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The latest arrivals for a new exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium sport some truly "alien" qualities. The common cuttlefish sports interesting color-changing traits, uses jet propulsion to move and hovers like a small blimp. They're now on exhibit next to a seahorse display that will be part of "Enchanted Seas", opening Memorial Day weekend. NEWPORT, Ore--Looking much like a creature from an old, underwater science fiction movie, a number of cuttlefish are now on display in the Jewels of the Sea changing exhibit area at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. A pair of eastern hemisphere common cuttlefish are in the same area as the lined seahorses, which will be part of a major new exhibit, entitled "Enchanted Seas", slated to open Memorial Day weekend. The common cuttlefish are not found in North America, but are related to the octopuses found along the Oregon coast, having eight arms and two tentacles. Cuttlefish use their tentacles to capture their prey and their arms to hold it when it's caught. They have a parrotlike beak and a radula to tear and rasp their prey in the same way octopuses eat. They are bottom dwellers that eat snails, clams and crabs and also swim for shrimp and other small fishes. Cuttlefish hover in the water when not sitting on the bottom, using jet propulsion to move. They will squirt a dark ink when scared in an effort to confuse pursuing predators and to change color to hide, or to send signals to predators or other cuttlefish. While the common cuttlefish has grey lines along its arms and some orange behind its eyes, its main color scheme ranges from very dark browns to white. The new "Enchanted Seas" exhibit will take visitors on a journey into the mystical world of seahorses, sea dragons and other magical sea creatures worth protecting. A bright new collection of ocean gems delights visitors in this special exhibit-seahorses hang onto seagrass with their prehensile tails (and their babies never fail to charm); dazzling tropical reef fishes, including wrasses, pipefish, and blennies, flit among the coral; sea dragons make their stately way through their habitat, trailing frilly appendages; while moray eels sneak a peek from their coral cave. And, if you crave a bit of the familiar, your favorite sea nettles, moon jellies and other jewels of the sea still greet visitors-most gracefully, of course. See how these magical creatures protect themselves using clever disguises, colorful patterns, striking camouflage and intriguing schooling behaviors. Learn what steps can be taken to help conserve, protect and preserve them. It's all waiting to be discovered in "Enchanted Seas" at the Oregon Coast Aquarium beginning Memorial Day weekend. Located just south of Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is named one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation by Parade magazine. Immerse yourself in Passages of the Deep and walk beneath the waves through a 200-foot clear underwater tunnel that snakes through three ocean habitats. Encounter sharks, rays and thousands of other fish swimming around you, while you solve "The Great White Mystery: What Happened to Surfer Bob?" Experience an exhilarating sensation when you look around and realize you're completely surrounded! Outdoors, rugged cliffs, caves and pools showcase the many fascinating fish and invertebrates of Oregon's coastal shores. Discover curious seals, sea lions and sea otters. A giant Pacific octopus lurks in an undersea coastal cave, and cartoonlike tufted puffins and other seabirds make their homes in one of the largest walk-through aviaries in North America. Indoors, take a peek "Under the Lily Pad" at the Ocean Exploration Station for an up-close view of frogs, newts and dragonflies as you discover the mysteries of pond life and explore the role these soggy spaces play in a healthy ecosystem. Visitors dip into the microscopic life of a pond community and see if they can identify the many creatures in the "duck soup" found in a pond ecosystem. Learn what's lurking beneath the pond's surface as you watch perch and bluegills, compare newts and salamanders and search for tree and red-legged frogs. You'll be ribbetted! Oregon Coast Aquarium admission is $10.25 for adults, $9.25 for seniors (65+), and $6.25 for children (4-13), children three and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at www.aquarium.org. Group rates are available when arranged in advance. The Aquarium is open every day except December 25. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. up to Memorial Day weekend. For additional information about the Oregon Coast Aquarium, surf www.aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH. Click one of the two links below for your choice of cuttlefish images. http://www.aquarium.org/press/pictures/EnchantedSeasExhibitPictures/CuttlefishPair032002byAllenBlevins.jpg http://www.aquarium.org/press/pictures/EnchantedSeasExhibitPictures/CuttlefishPairII032002byAllenBlevins.jpg For more information, please contact: Guy Di Torrice Oregon Coast Aquarium http://www.aquarium.org 541-867-3474 x 5224 guyd@aquarium.org |
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