2021.02.17

news

We are currently collecting messages of support on social media for"#GoAraleAndTheKeeper"!

"#Go for it, Arale and the aquarium keeper" We are now accepting messages of support on social media (Twitter and Instagram) for the aquarium keeper who are preparing for the birth every day and for the Ringed seal (nicknamed Arale) who is about to give birth! The birth of the Ringed seal (nicknamed Arale) being kept in the "Arctic Region" tank is approaching, and we are working to create an environment where she can give birth and raise her child with more peace of mind. →Click here for details about our efforts We look forward to your messages! Support message collection summary Application period Wednesday, February 17, 2021 to mid-March (scheduled) *The campaign may end without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. How to apply Post a message of support from your own account (Twitter or Instagram) with "#Go for it, Arale and the aquarium keeper" Photos and illustrations are also welcome. Posted content may be posted in the paid areas of Kaiyukan, on the official website, on the official Twitter and Instagram, etc. ▼Notes on posting Please post with the hashtag "#Go for it, Arale and the aquarium keeper". Only "Ganbare Arale and aquarium keeper" posted by the person himself/herself is eligible. By posting to this project, the creator (including the photographer and subject of the photo or video, if a photo or video is attached) is deemed to have agreed not to exercise any rights, including copyright and moral rights, regarding our use of the target post. The content of the post (including photos, videos, text, account names, etc.) may be edited at our discretion and used in various media, such as posting, publishing, broadcasting, distribution, and other methods, in the announcement of this project and other promotions implemented by our company. Please confirm in advance that the content of the target post does not infringe on the privacy or portrait rights of third parties, copyright, or any other property rights, does not slander third parties, or violate other laws, regulations, or public order and morals. If it is found to violate or have the potential to violate the preceding paragraph, or if our company otherwise determines the content of the target post to be inappropriate, it may be invalidated. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises with a third party regarding the content of the target post, the poster shall resolve it at their own responsibility and expense. In addition to these terms, Instagram's terms also apply to users of Instagram accounts. Please also review Instagram's terms. Instagram does not support, approve, manage, or have any involvement with this project. If an unexpected malfunction occurs in Instagram's service and it becomes impossible to continue this project, the project may be terminated at that point.

2021.02.10

Living creature information

The Ringed seal in the "Arctic Region" tank has become pregnant. We are beginning preparations to ensure that she can give birth and raise her young in a safe environment.

It has been discovered that one of the Ringed seal (nicknamed "Arale") in the "Arctic Region" tank is pregnant. We will begin preparations to allow the seal to give birth and raise its young in a more secure environment, such as gradually closing the land viewing area of ​​the exhibition tank. Future plans Starting Wednesday, February 10th, we will begin gradually closing the land viewing area of ​​the "Arctic Region" tank on the 4th floor of the entrance building, and will close it completely on Wednesday, February 17th. *The ceiling dome on the 3rd floor of the entrance building can be viewed as usual. During the closure, live footage of the inside of the tank can be viewed on the monitor in the tank, and the aquarium keeper will inform you of the condition and status of the pregnant Ringed seal on the message board. Initiatives and ideas for childbirth and raising children 1. Considering the personality and ecology of the pregnant Ringed seal, we will change to single-parent breeding. 2. Gradually close the viewing area to minimize human gazes (signs). 3. We will make efforts to soundproof as much as possible. Comment from the person in charge: There are few cases of ringed Ringed seal giving birth, and there is still a lot we do not know about them. This is the first time this has happened for us, and there are many things we do not know, but we would like to do everything we can, taking Arale's personality into consideration. We will continue to try and error, hoping that one day we will be able to show everyone a picture of the mother and baby. We would be happy to watch over this important event of birth together with everyone.

2020.11.03

Research and studies

We measured the total length of a Whale shark!

In honor of "Weight Anniversary" on November 1, today, November 3 (Tuesday), we measured the total length of the Whale shark currently being raised and exhibited in the "Pacific Ocean" tank in the Aquarium . The results are as follows: Total length Estimated weight Estimated age Yu: 5 m 70 cm 1,400 kg 13-14 years old Umi: 4 m 50 cm 750 kg 5-6 years old The conventional method of measuring the total length by averaging 100 photos taken from above the water had the problem that the measurement results were prone to errors due to the tilt of the Whale shark's body and the shaking of the water surface. This time, in order to obtain more accurate information, divers were trained to touch the Whale shark's body while it was being fed, and as a result, it became possible to actually measure the Whale shark's total length. (Weight was estimated from past measurements.) Through Weighing Anniversary, Kaiyukan hopes to introduce the healthy growth of living creatures and to encourage interest in the natural environment. [Comment from the person in charge] When training the Whale shark to touch its body, we proceeded with the training carefully, watching its reaction so as not to make it feel disgusted. We are relieved to see from the results that it is growing well. We will continue to record the growth of the Whale shark and do our best to improve our breeding techniques.

2020.10.27

Living creature information

Divers will measure the Whale shark's overall length on November 3rd.

In commemoration of "Weight Anniversary" on Sunday, November 1, 2020, divers will use a tape measure to measure the total length of one of the two whale Whale shark (nicknamed Yu, sex: female, estimated age 13-14 years old) kept in the "Pacific Ocean" tank from 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3. The conventional method had a problem that the measurement results were prone to errors. In order to obtain more accurate information, divers trained to touch the Whale shark's body while it was feeding, and as a result, it became possible to measure the Whale shark's total length. Through the Weight Anniversary, Kaiyukan hopes to introduce the healthy growth of living creatures and to encourage interest in the natural environment. The results of this measurement will be announced on the Kaiyukan website. 《About the measurement of Whale shark》 Date and time: 10:30 on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 (approximately 5 minutes) Location: "Pacific Ocean" tank *Measurements may be canceled without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. 《About Whale shark》 ■English name: Whale shark ■Scientific name: Rhincodon typus A large shark that lives in temperate to tropical coasts and the open ocean, it appears in the waters near Japan from spring to autumn on the Kuroshio Current. Its body is gray with scattered white spots, and it eats plankton such as small crustaceans. It is thought that it can grow up to 10 to 13 meters, and in rare cases, it can grow even larger. 《About Measurement Day》 The measurement system is the most fundamental system of the economy and society, and is a fundamental system in all areas of national life. Setting measurement standards and ensuring proper measurement are extremely important for protecting daily life, as well as for economic development and cultural improvement. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has designated November 1st as "Metrology Memorial Day" since November 1st, 1993, when the current Measurement Act came into force, and is working to promote the proper implementation of the Measurement Act as well as to disseminate and raise awareness of metrology. It is one of the four major METI anniversaries, along with Electricity Memorial Day (March 25th), Invention Memorial Day (April 18th), and Trade Memorial Day (June 28th). (From the website of the Japan Metrology Promotion Association)

2020.10.05

Living creature information

Approximately 10,000 Japanese anchovy were delivered.

On Monday, October 5, 2020, about 10,000 Japanese anchovy were delivered from Megaka Fishing Port in Hyogo Prefecture to the "Coast of Chile" tank . This is the first time that Japanese anchovy have been delivered this year. With this delivery, the number of Japanese anchovy on display in the "Coast of Chile" tank will be about 15,000, and you can see them dynamically swarming in the tank. At Kaiyukan, we hope to convey the wonder and wonder of the sea through the Japanese anchovy on display. [About Japanese anchovy] English name: Japanese anchovy Scientific name: Engraulis japonicus Japanese anchovy. They are found in the coastal areas from Hokkaido to the southern coast of Kyushu and in the Seto Inland Sea. They form large schools and swim near the surface near the coast. They grow to a maximum of about 20 cm, and are named "katakuchi" (one-mouth) because their wide-open upper jaw is noticeable. In the natural world, they support the ecosystem as an important food source for various marine organisms. [About the "Coast of Chile" tank] tank capacity: 250t Water temperature: 18℃ Exhibit area: 40㎡ The tank recreates the coastal environment of Chile, South America. This tank mainly displays Japanese anchovy and Japanese sardine. [Comment from the Japanese anchovy aquarium keeper] I took over this tank in September this year, and this is my first time managing the Japanese anchovy transport. I'm nervous, but I'm determined to make the transport a success. Japanese anchovy are often noted for their beauty and dynamic appearance as they swim in schools, but I hope you can imagine that in the natural ocean, these schools support the ecosystem as food for various marine organisms.

2020.09.11

Research and studies

Kaiyukan has succeeded in breeding the Indo-Pacific sergeant for the first time.

Kaiyukan Successfully Breeds "Indo-Pacific sergeant" for the First Time - aquarium keeper' Long-Term Challenge Has Come to Fruition - Indo-Pacific sergeant Fry (Approximately 2 cm) At Kaiyukan, we will be exhibiting juvenile Indo-Pacific sergeant , a type of damselfish, successfully bred at our aquarium, in the "Special Exhibition "Gyugyu-tto Cute" special exhibition on the 5th Aquarium . This is a unique opportunity to see their tiny form. Despite lacking any information about Indo-Pacific sergeant fry, aquarium keeper made various efforts to find the spawning location, rearing environment, and fry food, ultimately resulting in successful breeding. Furthermore, we have learned that the behavior of males using their fins to send water currents toward the eggs has a significant impact on egg hatching, that unidirectional flow using a water pump hinders both hatching and subsequent growth, and that the specific gravity of seawater plays a role in the development of fry. We hope that visitors will experience the wonder of life through the breeding and exhibition of Indo-Pacific sergeant. We will continue to conduct various research activities related to species preservation and environmental conservation, so that we can pass on the oceans and the Earth, home to a diverse range of organisms, to future generations. *The display of juvenile fish may end without notice depending on the condition of the animals. [Comment from the aquarium keeper] We were discouraged by the difficulty of breeding the Indo-Pacific sergeant, as we repeatedly failed. At first, the baby fish were transparent, with only their large, prominent eyes. They gradually became whitish and then, surprisingly, turned completely black. I wondered why the babies turned completely black as they grew, but I will continue to observe these creatures closely and continue my breeding research, even if it takes a long time. [About the Indo-Pacific sergeant] English name: Indo-Pacific sergeant Scientific name: Abudefduf vaigiensis This species of damselfish is found widely in warm, shallow waters, such as coral reefs and coastal reefs, including those in Japan. It grows to about 20 cm in length and is characterized by five stripes on its side. At Kaiyukan, they are bred and exhibited in the "Aqua Gate" tank, the "Great Barrier Reef"tank, and "Special Exhibition "Gyugyu-tto Cute"( Indo-Pacific sergeant fish).

2020.08.31

Living creature information

＜※Ended＞"Bizen Jellyfish" on display!

From Saturday, August 29, 2020, the "Bizen jellyfish" (2 jellyfish in total, umbrella diameter approximately 40 cm) that live in the Ariake Sea will be exhibited for a limited time in the jellyfish exhibition area "Jellyfish" . Bizen jellyfish exhibition [Limited time "Bizen jellyfish" exhibition summary] Exhibition period: August 29 to mid-September (planned) Location: "Jellyfish" on the 3rd floor of Kaiyukan Number of jellyfish on display: 2 (umbrella diameter approximately 40 cm) *The exhibition period and number of jellyfish on display may change without notice depending on the condition of the creatures. [About Bizen jellyfish] Scientific name: Rhopilema sp. It lives in the coastal waters of southern Japan. It is said that the name "Bizen jellyfish" was given because Kojima Bay in Okayama Prefecture was once a famous production area of ​​Bizen jellyfish. It is called "Akakurage" along the Ariake Sea coast. It is edible, and the agar-like umbrella part is thick, hard, and chewy. For this reason, it is known in English as "Edible jellyfish." It is said that some large individuals can reach 60cm and 20kg. There are no tentacles on the edge of the umbrella, and each of the eight oral arms has numerous rod-shaped appendages. The umbrella is white and the oral arms are red. It swims actively by opening and closing the edges of its umbrella vigorously. It is caught by gill net fishing off the coast of the Ariake Sea from July to October. The ones seen in the Ariake Sea may be a different species from those found in other areas, and research is currently underway.

2020.08.17

Living creature information

The nickname for the baby California sea lion has been decided!

The nickname of the baby California sea lion has been decided as "Rei"! Between July 28th and August 11th, 2020, visitors were invited to vote for 12 carefully selected options by the aquarium keeper, incorporating their various feelings for the baby. A total of 812 entries were submitted. The nickname "Rei" was selected as it received the most votes. Baby sea lion nicknamed "Rei" 1. Results of the nickname contest Total number of entries: 812 Nickname: "Rei" Origin: Because the baby was born during the rainy season of the Reiwa era *10 people will be chosen at random from the 214 people who voted for "Rei" and will be presented with original Kaiyukan merchandise as a commemorative gift. 2. About the baby California sea lion whose nickname has been decided this time Date of birth: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay" tank on the 7th floor of Kaiyukan Mother: Nicknamed "Sumire", weight about 102 kg, age 18 Father: Nicknamed "Mitch", weight about 186 kg, age 10 Baby's data: Male, body length about 60-70 cm (eyeball estimate), weight 13.49 kg (actual measurement) *As of July 14, 2020 3. About California sea lion sea lions English name: California sea lion Scientific name: Zalophus californianus Order: Carnivora Family: Otariidae. They live only on the eastern coast of the North Pacific Ocean Ocean. When they grow up, males reach a body length of about 200 cm and a weight of about 300 kg, while females reach a body length of about 170 cm and a weight of about 100 kg. Males are dark brown all over, while females are a slightly lighter dark brown. Their limbs are well developed, which helps them not only to swim in the water but also to walk on land. They are polygamous, with one male leading a group of about 30 females and their young in what is called a "harem." In the wild, mating season is from May to June, and the gestation period is about one year. They usually give birth to one young at a time, and continue to nurse the young for about a year after birth. Females reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years old, and males at around 5 years old, and become involved in reproduction.

2020.07.01

Living creature information

A baby California sea lion was born!

A baby California sea lion was born in the "Monterey Bay" tank on Wednesday, June 24th! Both mother and baby are healthy, and at "Monterey Bay" , which is open to the public, you can see the heartwarming rearing and the adorable baby depending on the time and location. This is the 16th baby California sea lion born at Kaiyukan . Currently, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the aquarium keeper are working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the number of days and hours they work, and in this unusual environment, they are working harder than ever as a team to raise and manage the animals. From the morning of Tuesday, June 23, 2020, signs of labor were confirmed, and the aquarium keeper began observing the baby 24 hours a day. The next day, Wednesday, June 24, 5:43 p.m., the birth was confirmed. The California sea lion that gave birth is nicknamed "Sumire" (weight 106 kg, age 18, giving birth for the fourth time), and the father is "Mitch" (weight 221 kg, age 10 years old). Sumire is calm like a veteran mother, and she takes great care in raising her baby, gently stroking it with her front legs and encouraging it to drink milk with her mouth. We would like to keep a close eye on the baby so that it will grow up healthily. Depending on the situation, the baby may be moved to the back yard, etc., and you may not be able to see it. Thank you for your understanding. About the baby born this time (as of June 26, 2020) Date of birth: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Place of birth: Inside the "Monterey Bay" tank on the 7th floor of Kaiyukan Body length: Approximately 70 to 80 cm (eyeball estimate) Weight: 9.48 kg (actual measurement) Gender: Unknown ■ About California sea lion sea lions Carnivora, Otariidae. They live only on the eastern coast of the North Pacific Ocean Ocean. When fully grown, males reach a body length of approximately 200 cm and weigh approximately 300 kg, while females reach a body length of approximately 170 cm and weigh approximately 100 kg. Males are dark brown all over, while females are a slightly lighter dark brown. Their limbs are well developed, which are useful not only for swimming in the water but also for walking on land. They are polygamous, with one male leading about 30 females and children to form a group called a "harem." In the wild, mating season is from May to June, and the gestation period is about one year. Usually, one child is born at a time, and the baby continues to be nursed for about one year after birth. Females become sexually mature at 3 to 4 years old, and males at around 5 years old, and are involved in reproduction. ■Comment from the aquarium keeper in charge of the California sea lion "Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, we are under tension every day, with different working hours and thorough infection control measures. When Sumire began to give birth, all the aquarium keeper who were on duty stared intently at Sumire's image on the monitoring monitor and cheered her on, and when she gave birth, everyone rejoiced together. Within a few hours, we were able to confirm the baby was nursing, and watching Sumire raise her young with such ease made us realize the strength and robustness of living creatures. By watching the baby's upbringing, we hope that our guests will feel the strength of the bond between mother and child.

2020.06.23

Living creature information

Two Southern rockhopper penguin were born!

You can see the heartwarming parenting up close at the "Falkland Islands(Malvinas)" tank! In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Kaiyukan was temporarily closed for about three months from Monday, March 2, 2020. During that time, the aquarium keeper worked hard to ensure their own safety while also thoroughly managing the care of the animals to maintain their health. Their efforts paid off, and on Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17, 2020, two baby Southern rockhopper penguin were born. At the "Falkland Islands(Malvinas)" tank, which is open to the public, you can see the heartwarming parenting up close, with mother and father birds taking turns feeding the babies by mouth. This time, two Southern rockhopper penguin babies were born from one pair of parent birds. In order to stabilize the babies' growth, the baby born on June 16th (Tuesday) is being raised by a parent pair, while the other baby born on June 17th (Wednesday) is being raised by a separate pair of birds that are not the parents, a method commonly used at aquariums and zoos. Both babies are growing well, and the aquarium keeper in charge are weighing them every morning and observing their growth and health. At Kaiyukan, we hope that you will be able to see the cute babies and the parenting process, and feel the wonder of the birth of life. About the chicks born this time Date of egg laying: ① May 15, 2020 ② May 11, 2020 Date of hatching: ① June 16, 2020 ② June 17, 2020 Weight (at hatching): ① 68.2g ② 62.9g Weight (as of June 18): ① 88.6g ② 66.3g Pairs currently raising: ① Parent bird ② Foster parent About the Southern Southern rockhopper penguin It lives on islands around Antarctica, such as the Falkland Islands(Malvinas) , and is a small species of penguin with a body length of about 50 cm. It got its name from jumping around the rocks. It is characterized by a yellow crest above its eyes. It makes a nest out of pebbles and weeds on coastal rocks, and females usually lay two eggs per breeding. It has a somewhat violent temperament among penguins. It eats small fish and krill. It is designated as an endangered species on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Comments from the aquarium keeper in charge of the Southern rockhopper penguin: This time, there were restrictions on working hours and days from the perspective of preventing the aquarium keeper from contracting COVID-19 and risk management. Even in such circumstances, we believe that the team's thorough management of the animals led to the successful breeding. Although we were worried about the different breeding conditions from previous years, we are relieved that the breeding was successful. We hope that by watching the newborn Southern rockhopper penguin and their parenting, you will be able to feel the connection and wonder of life.