Environment

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the must-visit destination in The Dubai Mall that showcases the marvels of the aquatic world, is presenting a brand-new exhibit featuring the masters of disguise that will spellbind you with their natural dexterity.

Open just in time for Halloween, the mystery and theatrics of cephalopod species will wow Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo guests with their amazing and curious traits.

The Krakens Lair is a themed zone created to showcase some of the oceans most mystifying creatures. The exhibit takes guests through the fascinating world of several cephalopod species such as octopus, squid and cuttlefish that demonstrate an uncanny ability to disguise themselves, mimic other animals, change shape and colour, and manipulate their environment to escape predators or address natural challenges that come their way.

Krakens Lair will feature nine cephalopod species that are new to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. This is in addition to the giant squid replica that will put into scale a deep see predator that few have ever laid their eyes on. Bioluminescent type lighting and audio-visual effects are sure to present yet another selfie or groupie opportunity.

Cephalopods have some astounding features with some species growing as large as 60 ft and weighing more than half a tonne. Guests can learn about octopus and their unique characteristics such as their ability to squirt ink when they feel threatened; the ink dulls the olfactory system of the predators, and the octopus flees to safety. If that fails, they can lose an arm to escape a predators grasp and regrow it later with no permanent damage. They also have three hearts two pumping blood through each of the two gills and the third through the body. With their ability to smell through each tentacle, octopuses are quick learners that watch and observe another of its species.

Krakens Lair will be unveiled on October 30 offering a valuable educational yet entertaining experience for guests of all ages.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, managed by Emaar Retail LLC, features a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel. Underwater Zoo, located on Level 2 above the main aquarium tank, presents the bio-diversity in different ecological zones including Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Apart from Humboldt Penguins and Caiman Crocodiles, the animals featured here include Piranhas, Giant Spider Crabs, Small Claw Otters, Sea Jellies and Clown fish.

For further information, visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com or call 04 448 5200.

What: Krakens Lair (area between the Rainforest and the Coastal zones)
Where: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall
When: From October 30, 2015
Price: Included in Researcher (AED 100), Explorer (AED 120) and Adventurer (AED 200) packages. Book online! www.thedubaiaquarium.com

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