Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO

03/26/2025

UPDATE: a second gecko egg has been lain right in front of the first one that Natalie found earlier today❤️

03/26/2025

Spring is in the air! Natalie spotted a second egg from our crested gecko, Bonnie! She will log it in and set it into the incubator to n the classroom.

03/23/2025

03/19/2025

Just in time for Spring, we have a developing Russian tortoise egg! Reptile staff, Natalie, is responcible for overseeing reptile care. We have two female Russians which were donated by a private home.

The incubatoe is set to a constant 87 degrees F and monitord daily. Russian tortoise eggs in captivity have an average hatching time of 60-75 days. In the wild, the incubation is roughly 80-110 days.

Documentation from California Turtle and Tortoisese Club notes " In may or June, the female lays 2-6 eggs, ... Hatchlings emerge in August or September,..."

Our tortoises are active all year long without "seasonal" changes in their habitats. We do note a slowing down of food intake and increased testing time in the Winter season.

As you know with nature, events happen their own rate. Natalie will watch over the egg and continue to document changes and any progress. It will be an interesting to watch how and if the egg continues to develop.

03/14/2025

Camelot the Bearded Dragon then and now!! The difference between the pictures is 3 years! Did you know Bearded Dragons can smell with their tongue just like snakes?!

03/13/2025

Interns Owen and Oliver found that one of our Horse Shoe Crabs molted its exoskeleton!! Crazy to see just how big they get after just one molt!

03/05/2025

Someone decided to hitch a ride on one of our Short Spine Sea Urchins! 🐚🦀

03/03/2025

Please remember the Aquarium is closed to the public the first Wednesday of every month for training.

02/27/2025

We had a blast traveling to the Polk County Library to do a Marine Invertebrate class for the local high school students!!🐚🦀🪸

02/26/2025

Did you know sea stars have 2 stomachs? Here our Chocolate Chip Sea Star is showing off the outer stomach which is called the Cardiac Stomach!

02/24/2025

Good morning from our Strawberry Conch!! This snail is enjoying some yummy algae on the tank glass! Did you know Strawberry Conchs use their muscular foot to move themselves?! This particular conch used its foot to prop itself vertically against the glass! You can also see the eye stalks of the conch which allows them to see a wide field of vision.

02/21/2025

Come see us at the aquarium today from 1-4! Our Tomato Clown awaits guests on his Sebae Anemone!

02/20/2025

Visit the Aquarium this afternoon for our version of Remote Learning! With your entry, each child will receive a fun fact sheet to do as they enjoy our guides and exhibits. Sheets are grade level appropriate for school age. We hope to sea you at the sea!

02/19/2025

The Aquarium follows the inclement weather policy of the HCPS The schools are closed today and so is the Aquariium. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the falling flakes!

02/18/2025

The Aquarium residents are happy to share their space after the very uncommon weather we have had!

I wanted to introduce you our newest resident, the spotted snake eel. She currently resides in the New Moon system, often hidden under the sand. She is a burrow dweller so we usually only see her head sticking up! This eel is not as aggressive as the moray family. In general, eels have very poor eyesight and rely on their sense of smell to locate food!

There are more than 800 species of eels that can be found around the world.

02/14/2025

Our garden eel awaits patiently for tomorrow! The Aquarium opens 1-4 pm 2/15/25!

02/10/2025

Yes, we are getting ready to sea you soon!