Animals After Dark

Come check out what our animals are up to in the evenings! 

The animal kingdom is as active at night as it is during the day. As the sun dips below the horizon, the oceanic world transforms. Bioluminescent creatures come alive, lighting up the dark waters. Nighttime hunters, such as sharks and eels, emerge from the depths, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to ambush their prey. The bustling daytime ecosystem of coral reefs gives way to a different cast of nocturnal inhabitants, including shrimps and crabs, all navigating the shadows in search of food.

Meanwhile, the silent glide of stingrays and the rhythmic movements of schools of fish display a dynamic underwater world that flourishes in the cover of night. Life continues its relentless, captivating dance in these darkened waters, reminding us of the ocean’s boundless wonders. Witness the enchanting evening routines of our aquatic residents and relish a more intimate atmosphere. 

Check out some species that are more active at night:

American Alligators

American alligators are diurnal and nocturnal, meaning they are active both day and night. They hunt predominantly at night, but they are also commonly seen basking in the sunlight during the spring and summer. 

Asian Smalled Clawed Otter

Asian small-clawed otters are active during the day but are primarily nocturnal animals. Our otters often nap throughout the day, but if you visit in the evening, you might catch them playing in the water or with their enrichment items! 

Electric Eel

The electric eel is a nocturnal species, hiding under shelter or in holes during the day and hunting for prey at night. Because they have poor eyesight, they emit a weak electric signal, which they use like radar to navigate, find a mate, and find prey.

Giant Pacific Octopus

Generally nocturnal, giant Pacific octopuses move about and do their hunting at night. They use their arms, each covered with approximately 200 suckers, to find and hold their prey.

Green Moray Eel

The green moray eel is a nocturnal predator.  During the day, it hides in a hole in the rocks.  It uses its sense of smell to find its prey because moray eels have poor vision.  It does not go hunting for its prey; instead, it sits and waits for the prey to cross its path.

Green Sea Turtle

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are typically diurnal but can also exhibit nocturnal activity, including feeding, nesting, and breeding.

Japanese Spider Crabs

Japanese spider crabs are active at night to avoid predators rather than to camouflage themselves when hunting prey. They live on the ocean floor along Japan’s Pacific coast, primarily on the sandy and rocky continental shelf and slope. 

Manta Rays

Manta rays are filter feeders and are most active at night when they feed. Some say the best time to see manta rays up close in the ocean is at night when they come together in large numbers to feed. 

Red Lion Fish

This species is a solitary, nocturnal hunter that stalks its prey and corners it using outstretched and expanded pectoral fins.

Sharks

Many sharks are active and feed during low light hours (dawn or dusk) and at night.

Starfish

Some species of starfish are nocturnal and become more active at night. Recent research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B highlighted that starfish have eyes and can even see in the dark. 

Georgia Aquarium is home to all of these unique and spectacular species and many more! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths without the usual daytime bustle. Take advantage of this unique, serene adventure and make your summer nights unforgettable!