Scuba Dive

"And our friends are all aboard..."

This post will appear periodically, letting folks know the latest news of what divers are seeing under the waves across the globe.  I look forward to hearing from you as you encounter the weird, the wonderful, and the downright odd.  I will kick this recurring post off with a selection of interesting tidbits from aquariums from around the world.

 Georgia Aquarium, USA
A giant squid has come to the Georgia Aquarium!  OK, so it’s dead.  And, it’s constant formaldehyde bath has reduced it to the consistency and appearance of firm tofu.  Oh, and prior handling broke many of the tentacles, giving it the nickname “shorty.”  So, turn around and watch the beluga exhibit behind it instead.  That one really is fantastic.

Melbourne Aquarium, Australia
Penguin sex.  King and Gentoo penguins getting it on.  Need I say more?

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Not just an aquarium, but an entire sea paradise.  Located at the tip of Yokohama Bay, this unique destination combines an aquarium with a sea-themed amusement park.  Just like diving from a boat, you can get seasick on the rides then go see the aquatic wonders.

Two Oceans Aquarium, South Africa
The United Nations declared last year the International Year of the Frog.  Don’t tell me you missed it!  Now people can get that frog feeling all the time with an enormous permanent exhibit dedicated to our amphibious ancestors.  The website lists one of the compelling reasons to visit the exhibit as “Frogs with personalities!”  How could you say no?

New England Aquarium, USA
I guarantee that no where else in the world can you find the collection of sea creatures as specific and specialized as this aquarium’s Gulf of Maine exhibit.  Highlights include blue and white lobsters, which turn into American flags when you drop them into a stock pot.

Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium, Monaco
In 1910, Prince Albert I cleaned out his garage and put all of his old nautical stuff in this building, including excellent examples of why fish should not be subject to the rigors of taxidermy.  Forgo the entry fee and instead spend your time out front looking at what I believe is the most interesting thing related to the museum: a submarine used extensively by Jacques Cousteau.  And, best of all, the thing is bright yellow.  (I kid you not.)  “In the town, where I was born…”