Canada is famous all over the world for its breathtaking landscapes and resident wildlife, but its waters are an even greater treasure trove of extraordinary habitats and animals.
As you explore the Canadian Waters gallery, you will journey from coast to coast via freshwater wildernesses, fisheries and kelp forests. Take in the impressive biodiversity of the Great Lakes – they account for 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water and are an essential part of Canada’s freshwater habitat. And with three oceans to choose from, it’s no wonder our marine habitats are home to such a variety of flora and fauna.
Giant Pacific octopuses start their lives about the size of a rice grain and will reach well over 15kg in their 3-4 year lifespan. They are well-adapted hunters, with over two thousand chemoreceptive suckers, sharp eyesight, a venomous bite, and skin that can change colour and texture in a fraction of a second.
American lobsters are naturally reddish-brown in colour. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is home to lobsters of many colours! These distinct, bright colours are caused by genetic anomalies and are extremely rare, up to one in ten million!
Cod have been a popular food fish for over 500 years and ultimately, overfishing has decimated their populations. Considered an apex predator, Atlantic cod can grow to a length of 2 metres, and reach 25 years of age.
The prehistoric paddlefish can be found in our Great Lakes exhibit. They use their rostrum or “paddle”, which can be up to 1/3 of their body length, to detect zooplankton in the water.
Our Great Lakes exhibit features lake sturgeons, which can grow to 2 metres, making them North America’s largest freshwater fish!
Though called an eel, the wolf eel is not a true eel – more simply just a long, skinny fish! These fish can be found in the North Pacific kelp forest and are often very friendly with divers.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is designated as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
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