The diversity of marine life in the open ocean ranges from very high
for planktonic animals and plants to low in the larger animals compared
to other habitats. However the size and speed of some of these animals
is rarely matched elsewhere.
Currents play an important role in the
migration of animals and the availability of food. Grey Nurse Sharks exhibited
in the Open Ocean
Oceanarium are a species that migrate up and down the south east coast
of Australia
each year. Scientists are trying to find out more about this endangered
shark species to better understand their movements to help conserve
this species from extinction.
Large carnivorous species of fish and sharks
that are displayed in
the oceanarium are examples of what might be encountered in the ocean
environment. Smaller schools of fish that find safety in numbers are
also displayed and are typical of these habitats, as are the Snapper,
Kingfish
and Trevally that are sought after by fishermen.
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Platypus
The male Platypus has a sharp venomous spur on the inside of each rear leg. There have been no deaths to humans stung by platypus, but small animals have died due to the venom.
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