Operation Hours:09:00~18:00

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (“SOA”)

Special Exhibition
Introduction
Special exhibitions are presented year-round offering focused insights into specific themes and species.
Humans were once merely a part of the natural food chain, but through technological advancement and large-scale organization, have become dominant apex predators. Today, marine biologists warn that sharks—once the ocean’s top predators—may be among the first marine species pushed toward endangerment due to human activities.
The Yangtze River, China’s longest river, is not only a vital lifeline for human civilization but also a cradle of biodiversity. Its basin supports more than half of China’s aquatic species, including over 300 species of fish.
The Yangtze is China's largest river; it serves not only as the "Mother River" to the Chinese people but also as a habitat and breeding ground for the life forms along its banks. Its basin is rich in biodiversity, harboring over half of China's total species—including more than 300 varieties of fish.
Mudskipper

Mudskipper

Found in coastal tidal flats, mudskippers are remarkable amphibious fish capable of climbing and burrowing. They use both their gill chambers and skin to breathe while on land, allowing them to survive in fluctuating intertidal environments.
Mudskipper

Paradise Fish

Also known as the fighting fish, the paradise fish is native to southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. It was one of the earliest ornamental fish introduced to the Western world and is known for its vibrant colours and hardy nature.
Paradise Fish
  • Chinese Softshell Turtle
  • Chinese Softshell Turtle

Chinese Softshell Turtle

The Chinese softshell turtle, also known as the softshell turtle or “water turtle,” belongs to the genus Pelodiscus. It is widely distributed across southern China. Its body is flattened and oval-shaped, with an olive-brown to yellow-brown leathery shell. In rare cases of albinism, it can appear strikingly white. Unlike hard-shelled turtles, it has tough, flexible skin without scutes. Its limbs are flattened with webbed feet, and it has a long neck with a highly flexible, snorkel-like nose. It is also commonly known as an edible species.
The remarkable abilities of living organisms are the result of millions of years of evolution. This exhibition highlights the unique traits and survival strategies of aquatic species, drawing creative parallels with the principles of martial arts. Through this fusion of nature and culture, visitors can uncover the biomimetic inspirations behind movement, technique, and strategy. Step into this “aquatic martial arts arena,” observe the dynamic interactions of aquatic life, and experience both the wonders of nature and the spirit of martial arts.
The wondrous biological functions of living organisms are the culmination of millions of years of evolution. This exhibition distills the unique characteristics and survival skills of aquatic life, ingeniously blending them with the martial arts to reveal the natural biomimetic inspiration embedded within these fighting traditions. Come witness the "Aquatic Martial Arts Tournament," explore the mysteries of the natural world, and experience the captivating allure of the martial arts!
Sea Anemone

Sea Anemone

Sea Anemone, which also called "Thousand-Hand Buddha", named for its resemblance to the many-armed Guanyin in Buddhist culture, this species originates from the Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Its oral disc can reach up to 40 cm in diameter and is surrounded by two rings of tentacles, totaling over 200. These tentacles are used both for capturing plankton and small prey, as well as for defense, making it a highly distinctive species of sea anemone.

Sea Apple

Sea apples have numerous tentacles around their mouths and prominent tube feet all over their bodies, featuring yellow, pink or orange hues. They expel their internal organs to ward off enemies when in danger. Their tentacles catch plankton for food, and tube feet enable them to move. They will release toxic substances when startled or after death.

Sea Apple
Sea Apple

Longhorn Cowfish (Boxfish)

The longhorn cowfish belongs to the family Ostraciidae and is found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. It can grow up to 50 cm in length and is easily recognized by the prominent horn-like protrusions on its head. Feeding on benthic algae and small invertebrates, it plays a role in maintaining the ecological balance of coral reef ecosystems.
Longhorn Cowfish (Boxfish)
Highlights
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