarkable marine species.

The gallery, MORPH’D, will feature 18 species from around the globe — such as the axolotl, paddlefish and chameleon — and will immerse guests in the adaptations of these unusual creatures with the goal of inspiring a deeper connection to nature.

The debut of the MORPH’D gallery marks the completion of the first of three phases in The Florida Aquarium’s $40 million expansion plan.

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“The freshwater habitats and oceans of the world are teaming with animals that have incredible adaptations and amazing stories,” said Florida Aquarium Senior Vice President of Animal Care & Health Tim Binder. “We are thrilled to be able to showcase some of these stories with our guests as we complete the first phase of our expansion. As animal care professionals, the excitement of providing our guests with the opportunity to experience these unique species fuels our passion for conservation and education in new and exciting ways.”

Located in the aquarium’s new 3,700-square foot special exhibit hall, MORPH’D introduces a diversity of animals that are perfectly evolved to survive. The curious creatures, interactive exhibits and multimedia experiences in the gallery serves is intended to educate as well as spark conservation actions, Binder said.

Other species on display will include epaulette sharks, archerfish, four-eyed fish and the bird poop frog.

As part of the aquarium’s expansion, MORPH’D and the new special exhibit hall is the first step in the nonprofit aquarium’s transformative journey.

The Florida Aquarium's $40-million expansion, which will be completed in 2025, will also include a grand outdoor sea lion habitat, a multi-species gallery that features puffins, and a large-scale outdoor exhibit featuring, for the first time on the west coast of Florida, California sea lions. A significant African penguin habitat will also be part of the outdoor expansion.

The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Click here for tickets.