Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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At the Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology Moskvarium VDNKh has welcomed new inhabitants—mudskippers and basilisks. They've been given all the necessary conditions: a spacious biotope aquarium, an optimal microclimate, and a well-designed feeding system tailored to their diet.
Mudskippers are tropical fish that spend most of their lives on land. They share features with amphibians: muscular pectoral fins act as limbs, they breathe air through their skin, and their eyes on the top of their heads can rotate independently, providing vision both in water and on land.
Mudskippers inhabit mangroves and intertidal zones throughout the tropics, from Africa to Southeast Asia and Australia. These fish are named for a reason: they can leap up to 30 centimeters to avoid predators or reach new land.
The double-crested basilisk is a lizard whose crest evokes associations with the mythical creature of the same name, which could turn a person to stone with its gaze. Translated from Greek, the word "basiliskos" means "little king."
Adult basilisks reach 60–80 centimeters in length, with their tail accounting for almost two-thirds of their body. These lizards are excellent swimmers, capable of staying underwater for half an hour. They are also skilled and fast runners on land, reaching speeds of up to 11 kilometers per hour.
Unusual animals are already on display at the Moskvarium. Opening hours and ticket prices are available atwebsite.
The sea behind glass and caring for rare species: how the Moskvarium at VDNKh works
The Moskvarium opened to the public on August 5, 2015. It is one of the largest oceanariums in Europe, located hundreds of kilometers from the coast. It is home to over 12,000 animals, covers an area of over 53,000 square meters, and its aquariums and pools hold approximately 25 million liters of water. The Moskvarium is also a scientific center for oceanography and marine biology, employing dozens of highly qualified specialists: hydrobiologists, ichthyologists, veterinarians, biochemists, and many others.
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