Enhydra lutris, Sea Otter

Ecosystem: The sea otter lives in shallow waters near the coast, especially in the Northern Pacific Ocean

Niche: Sea Otters maintain the health of kelp forests by eating animals that reside in these forests.Sharks are above them in the food web, while below them are sea urchins, larger fish, crabs, and sea stars.

Adaptations: Sea Otters have small tails and webbed feet to aid them when swimming, especially underwater. They also have whiskers for catching food and detecting their prey beneath the ocean.

Why picked: We picked this marine organism because it appeared to be eager to get up close to the glass of the tank and it had plenty of energy that not all organisms had.

Ecosystem: Are found in warm waters like the Western Atlantic Ocean and tend to be in shallow rocky reefs but prefer being on the ocean floor.

Niche: The Sandtiger shark eats octopus', lobsters and small fish, the sandtiger shark is then eaten by a larger shark.

Adaptations: This shark comes up to the surface to swallow air which then allows the shark to develop bouyancy for when it's floating above the ocean floor. They also have electrosensory organs located on the sides of their head which allows them to see prey in dirty, dark waters. They have excellent vision and are sensitive to low light conditions which allows them to distinguish dark and light objects.

Why picked: We picked this shark due to its tough looking features like his sharp pointy teeth.

Ecosystem: Comes from warm waters like Southern coasts of China and Southern parts of Japan. They are found near the surface when the weather is calm.

Niche: Their food web begins with the sun and photosynthesis of phytoplankton which then evolves to zooplankton. The jellyfish then eat the zooplankton but the jellyfish result in prey for the sea turtles which then are eaten by sharks.

Adaptations: Their soft tissue and their stingers enable them to defend themselves. Their muscles contract and relax in order for them to swim in a certain direction. They do not have a brain, but just a simple nervous system for touch and other purposes.

Why picked: We picked this particular jellyfish because it stood out to us and was very different in appearance than the other jellyfish we saw.

Spheniscidae magellanicus, Magellanic Penguin

Ecosystem: The Magellanic Penguin lives mainly along the rocky coasts in South America

Niche: Magellanic Penguins consume smaller marine organisms, such as krill, zooplankton, and crabs, and are eaten by Leopard Seals and large fur seals.

Adaptions: They possess thick bones that enable them to swim quickly underwater; they mainly have black and white feathers as a way to blend in with the environment to avoid predators and catch prey.

Why picked: We picked these penguins because they were of interest to us even before stepping into the aquarium; they were cute, curious, and energetic.

Phoca vitulina, Harbor Seal

Ecosystem: Harbor Seals reside in shallow waters, commonly in beaches and in cooler waters.

Niche: Harbor Seals consume coastal fishes and are eaten by killer whales, sharks, and polar bears

Adaptations: This kind of seal has a very thick layer of fat to help it keep in heat and store energy. They use all of their flippers in order to propel themselves and steer through the water,

Why picked: We picked this seal because it made for a good selfie, as well as being such an interesting organism to get up close and personal with.

Emily Rodriguez

Ecosystem: Are found in the Pacific coast in rocky reefs and shallow waters with kelp canopies. As they age they are found in deeper waters from about 820 ft.

Niche: Rockfish eat krill and many types of rockfish. The rockfish are then eaten by Blue sharks and salmon.

Adaptations: Rockfish have bony plates on their heads for protection against predators and have venemous spines. They tend to float under kelp canopy with the help of their air filled bladders.

Why picked: We picked this type of fish because he swam your way to greet you.