Happy Lunar New Year
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is associated with a Chinese zodiac cycle animal sign and incorporates one of five elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, or Metal). 2022 is the year of the Water Tiger.
We thought it would be fun to highlight the various aquatic animals at the Aquarium that are named after the majestic king of the jungle, the tiger.
Tiger Trout
A strange cross between a brown trout and a brook trout, this fish seems like it should have been called leopard trout as it lacks the classic look of a tiger’s stripe patterns. Tiger trout are a popular choice for sport fishing as they can be produced reliably in hatcheries, but their numbers are easily controlled because they are sterile.
Tiger Salamander
Tiger salamanders are one of the largest terrestrial salamanders of North America and have striking, unmistakable stripe and spot patterns. Like other amphibians, they rely on wetlands, ponds, or rivers for breeding, though they spend most of their adult life in burrows.
Tiger-striped Brittle Star
Tiger-striped is a common name for the harlequin brittle star, which has bold black and white bands all down its arms. Brittle stars are a frequent find in tidal zones and reefs. They scavenge for algae, plants, fish feces, and other detritus, which make them excellent ‘cleaners.’
Indonesian Tiger Perch
Also known as tiger fish, this species bears a stripe pattern of 6-7 bands. Their coloring can change from very dark to very faint (almost imperceivable) bands depending on stress levels or time of day.
In Utah, the average person uses 178 gallons of water per day. Even outside of its desert regions, the state frequently experiences drought conditions, putting whole ecosystems—and the species that inhabit them—at risk. You can help protect local ecosystems by changing a few simple habits and reducing your water usage. Consider these:
- Reduce shower time. A shower can use around 5 gallons per minute.
- Turn off the sink when brushing teeth, washing hands, or between washing and rinsing dishes. Running water in the kitchen sink can use around 2 gallons per minute.
- Collect greywater (using a sink bucket) to water your plants and gardens
- Opt for water-wise lawns, xeriscaping, or native plants in your garden
We look forward to welcoming you at the Aquarium where you can see these animals for yourself, and we wish you a wonderful year of the Water Tiger!
