The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga has opened a new interactive gallery called Scuttlebutt Reef, featuring 11 exhibits on ocean creatures and myths. The space explores rumors about marine life through hands-on displays. Visitors can learn about animals like the peacock mantis shrimp and green moray eel in an immersive environment.
The Tennessee Aquarium officially launched its Scuttlebutt Reef gallery over the weekend within the Ocean Journey building. This new exhibit replaces the former Boneless Beauties gallery, which debuted in 2005, and offers a larger, more engaging space with bright coral structures, nautical themes, and interactive elements suited for younger visitors.
Alison Pryor, from the aquarium, discussed the exhibit with host Gino D, explaining its aim to transform casual talks about ocean oddities into educational experiences. The 11 displays address myths such as “There are aliens living in the ocean” or “Some fish have legs,” allowing guests to verify facts via touchscreens.
Highlights include the green moray eel (Gymnothorax funebris), depicted in films as menacing but actually shy. The peacock mantis shrimp stands out for its powerful punch; an interactive station lets visitors compare their strength to the shrimp's. Other features are comb jellies, California sea hares, and a 6,000-gallon coral reef habitat mimicking the Indo-Pacific’s Coral Triangle. This centerpiece, viewed through a 16-foot window, houses over 40 species of fish, coral, and invertebrates, including frogspawn (Euphyllia paradivisa) and the blue mandarin dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus).
An additional interactive uses a colored lens to simulate how certain sharks perceive glowing underwater species. The exhibit also underscores how human actions affect marine ecosystems, even for those inland.
For tickets and details, visit TNAQUA.ORG.
