CYPRESS GARDENS
AQUARIUM
What's In
a Swamp?
Find out by Visiting the Aquarium!
The
Freshwater Aquarium opened in 1998 and houses approximately 20 species
of freshwater fish as well as 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.
The dense vegetation and inky black waters of our swamp are healthy
and beautiful, but not conducive to seeing the animals that live here.
The Aquarium provides you with an up close and personal view of these
animals; some of them were collected right from the swamp in minnow
traps set along the garden trails. This 24,000-gallon Aquarium displays
gamefish such as bass, bluegill, and crappie. It also boasts some of
the largest aquatic salamanders in captivity as well as longnose gar,
bowfin, and channel catfish.
The Reptile Center, which opened in 2001, contains 20 species of native
and exotic reptiles and amphibians. Together with the Aquarium, it displays
turtles of all kinds, from the common yellow-bellied pond slider to
a 120-pound alligator snapping turtle. You can also learn all about
our native venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Outside, between the Aquarium and Butterfly House is the exotic bird
aviary. We rotate three different species of birds in the display, so
there is always something new to see.
