The reef tank in our Wee Beasties exhibit is home to a variety of marine animals.

Coral reefs play an important part in the ocean ecosystem and support over 25% of all marine life on our planet. Corals are found all over the world from warm tropical seas to deep cold waters. There are even reefs off the west coast of Scotland. Although they might look like plants, corals are actually animals. They are made from groups of little creatures called polyps that live together inside an exoskeleton. When lots of corals appear in one place they can form a coral reef which provides a home for many marine animals.

CLEAN UP CREW

Many underwater creatures survive by eating algae and parasites that live on rocks and the bodies of other marine wildlife. Big animals such as turtles and sharks, pick up lots of parasites while swimming in the open ocean. When they visit places like coral reefs, smaller creatures help them clean up – by eating the parasites right off their bodies. 

PREDATORS AND PREY

Fish are a key part of the underwater food chain. Big fish eat smaller fish, while their waste and scraps provide food for many other creatures. 

Don’t worry! Our fish have been carefully chosen – so they are not going to eat each other!

Everything in our tank has been sustainably sourced. This is very important as wild caught fish and coral are having a devastating impact on the health of reefs and species numbers in the wild. 

HOW WE'RE HELPING

Like all the animals in our care the species in our reef tank are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation