Brandungsbecken im OZEANEUM Stralsund

When the waves break in the aquarium

Foamy wave crests and rushing surf make beach walks especially eventful. When the sea throws its waves onto the shore time after time, the water is in constant motion. The initial impression seems to be that there is little opportunity for a peaceful underwater life. Yet surf zones have their own residents who have adapted perfectly to these constant ups and downs.

Presenting this special habitat in a sea aquarium requires a great deal of technical effort. This makes surf pool at the OZEANEUM a special and rare attraction, and few other aquariums compare. The inhabitants currently living in the 63,000-liter tank belong to the wrass family and come from the English coast. Sea scorpions and numerous invertebrates can also be seen in quieter moments. That is until the surf suddenly crashes back into the tank and white spray swirls among the water.

Though it is invisible to visitors, 500 liters of water accumulate after each new wave in an overflow tank, and is then shot back out into the aquarium with fresh momentum. The water surge is also fed along a 2.5-meter curved chute to achieve the desired visual effect. If unprepared, visitors will sometimes experience a brief shock when foaming waves are suddenly produced. But the raging sea has little effect on the sea creatures inhabiting the surf zone. They are capable of compensating for the movement of the water when floating, something you can even observe in this aquarium setting. In the wild, they withdraw into deeper waters for protection when the surf is particularly intense.