April 2023

Did you know three large aquarium habitats are located inside the pier house at Jennette’s Pier?

Our Pier Piling habitat dominates the lobby and entertains visitors young and old.

Among the species in the 5,200-gallon aquarium are black and white striped Atlantic spadefish, which inspired the North Carolina Aquariums logo years ago.

Many other fish call the Pier Piling home -- tarpon, black drum, lookdowns, flounder, sheepshead, permits, Florida pompano, and Bermuda chubs.

Just across the way, check out the 2,500-gallon Life on the Ledge display starring a spotted moray eel.

He shares with some pretty “Francey” fish including French grunts, French angelfish and their “cousin,” creolefish. The Ledge also provides homes to blue angelfish, pigfish, and white and tomtate grunts.

Upstairs near Oceanview Hall, our Tropical Travelers habitat features colorful fish who find their way to warm Carolina waters in summer.

These species include queen angelfish, sergeant major, yellowtail snapper, Spanish hogfish, spotted chum, reef butterflyfish, ocean sergeant, barred hamlet, and the slippery dick wrasse. 

Aquarist Brian Lumley splits his time between the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island and Jennette’s Pier. He’s the primary caretaker for the Pier collection and takes pride in keeping every animal healthy.

“I love it over here,” he said, “…the peacefulness.”

Lumley says viewing the ocean while walking up the ramp offers a tranquil start to his day. While tending to Tropical Travelers, he takes time to soak in the splendor.

“I get the million dollar view every day by walking into the ballroom,” Lumley said.

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