Happy New Year! This year's zodiac sign is the snake, so we'd like to introduce some snake-related creatures you can see in the "Tide Pool" corner of the "Shore Creatures" area at Tokyo Sea Life Park. Here you'll find a variety of tanks where you can observe and even touch creatures found in tide pools on the rocky shores around the Kanto region.

First up is the "snake blenny." Although its name includes "snake," its body isn't long and slender. However, its pointed snout and the way it peeks its head out from behind cover make it look somewhat like a snake, don't you think? In aquariums, you often see them skillfully anchoring themselves to vertically standing rocks and looking around cautiously from behind cover. Why not take some time to observe the snake-like features of this fish yourself?


Snake blenny
Next up is the Japanese brittle star. You might be wondering, "The name includes 'spider,' but where's the snake?" Actually, the snake is hidden in its scientific name. "Ophiuroidea" is the scientific name for the class of brittle stars, and it means "Ophis = snake, ura = tail, oid = like."

The name "ophis" comes from the fact that the long, slender arms of the brittle star resemble those of a snake. Brittle stars in aquariums are most active at night, but during the day they can be seen hiding in the shade with only their arms extended outwards. These long, slender arms are starting to look more and more like a snake's tail!


Japanese brittle star
Up until now, I've introduced creatures related to snakes, but I think the creature that looks the most like a snake in the "Tide Pool" section is the moray eel. Its name has nothing to do with snakes, but it has a similar appearance with no pectoral or pelvic fins, a slithery shape, and sharp teeth, so people who don't like snakes might not like moray eels either. However, if you take a closer look at its small, round eyes and its body, which is covered in thick, plump skin with no scales on its surface, unlike snakes, you might find it a little appealing.


Moray eel
I encourage you all to look for animals that resemble snakes or have "snake" in their name at aquariums!

[Kotaro Sakamoto, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, Tokyo Sea Life Park]

◎Related articles
・ Let's find the hidden characters in the aquarium! (May 18, 2007)
・ The surprising relationship between brittle stars and snakes (December 14, 2012)

(January 10, 2025)