A Magical Journey from a tropical mountain stream, through Jungle Swamps to the colourful world of Marine Reefs in warm seas.

The freshwater displays at Underwater World show a wide range of freshwater habitats, ranging from Amazonian streams and flooded forests to African lakes and even tiny seasonal pools.

Many fish from different areas are faced with similar environmental conditions, for example murky water. Fish such as neon tetras have very bright distinctive colouration, which aids communication between shoal members. The electric Catfish is a more solitary animal so does not need bright coloration. However, it does have very sensitive barbells around its mouth. These are used to feel its way around and to hunt and they are far more useful than eyes in murky water.

Mangroves are the only trees that are able to tolerate salty water. They provide a safe nursery ground for many fish, as larger predators are unable to enter the root-tangled water.

Unfortunately many mangrove swamps are being destroyed because they are not seen as economically important. This will have a devastating effect on both land erosion and for many marine species in this delicate ecosystem.

The Crocodilian Swamp is designed to house a variety of crocodiles, alligators and their relatives such as Caimen. Although quite extensive it can only house youngsters, so Birdworld keeps a succession of these wonderful reptiles before they go on to terrorise other keepers in larger zoos!

In Underwater World we have marine exhibits from the Caribbean, Indian and Pacific oceans. These oceans are vast bodies of water which include a hugely diverse range of ecosystems, from the shallow coral reefs to the open ocean and beyond into the abyssal depths.

The majority of our displays represent ecosystems from the shallower coastal reef waters.

Reef formation starts when stony corals die and leave behind their calcareous skeleton. Other corals and sponges settle on this and form, over many years, vast reefs. The reefs attract numerous fish as they provide both shelter and food. Thus, a diverse and thriving community is created. Our marine displays attempt to show 'snippets' from some of the world's shallow water communities.