There are many things to see and do at the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium in West Dorset. You'll discover the creatures of the seashore and deeper waters of Lyme Bay and the Jurassic coast and be taken back in time as you delve into Lyme's maritime history within our info zone. The Jurassic coast encompasses a stretch of coastline from from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East Dorset and is home to a multitude of wonderful marine life.
We aim to give you a fun and informative insight into what species are found in our local waters and offer a truly interactive experience, with kids as well as adults having the opportunity to handle and get up close with some of the sea creatures on display during a visit.
The following fish and sea creatures are just some of what can be found in the aquarium. Due to the way we stock the aquarium and the process of releasing fish after a period on show, we cannot guarantee all of the following species will be on display during your visit.
The mullet in the aquarium are some of the most tame fish you will ever see in your lifetime.
One of the most popular things to do during a visit is hand feeding the mullet in our mullet lagoon.
Starfish can be found in rock pools around Lyme Regis. Starfish are unmistakable with their five arms with rows of tube feet on the underside. The central mouth of the starfish is underneath the upper body. The common starfish is orange in colour and is occasionally seen with missing arms. During a visit you'll get the opportunity to hold a starfish.
Lobsters live in holes in rocky areas and typically feed off worms and other fleshy material including feeding off weaker lobsters. Lobsters are very sensitive to temperature and hibernate in temperatures of sub 5 degrees.
The Ballan wrasse grow up to 60cm in length and can weigh up to 4.25kg. Variable in colour from pale green to reddish brown.
Long and streamlined fish that have a fantastic silvery appearance. They are opportunistic, shoaling predators found in deeper waters.
Prevalent in Lyme Bay, members of the shark family with a fantastic sense of smell.
A small, elongated, large-headed fish found in rockpools and shallow, rocky seas off Lyme Bay.
An aggressive feeder which will launch ambush attacks on other fish and is typically found in relatively deep water at depths down to 100 metres.
