Aquariums in Long Island

The Long Island Aquarium Exhibits

There is always something fun to do on Long Island. The shopping, restaurants, and attractions are some of the best in the world. There is excitement in the air, and it can be challenging to decide what to do first. Wrap up the summer with a trip to an aquarium.

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

This is where the Coral Reef Exhibit can be found. This is a thirty-foot long coral reef display with 20,000 gallons of water. The natural reef ecosystem features a back reef, reef wall, terrace, and crest. Viewers will delight in the 800 varieties of marine life and fish including tangs, angelfish, sea urchins, wrasses, sea cucumbers, gobies, crabs, and snails. There are soft and stony corals, coralline algae and anemones. Natural aquatic behavior is showcased by the diversity and size of the reef.

The Sand Shark Lagoon appears as visitors cross the delightful wooden bridge. On one side are the North Shore's rock-strewn beaches and towering bluffs with the other side depicting the South Shore's salt marshes and rolling dunes. 

This exhibit features the same types of fish seen off Long Island's shores. Every fish in the exhibition was caught locally, usually in Shinnecock Bay or Peconic Bay. One of the most plentiful sharks on the United States Atlantic coast are the sand sharks. They are featured in this exhibit along with common Long Island fish including striped bass, clearnose skates, smooth dogfish sharks, fluke, weakfish, tarpon and a lot more.

The Koi Pond showcases the national fish of Japan, the Koi. These fish are prized for their vibrant markings and numerous colors. They grow up to three feet long, live approximately fifty years and live in cold waters. Their diet includes plant life, insects, worms, and shrimps. The Koi Pond has a variety of aquatic plants as well including water lilies, water hyacinth, papyrus, canna and water lettuce.

The Sea Lion Coliseum

It is challenging to meet the thirteen-year-old, 400 pound California sea lion named Java and not fall in love instantly. Every day visitors at the aquarium enjoy a spectacular fifteen-minute show. Java has some fantastic moves including using her incredible flexibility to touch her nose to her lower back, high five her trainer and boogey to the dance tunes. The Sea Lion Coliseum is an excellent way for a family to spend the afternoon.

We hope you enjoy yourself at the aquarium, let us know how it went!