Starting November 9, the Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium enhances its offerings with a new themed area dedicated to the camouflage of marine specimens. Titled “The Illusionists of the Sea,” this immersive experience will allow visitors to explore the extraordinary camouflage abilities of ocean inhabitants.
The new area is designed to captivate both children and adults, featuring informative panels and interactive presentations that will guide visitors throughout their journey. Guests will have the opportunity to observe intriguing marine creatures up close, such as the Banggai Cardinalfish, the comet fish, the mimic octopus, and many other specimens renowned for their chameleon-like skills.
Discovering Camouflage
Camouflage represents a fundamental evolutionary strategy for many marine species. This ability allows animals to visually adapt to their surroundings, thereby increasing their chances of survival. There are two main forms of camouflage: defensive cryptic camouflage, used to evade predators, and offensive camouflage, employed to deceive prey.
For example, the comet fish tends to hide among rocks, leaving only its tail fin visible; thanks to its spotted coloration, it manages to blend in with its environment. Similarly, the mimic octopus from Indonesia possesses the remarkable ability to alter not only its color and body shape but also its movements to resemble as many as ten different marine animals.
Fascinating Specimens
Tropical seahorses are distinguished by their unique spots and stripes that help them camouflage within various marine habitats. These animals also exhibit particular movements that facilitate their approach to prey. Another interesting example is the frogfish, which uses a natural lure formed by the first ray of its dorsal fin to attract small fish or shrimp.
In contrast to these defensive strategies, some species adopt vibrant colors and unique shapes to flaunt their presence. The Banggai Cardinalfish is a prime example: swimming in groups creates a disorienting visual effect for predators thanks to its striking black and white striped pattern.
An Educational and Fun Journey
The “The Illusionists of the Sea” area offers visitors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of these survival techniques through four large themed tanks. Children can also have fun with interactive installations, such as one that allows them to camouflage behind a pygmy seahorse amidst corals.
The Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium presents a visit rich in naturalistic details that reconstruct various aquatic habitats: from the Sarca River to the Lake, extending to the Po Delta and beyond, including the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. With over 5,000 marine creatures from 100 different species to admire through portholes and domes designed specifically for younger visitors, every corner of the aquarium tells fascinating stories about the underwater world.
A highlight of the experience is the transparent ocean tunnel, where visitors can feel like an integral part of the ocean, surrounded by sharks, rays, and a myriad of colorful fish. This new educational journey invites everyone to discover the captivating world of marine life through the art of camouflage.
Italian Version
