The National Aquarium at Al Qana

From the ocean depths to our shallow beaches, stretching from the North to the South Pole, many of the most fascinating attributes of jellyfish are still largely unknown.

This summer, visitors can find out more with the brand new ‘Invasion’ exhibition at The National Aquarium (TNA) at Al Qana, Abu Dhabi, which showcases mesmerising stinging sea nettles, UFO like moon jellies, upside down jellies that farm sunlight, and giant energetic blubbers that are the long distance travellers of the family. All different shapes and forms are displayed in specialised aquariums that keep them in permanent aquatic suspension.

This unique display is only made possible through the ex- pert marine biologists working behind the scenes at TNA who have mastered the jellyfish life cycle within specialised breeding facilities.

The exhibition takes its name, Invasion, from a term often used when blooms of jellyfish appear suddenly and for no apparent reason. Science has discovered that this natural ‘surprise’ is indeed, all part of their master plan.

Jellyfish have a unique life cycle that includes a dormant phase when the plant-like creatures called ‘jellyfish polyps’ remain sediment on the seafloor. When something extreme happens in the ocean, such as a sudden temperature change, the polyps start firing out an army of clones. These genetically identical jellyfish clones, absent of brains and made of 98% water, swarm the beaches, often causing distress among the public.

Paul Hamilton, General Manager and Curator for TNA said: “This exhibition is another step in the right direction for TNA which already exhibits the most diverse collection of animals in the region. Our guests are always surprised by the size of the facility, the length of the journey and the sheer number of animals they see along the way. Invasion of the Jellyfish is yet another world class attraction helping us meet the expectations of the Abu Dhabi public.”

The Invasion exhibition is held at The National Aquarium at Al Qana, Abu Dhabi and opens on Saturday 15th July 2023. More information can be found at www.thenationalaquarium.ae

Did you know?

Jellyfish have roamed the seas for more than 600 MILLION years

There are over 300,000 species of jellyfish…

Some are DEADLY to humans…

Some are completely harmless.