Pre-Great Barrier Reef Research

Corey and I finally booked our trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Although our trip is not for another two months, the excitement led us to conduct some research at the Melbourne Aquarium. After all, if I am going to die in the hands (or mouths/stingers) of the world’s deadliest shark/stonefish/cone shell/blue ringed octopus/etc etc, I want to at least get a good look at it to see what I am up against. Although the size and layout of the aquarium barely held a light to the one in Baltimore, Maryland, the exhibits were amongst the most intriguing I have ever seen! It seemed as if every exhibit began with the words “World’s deadliest…” “World’s largest…”

Murray Cod - aggressive & largest freshwater fish. I'll have to admit that it is indeed quite a large fish...but I couldn't keep the thoughts of steamed cod with spring onion from dancing around my head! =)

Stonefish - most venomous in world. The fish is fairly easy to spot in isolation, but we could barely spot in amongst the rocks in the reef display! Note to self: don't swim near any rock formations.

Crabs/Lobsters - largest crustaceans known to man kind. Okay, so the label didn't really say that, but you have to admit they are pretty darn big (and probably also another very tasty meal to be had).

I was also quite impressed by the jellyfish section! The lighting (or lack thereof) created the illusion of chiffon like pieces floating elegantly in the water. However, I was disappointed to find out that neither the box jellyfish nor irukanji jellyfish were on display. I sure do not want to see them in the wild!