What better way to start our visit them with these giant Hermit Crabs? When I say giant I do mean giant. These guys measure about five to six
inches across just their body? Very cool!
What would Baltimore be without it's infamous native, the Blue Crab. Over the past ten to fifteen years this native creature to the Chesapeake Bay has been returning in greater numbers. This is of course to the credit of the people that live all along the Chesapeake.
One of my favorites that is from South American, and found in the Amazon River is the Arawana. this amazing fish can leap four to six times it's body length out of the water to catch prey varying from small mammals to birds and insects. As an alternative to leaping it can also swim just below the surface with those whisker looking feelers protruding just above the waters surface to lure prey into range for an easy snack.
Following are some more photos of the various individual aquariums and the Amazon Rain Forest room display. It makes you feel like your there!
The Black Caiman is the largest spiciest of Alligator in South America. I couldn't move past these photos with out pointing out the menacing look of the this huge animal. They are predominately found in the northern regions of South America, and are currently the study of several research projects to determine the ecological impact they have on the region. With population encroachment on natural habitat the classical clash between man and beast is at the center of the studies.
As you have seen the Baltimore Aquarium is not just about fish in the sea, rivers, and lakes. They have other displays that will captivate you as well. Not the least of which is their wonderful display of "Poison Dart" frogs from South America. They will captivate you with their brilliant colors and delicate size. Oh yes, they are toxic. Some of them are toxic enough to effect humans. Ironically when these amphibians are brought into captivity their toxicity drops dramatically. Proving once again, "you are what you eat." Their diet in the wild is the source of these powerful toxins.
