We have Lions(fish) too: Meet the national marine aquarium's newest residents...

The National Marine Aquarium (NMA), home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, is about to welcome three brand new juvenile Lionfish into its Moonpool exhibit ready for the summer season

The National Marine Aquarium is delighted to announce the arrival of three juvenile Lionfish, soon to be arriving at the aquarium’s Moonpool exhibit, beneath the UK’s deepest exhibit, this summer.  

These intriguing newcomers are set to make a big splash as they arrive at the UK’s national aquarium, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and mystery of these remarkable creatures up close.

Known for their striking appearance, Lionfish have vibrant stripes and long, venomous spines that make them one of the ocean's most distinctive species. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Lionfish have become a subject of fascination for marine enthusiasts due to their intricate patterns and the graceful yet deadly nature of their spines. Despite their beauty, Lionfish are also known for their invasive tendencies in non-native waters, which makes their presence at the National Marine Aquarium both an educational and conservation-focused experience.

For any animal lover out there, the National Marine Aquarium has teamed up with, , which houses a gorgeous Kimya the 15 year old Lioness, and offers a ‘Wet & Wild’ promotion. Any visitor who comes to the NMA to see the juvenile Lionfish or any of the other 5,000 marine animals will receive a 50% discount for a visit to Dartmoor Zoo to see Kimya, the Lioness and their 73 other species, including the largest variety of big cats in the South West. The reciprocal promotion also works for anyone who visits Dartmoor Zoo, and the discount will remain valid for 15 days. 

The ‘Wet & Wild’ summer-holiday-must is a jam packed opportunity for families and animal lovers to enjoy a comprehensive wildlife experience, learning about conservation efforts both on land and in the Ocean.

Tickets for the National Marine Aquarium can be purchased over on the NMA website with peak prices at £15.00 for children and £25.00 for adults. To keep up to date with the latest information and updates, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X.