Rugged cliffs with vibrant caves
The Scottish Coastal Cave was the last of the large tanks to be completed in the OZEANEUM in February 2010. The tank holds nearly 50,000 liters and currently hosts European spiny lobsters (Palinurus elephas), common topknot (Zeugopterus punctatus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus).
Designing an entire large aquarium as cave is unusual. The idea, which was incredibly complex both technically and in terms of design, was born in the summer of 2009. By cooperating with the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven, aquarium director Dr. Nicole Kube and keeper Anne Sacher received the opportunity to participate in a research trip on the research vessel Heincke. On it, they visited the Orkney Islands of Scotland. The spectacular cliffs around the "Old Man of Hoy" and “Red Neff,” which continue up to a height of 150 meters above sea level and down to a depth of 100 meters underwater, provided the aquarium staff with the inspiration for this tank. The high surf and strong currents cause crevices and caves that pulse with vitality: colorful anemones, dead man's fingers and a diverse range of invertebrate life conjure up a fantastic underwater world.
Scenery designers replicated the rocks hollowed by the surf true to their natural form for the OZEANEUM. This provides visitors with an insight into the underwater world of the rocky coasts of Scotland through a 12-centimeter thick panel. In addition to its current inhabitants, the OZEANEUM would like to add the rare and incredibly sensitive John Dory (Zeus faber) to its exhibit in future.