St. Lucie County Aquarium facts for kids
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| Location | Fort Pierce, Florida |
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| Land area | 5000 sq. ft. |
| Coordinates | 27°27′38″N 80°18′52″W / 27.46065°N 80.31431°W |
| Volume of largest tank | 3000 gal. |
| Total volume of tanks | 8000 gal. |
| Major exhibits | 6 |
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is a super cool place to visit in Fort Pierce, Florida. It's a public aquarium, which means it's open for everyone to explore the amazing underwater world! This aquarium is home to some special exhibits, including a huge model of a coral reef and displays that show off the plants and animals living in the nearby Indian River Lagoon.
Contents
Welcome to St. Lucie County Aquarium!
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is a fun and educational spot where you can learn all about marine life. It's located right in Fort Pierce, Florida, a city in St. Lucie County, Florida. This aquarium is managed by St. Lucie County itself, making it a community treasure.
What Amazing Exhibits Can You See?
The aquarium has several exciting exhibits that let you get up close with different water environments. You can explore six main exhibits in total!
Discover the Smithsonian Coral Reef Exhibit
One of the most special parts of the aquarium is the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit. This isn't just any tank; it's a giant, 3,000-gallon model of a real coral reef ecosystem! Imagine seeing all the colorful fish and other creatures that call a coral reef home. This amazing exhibit used to be at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., but it found a new home here in Fort Pierce in 2000.
Explore the Indian River Lagoon
Besides the coral reef, the aquarium also has exhibits that show you what life is like in the Indian River Lagoon. This lagoon is a very important estuary right here in Florida, where fresh water mixes with salt water. You'll see many different kinds of fish, crabs, and other animals that live in this unique environment. It's a great way to learn about the local wildlife!
Other Cool Exhibits to See
The aquarium also features other exhibits that highlight the coast around the Indian River Lagoon. These displays help you understand the different habitats and the creatures that live in them, from the sandy shores to the deeper waters. It's a fantastic way to learn about Florida's diverse marine life.
Quick Facts About the Aquarium
- The aquarium covers an area of about 5,000 square feet.
- It has a total of 8,000 gallons of water in all its tanks combined.
- The largest single tank, the Smithsonian coral reef model, holds 3,000 gallons of water.
- There are six different exhibits for you to explore.
