New Curious Creatures Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

By
Lori Bosworth
-
144
Peacock Mantis Shrimp at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto
Peacock Mantis Shrimp at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto

March Break begins on Sat., March 10, 2018 and if you are trying to plan family activities for March Break in Toronto, you might want to consider a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada . Ripley’s has introduced a new exhibit, Curious Creatures, just in time for March Break. You’ll have a chance to see seven new aquatic species at the aquarium including the Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Walking Batfish, Frogfish, Flashlight Fish, Sarcastic Fringehead, Giant Isopods and Goldfish and it’s all included with your general admission to Ripley’s Aquarium. Torontonicity had a sneak preview of Curious Creatures. (Our giveaway has closed – see giveaway details below.)

Many of the species featured in Curious Creatures date back 160 million years. Curious Creatures also features artifacts and information from Robert Ripley’s worldwide explorations. For example, did you know that 1 out of every 8 Americans is from California?


Don’t miss seeing the Flashlight Fish, which glow in the dark. Native to Australia, these fish have organs under their eyes that glow as a result of millions of bioluminescent bacteria. When they are glowing, they can easily attract food, as well as throw off predators. The lights also allow them to easily communicate with each other. The Flashlight Fish are enclosed in a dark room in the Curious Creatures exhibit so that you can really see them glow.

Sarcastic Fringehead at Curious Creatures exhibit at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto
Sarcastic Fringehead at Curious Creatures exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto

The Sarcastic Fringehead is characterized by its large mouth and very aggressive behaviour. And no, it isn’t named “Sarcastic” for its dry sense of humour. Sarcastic in this case means “flesh tearing”.

I was fascinated by the Peacock Mantis Shrimp. These colourful crustaceans are located in the Indo-Pacific Region near coral reefs and are voracious eaters. They move at the speed of a .22 caliber bullet to catch food. This guy seemed to be watching me watch it and kept itself hidden under a piece of coral until it thought I had gone. Luckily, it reappeared and I was able to get a short video, which demonstrates the way he flips his body to easily navigate the water.


After visiting the Curious Creatures exhibit, I had to visit the Dangerous Lagoon, where sharks swim in pools while visitors walk through the glass tunnel underneath! This perspective gives you a great view of the underbelly of a shark.

Two sharks pass each other in the Dangerous Lagoon at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.
Two sharks pass each other in the Dangerous Lagoon at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.
Visitors watch a stingray swim above them in the Dangerous Lagoon at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.
Visitors watch a stingray swimming above them in the Dangerous Lagoon at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto.

I also stopped to have a look at the gorgeous jellyfish, which became a brighter pink as they swam by.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a great choice for a family visit during March Break. Ripley’s Aquarium is located at 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, 647-351-3474 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Enter our giveaway to win a Family Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, value $118.50. Must be 19+.

This contest appears on Contest Canada

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144 COMMENTS

  13. I have not but we really want to and looks like this summer in July is the time. A whole gang of us too.

  14. We went last summer and it was amazing, so many creatures that you never get to see and up close!

  15. Yes have visited Ripleys on a class trip ..would love to go back for a more leisurely visit on my own

  20. I have been to the aquarium twice and absolutely love it. One of my favourite places in Toronto to visit as a family.

  26. I’ve walked past the aquarium at least a hundred times, but still haven’t had the opportunity to go in

  34. No, I’ve never visited Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto although it’s on my to-do list. Thanks for the chance.

  44. I have been there one time only a few years ago. Love to go back to see some new things. 🙂

  45. I always have fun at the aquarium. It’s a great place to go with family and friends. So many things to do.

  46. I’ve been to the aquarium over 20 times, but with this pass I’ll be able to get others to go with me 🙂 thank you!

  47. I have been to the aquarium in Toronto. I really liked it when I went. There were lots of activities to participate in and there were many great things to looks at. It’s an interesting place to learn new things and have fun.

  56. I have never been, i have heard it is awesome – the day we had planned to go last year, my daughter got sick so I stayed home with her while the rest of the fam went, we would love the chance to go!

  59. I have not yet had a chance to visit Ripley aquarium, but it is definitely something on my to do list 🙂

  69. Yes! We have attended with an Autism group! I could spend hours visiting the jellyfish alone!

  78. There is so much to do at Ripley’s Aquarium and so much to look at. It’s fun for the wholef amily.

  81. we have visited before and my kids absolutely love it!
    what a great place, right in the heart of the city

  85. I would love to revisit, I feel like we may have missed a lot the first time we were there as it was so busy.

  91. Yes I’ve been to Ripley’s Aquarium, but I went shortly after it opened & would love to go back & take my kids this time!

  96. I have not visited Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, can’t afford it’s very expensive to go, so this is a great opportunity.

  123. I have not been yet. It is on my list of places I want to go. I would probably take my nephews, 2 and 4. They would be amazed!

  124. I did take my son when it first opened up and he loved it. I would love to take him again. I find its a little costly to take the whole family too but it is nice to see. thanks for the chance

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