In February 2016, Tokyo Sea Life Park conducted biological surveys and collections in the Antarctic region for the first time in 12 years.

The Antarctic organisms collected during this survey will be on display from Thursday, March 24, 2016, in the "Arctic and Antarctic Seas" corner of the "World's Oceans" area on the first floor of the main building. To commemorate this, on Sunday, March 27, we will hold a special staff talk on the Antarctic collection, "Diving into the Antarctic Sea," and an adults-only guided tour, "Arctic and Antarctic Seas."

New exhibits will feature the main creatures.

● Parborlasia corrugatus​
Class Cetacea, Family Orochimohimohitae


Parborasia collagatus
This is a type of ribbon worm commonly found in the shallow waters along the Antarctic Ocean. Its body is soft and flexible, and it can stretch to about 1 meter in length. It is carnivorous, catching creatures on the seabed and swallowing them with the slit-like mouth on its head. We will soon release a video of it swallowing a fish whole.

● Glyptonotus antarcticus​
Class Crustacea, Family Pterididae


Glyptnotus antarcticus
This large isopod (a type of pill bug) lives in the Antarctic Ocean at depths of up to about 600 meters and is characterized by its four pairs of very long hind legs. It can grow to over 10 centimeters in length. In the area, it has been observed hiding under seaweed accumulated on the seabed. It feeds on organic matter and dead organisms.

New Exhibition Commemorative Event

● Antarctic Collection Special Staff Talk: "Diving into the Antarctic Ocean"
At Tokyo Sea Life Park, we have been engaged in research and collection in Antarctica since before the aquarium opened in 1989. This time, staff members who conducted underwater collection in Antarctica will share photos and videos from the site and during the dives, and talk about the arduous journey to get there, the conditions in the Antarctic ocean, the cultivation of organisms, and the ingenuity used for transportation.


Scenes from underwater collection
　Date: March 27, 2016 (Sunday) 13:30-14:00

　Location: Lecture Room, 2nd Floor, Main Building Tokyo Sea Life Park

　Participation is free (admission fee to the park is separate).

●Adult guided tour: "The Arctic and Antarctic Oceans"
On the 7th of every month, we will be introducing new creatures collected in Antarctica on our "Adult guided tour." The oceans at the northernmost and southernmost points of the world. Polar Bear and penguins are well-known, but the Arctic and Antarctic have unique ecosystems that support these creatures. This Adult guided tour will focus on creatures that have adapted to the harsh, extremely cold environment. The tour is for ages 16 and up, and the capacity is about 10 people. If the number of applicants significantly exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held.


"The Arctic and Antarctic Oceans" section
　Date and time Sunday, March 27, 2016
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (Registration starts 10 minutes prior)

　place Main Building, 2nd Floor, Tour Counter

　Participation fee Participation is free (admission fee to the park is separate).

◎Related News
・ Antarctic Report 2016 [1] Pre-Departure Information (January 30, 2016)
・ Antarctic Report 2016 [2] Punta Arenas (the transit point) (February 12, 2016)
・ Antarctic Report 2016 [3] Arrival in Antarctica! From Punta Arenas to King George Island on a Navy cargo ship (February 19, 2016)
・ Antarctic Report 2016 [4] Biological Survey and Collection (February 26, 2016)
・ Antarctic Report 2016 [5] Transporting Living Organisms (March 4, 2016)

(March 23, 2016)