Tennessee Aquarium Opens Whimsical New “Scuttlebutt Reef” Gallery

Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium

If you’ve ever wondered whether sharks glow in the dark or if a shrimp could out-punch a prize fighter, the Tennessee Aquarium has a brand new exhibit that dives headfirst into those ocean mysteries.

The Aquarium officially opened its newest gallery, Scuttlebutt Reef, over the weekend inside the Ocean Journey building. The colorful and interactive space features 11 exhibits designed to explore some of the ocean’s most fascinating — and sometimes misunderstood — creatures.

And yes… some of the rumors about ocean animals might actually be true.

Recently, Alison Pryor, stopped by the studio to talk with Gino D about the new exhibit and what visitors can expect when they check it out.

According to Pryor, the goal of Scuttlebutt Reef is to take the kinds of “water cooler conversations” people have about strange ocean creatures and turn them into an interactive learning experience. Guests will encounter rumors like “There are aliens living in the ocean” or “Some fish have legs.” By touching interactive displays, visitors can learn whether those tall tales are myth… or actually based in fact.

The exhibit introduces guests to a variety of unique reef-dwelling animals from around the world. One of the first creatures visitors will see is the green moray eel, often portrayed in movies as a dangerous sea monster. In reality, these eels are much more shy than scary.

A Green Moray Eel (Gymnothorax funebris): Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium

Another standout is the brilliantly colored peacock mantis shrimp, which packs one of the most powerful punches in the entire animal kingdom. Visitors can even test their own strength at an interactive station that measures how their punch compares to the mantis shrimp’s incredible strike.

The gallery also features mesmerizing comb jellies, massive sea slugs known as California sea hares, and a massive 6,000-gallon coral reef habitat that recreates the vibrant ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific’s Coral Triangle. The centerpiece tank is home to more than 40 species of fish, coral, and marine invertebrates, all visible through a massive 16-foot viewing window.

Frogspawn (Euphyllia paradivisa): Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium

Another fun feature lets visitors slide a colored lens over an exhibit to see the ocean the way certain sharks do — revealing how some species can actually appear to glow underwater.

Scuttlebutt Reef replaces the Aquarium’s former Boneless Beauties gallery, which originally opened with the Ocean Journey building in 2005. The new space is significantly larger and designed to be even more immersive, with bright coral structures, nautical theming, and interactive displays for younger guests.

Beyond the fun, the exhibit also highlights the important connection between human choices and ocean ecosystems — reminding visitors that even people living far from the coast can impact marine life.

Blue Mandarin Dragonette (Synchiropus splendidus): Courtesy of Tennessee Aquarium

If you want to learn more about Scuttlebutt Reef — and hear Gino D’s full conversation with Alison Pryor about the exhibit — you can check out the interview below.

And next time you’re visiting the Tennessee Aquarium, make sure to stop by and see what all the “scuttlebutt” is about. For more details and ticket information go to TNAQUA.ORG