The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel Island recently unveiled an impressive collection of marine animals with the reopening of its Living Gallery of Aquariums this March. The museum has expanded its exhibits, now showcasing a wide array of new and captivating species alongside its beloved classics.
New Additions to the Living Gallery
Visitors can now marvel at a variety of new species, each offering unique insights into the world of marine life:
- Flamingo Tongue: This vibrant western Atlantic mollusk, adorned with striking orange and yellow spots, makes its public debut at the museum.
- Lion Paw: For the first time, the museum is featuring these large, colorful bivalves, highly prized by collectors. The exhibit also includes thorny oysters, adding to the display’s richness.
- Two-Spot Octopus: Growing up to 2 feet in length, this playful octopus delights visitors as it interacts with toys and other enrichment items in its aquarium.
- Caribbean Two-Spot Octopus (Bumblebee Octopus): Known for its vivid iridescent spots resembling eyes, this species adds a burst of color to the exhibit.
- Strawberry Conch: Renowned for its large, highly developed eyes, the strawberry conch can detect objects with remarkable precision, making it a fascinating subject for observation.
“These new additions to the Living Gallery offer visitors a chance to explore the diverse marine life, including stunning cephalopods and shelled animals from Southwest Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific,” said senior aquarist Carly Hulse.
Expanded Exhibits and Interactive Features
Beyond the new species, the museum has enhanced its exhibits with interactive elements that shed light on the biology and behavior of mollusks. Highlights include videos, large touchable shells, detailed dioramas, and a growth series of the rare junonia shell. These additions provide a deeper understanding of mollusk anatomy, growth, feeding habits, and reproduction, as well as showcasing their incredible traits that often baffle scientists.
Daily Keeper Chats and Touch Pool Talks
To enrich the visitor experience, the museum offers daily Keeper Chats at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., where aquarists share fascinating stories and insights about the marine life on display. Additionally, Touch Pool Talks led by educators are available daily at 3 p.m., providing an opportunity for hands-on learning.
For more details, visit ShellMuseum.org.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
