Extremely Rare Philippine Sailfin Finds New Home in Austin Aquarium

Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 21, 2014

Austin Aquarium is not all fishy these days. As part of a comprehensive representation of the planet’s animals, Austin Aquarium has hundreds of species of non marine animals – from Lorikeets, Aricaris and Macaws to iguanas, skinks, snakes, and as of January, a very rare and very exotic Philippine sailfin affectionately called “Captain”! This may be the only sailfin on exhibit in the entire country at this time. While the rare species was acquired last year by Aquarium Husbandry, the show-stopper missed the grand opening rush as the vet and herpetology experts on staff worked to prepare for the habitat and the care needed for this newest superstar. The Aquarium’s herpetology team includes five reptile experts who are self acclaimed “reptile addicts." Non-reptile team members claim a special admiration for their “herp” colleagues, adding that “the reptiles under their care simply like those team members more, so we stay away and just stick with ocean species. Like our guests, I think the reptiles can tell the difference between marine staff and reptile staff and after years of addiction to reptiles the folks in that department have taken on their own countenance.” The camaraderie and respect among team members was as thick as it was conspicuous. “If any of us had to sit behind a desk for more than an hour a day instead of play with our favorite animals, I think we’d go insane” added one team member who says she is doing what she wanted to do since she was seven. It appears this extremely rare sailfin, “Captain”, will not have a shortage of fans and friends.

Austin Aquarium provides children and families access to the excitement and learning opportunities of the ocean without the long trip to the coast. Guests can watch jellyfish float and glow, admire the bright and colorful corals, and hear the bark of our fur seals brought from Uruguay, all within easy reach of home. Austin Aquarium offers multiple educational programs and events for kids, as well as behind-the-scenes tours for those curious about what it takes to keep an aquarium in good working order. Popular events developed by the owners from their other locations, such as birthday parties and Marine Biologist for a Day programs, will also be featured here at Austin Aquarium.

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