The Wandering Disciple

  Patrolling the cerulean depths of the tropical seas, the Tiger Shark is undeniably an intimidating sight. Its distinctive vertical stripes, which fade as the shark matures, coupled with its large, powerful frame, give it the appearance of a formidable, efficient hunter. Known for its indiscriminately broad diet and powerful bite, encountering a Tiger Shark face-to-face in the open ocean is an experience few divers seek. They are solitary and nocturnal hunters, often frequenting murky waters and coastal areas, which only adds to their reputation as one of the ocean's true apex predators.  But rather than risking a dangerous, chance encounter in their vast, natural habitat, you can choose a different, far more enlightening experience: come watch these magnificent creatures up-close, in a controlled, safe, and educational environment at the Florida Aquarium.  The Florida Aquarium provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe Tiger Sharks and a host of other large marine ...

When people think of the Florida Aquarium, they think of the sharks and colorful fish of the marine habitats. However the Florida Aquariums is more than fish, it is also home to birds, lemurs, penguins and more.  The Florida Aquarium replicates authentic marine ecosystems and to do this they have a variety of above water animals to accompany the life below the surface. Like this owl perched above the River, some wading birds in the coast wetlands and shorebirds for the coast. In all, the Florida Aquarium is home to over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals.  Taken: March 15, 2008 at Florida Aquarium (Tampa, FL)

Look closely at the colorful fish statue outside the Florida Aquarium and you will quickly notice its not you normal art medium. In fact this sculpture was created with plastic trash collected along local beaches. Plastic trash in our waterways is a growing concern and at the current rate, there will be more plastic in the water than fish by 2050. To bring attention to this dilemma, Florida Aquarium created a collection of art with using just a sampling of the trash found in the region. The exhibit ran during the aquariums 25th anniversary last year.(Photo: May 30, 2020)

  A Roseate Spoonbill feeds in a marsh habitat at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa's Channelside District.  The spoonbill eats by filter feeding.  Their beak acts live a giant filter, as they sweep their beak back and forth in the water, it filters the food and nutrients from the water.  Roseate Spoonbills can be found filter feeding in marshes along coastal Florida, Louisiana and Texas.  (Photo: September 22, 2018)

A spotted jellyfish is seen swimming in an exhibit at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida. This spotted jellyfish is known by many names from its formal name Phyllorhiza punctata or by many other nicknames such as the floating bell, Australian spotted jellyfish, brown jellyfish or the white-spotted jellyfish. It is found primarily in the western Pacific Ocean but has been found in waters worldwide. In areas outside their native region, they are considered an invasive species as they local shrimp and fish. (Photo: September 15, 2018)

With rows of sharp teeth, a sand tiger shark patrols the reef of the Florida Aquarium. Sharks are considered predators of the sea, but don't let this mean mouth fool you. Sand tiger sharks are one of the more docile, non-aggressive species of sharks in the sea, choosing to attack only when provoked. In the wild, sand tiger sharks are found along the surf line in warm oceans across the globe. The sand tiger is one of the many species of marine life on display at the Florida Aquarium. (Photo: September 5, 2018)

A Redhead duck plays in the water in an exhibit at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa's Channelside district. Your visit to the Florida Aquarium follows the pathway of water from an underground spring all the way out to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way you get to see the diverse ecosystems as well as the animals that live in those ecosystems, like this duck found in the wetlands portion of the aquarium. (Photo: August 8, 2016)

Tampa, Florida: The task of getting caught up with pictures continues and this time we are at the Florida Aquarium. It was stop 2 of 4 on the Tampa/St Pete day trip which saw stops at the zoo and aquarium, some planespotting at Tampa International Airport and a Rays game at the Trop. The aquarium provided a great break from the summer heat and an opportunity to see some of the bright colorful residents of our seas. With out ZooTampa membership, we get reciprocal benefits at the aquarium, getting us in at half-off. The aquarium was quite crowded, but we managed to get a few good photos. The first 33 photos in this gallery are from today's visit. Check out the new photos and all the aquarium photos by clicking on the photo above to visit the Florida Aquarium photos.

A tiny starfish clings to the glass on an exhibit at the Florida Aquarium.  Starfish like these live in oceans throughout the world ranging from tidal areas to depths of over 20,000 feet.  There are over 1,500 species of starfish ranging from the small paddle-spined sea star that is no bigger than a half an inch to the sunflower star which can reach 40 inches from arm to arm.  (Photo:  March 15, 2008)

A pair of terns hang out on the beach inside the Florida Aquarium.  While many people think of fish and sea life when thinking of the aquarium, but the Florida Aquarium is much more than that.  Here at the Florida Aquarium, you follow the path of water from the springs all the way to the ocean.  During this journey you not only encounter the sea life but also the land lubbers as well including birds, gators and even otters all included to help tell the story of how the different ecosystems work together to create our oceans.  (Photo: January 28, 2007)

A duck tries to take a nap in front of guests at the Florida Aquarium.  While most people know about the great sea life on display at the aquarium, the aquarium also boasts a large collection of birds that help complete the aquatic ecosystem.

A owl keeps a close eye on visitors to the Florida Aquarium.  The aquarium take visitors on a journey through the path of water from underground springs to the open oceans and introduces visitors to the animals and sea life that call these waters home.  (Photo: March 15, 2008)

Colorful jellyfish fill the tank at the Florida Aquarium in the Channelside district of downtown Tampa.  The translucent jellyfish take the color of their environment, helping them remain camouflaged to their predators and to help them lure in their prey.  (Photo: January 28, 2007)

The large floor to ceiling aquariums at the Florida Aquarium allow the younger members of the family to get up closer and personal with the sea life. Kids can get eye to eye with sea turtles, sharks and much more. (Photo: March 15, 2008)

A seahorse clings to a piece of coral in an exhibit at the Florida Aquarium. The journey beings in an underwater spring and follows the watershed all they way to the sea while meeting all the sea life along the way. (Photo: January 28, 2007)

A shark swims by the observation window at the Florida Aquarium. Located on Channelside in downtown Tampa, visitor's to Florida Aquarium follows the path of water from an underground spring to the Gulf of Mexico seeing all the aquatic life along the way. (Photo: January 28, 2007)

An eel hides in the coral at the Florida Aquarium. Located in the Channelside district of Tampa, the Florida Aquarium allows you to view the water cycle from the underground springs to the ocean and observe all the wildlife along the way. (Photo: March 15, 2008)

Hundreds of jellyfish change colors under the lights at the Florida Aquarium. Located in the Channelside district of downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium lets you follow the water ecosystems from a freshwater pond through to the ocean depths. (Photo: January 28, 2007)

This may look like a bunch of seaweed but its actually a living sea creature. The Leafy Sea Dragon is one of the seas more unusual creatures. Dragons Under the Sea at the Florida Aquarium is an exhibit dedicated to these interesting sea animals. The Florida Aquarium located by the Port of Tampa is home to many forms of sea life. Photo: March 15, 2008)

Jellyfish glow a bright purple under the lights of the jellyfish tank at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa's Channelside District. The Florida Aquarium features over 20,000 different aquatic animals and plants. (Photo: January 28, 2007)