The Temperate Area complex includes the following exhibitions:
1.- Humbolt Penguins and Birds Shelter (Outdoors)
On the outside of Temperate Installation, in addition to the seals exhibition, public is aware of two installations: the Humboldt penguins, where the activity "Penguin Encounter" takes place and the installation Bird Shelter. In this place, the Oceanogràfic keeps their bird's eggs, but those were considered at risk for neglect of their parents, facing the threat of a predator or because of the inclemency of the weather.
2.-Seal exhibition.
This space represents the habitat of a colony of common seals that has been established on the characteristic groups of rocks found at the foot of cliffs. The behaviour of this family of pinnipeds (a group which also includes the walrus, sea lions, and the sea elephant) can be observed from both the upper and lower levels.
3.- Kelp woodland.
In this aquarium, which represents the Californian coast, the main feature is that of the woods of the most complex and impressive seaweed on the planet, which grows to a height of 50 m. It is the habitat for species such as the garibaldi, the California sheephead, the giant green anemone, and the sunflower starfish. The spectacular dimensions of the kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) constitute the peculiarity of this type of ecosystem, which can be related to the structure of coniferous woodland.
4.- The Izu peninsula.
This exhibition is devoted to one of the most interesting areas of the North Pacific, the rugged coast of the Izu Peninsula in Japan. Located on one of the major tectonic faults of the planet, this peninsula is where an unusual mixture of cold and warm waters converges. Together with the irregular underwater topography, this has allowed species with truly fascinating morphological adaptations and dimensions to develop. The star of this aquarium is the Japanese spider crab; adults grow to over 4 m in length and weigh between 16 and 20 Kg. Other species as interesting as the pineapple fish, the trumpet fish, and the swallowtail sea perch also live in this aquarium.
5.- Deep Blue.
Set of 5 tanks of small and midsize tower located in the Temperate. Depth ecosystems are represented here, in which we find cold water and low light. Therefore the animals that live here have curious adaptations. In the tank we can find samples of fish, including San Pedro, pufferfish Takifugu (widely known as a dangerous delight in Japanese cuisine) and Pineapple Fish. We can also observe invertebrates such as the Nautilus, Scyllarus arctus, Gorgonians or Strawberry Anemones.
6.- Sea horses, sea dragons, and jellyfish.
Just before passing through the tunnel that will take him/her to the tropical seas, the visitor can observe in three small aquariums some of the most curious animals to inhabit the oceans
The strangely shaped sea horses, those masters of camouflage that are the majestic sea dragons, and the jellyfish that is both admired and feared will amaze us with their delicate swimming movements.
7.- Underwater tunnel. Oval Hall.
Through this 70-metre long tunnel, visitors can cross the Atlantic Ocean from the temperate latitudes to the tropical ones. Throughout the passage, it is very interesting to note the gradual change in species that comes about due to that change in latitude. Outstanding among these species are the rubberlip drums, sea bream, mackerel, guitarfish, lookdowns, and blue cromis, and crustaceans like the the horseshoe crab, as well as great schools of almaco jacks.
8.-Tropical Room.
At the other end of the underwater tunnel, the new Oval Room represents tropical areas as a whole. With two panoramic exhibitions, this magnificent hall reproduces the most characteristic reefs of the oceanic world, the Indo-Pacific and the Caribbean.
Through its 24-metre display windows both tropical ecosystems can be compared; they are characterised by a great variety of species and colours:
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