Lagoon of Light | The Deep

Return to Habitats

The Lagoon of Light is home to an array of colourful tropical fish and large mangrove trees.

Representing where the rainforests meet the reef, the lagoon reflects the diversity of aquatic life and unique habitats found in and around many of the islands and archipelagos in the western Pacific Ocean, from tropical North Queensland to the outer islands of Palau in Micronesia.

Uncover fossils and explore objects from the shoreline, including corals, shells and shark egg cases, at Dylan's Discovery Corner. Don’t forget to jump into the Magic Pool too – it’s perfect for little explorers!

Before leaving this area, get a feel for what it is like to be a diver in one of our Bubble Heads, immersing yourself in a unique view of the underwater world of our Lagoon. Accessed by ladders, it’s a fantastic way to get up close and personal with your favourite fishy friends.

Daily Talks

Lagoon of Light Talk:

11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm.

Lagoon of Light Artefact Handling:

11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm.

Next Habitat

The Living Coral Reef exhibit in The Deep

French angelfish in The Deep's Lagoon of Light exhibit

French angelfish

Pomacanthus paru

French angelfish are foragers and eat a variety of invertebrates and plants, including sponges, algae, soft corals, and others. They play an important role in controlling the amount of algae on the reef and keeping a balanced ecosystem.

Stars and stripes pufferfish in The Deep's Lagoon of Light exhibit

White-spotted puffer

Arothron hispidus

Commonly known to visitors as 'Big Clive', the white-spotted (or stars and stripes) puffer fish is aptly named as it is covered with more or less regular white points, that become concentric contrasting white and dark grey lines that radiate around the eyes and pectoral fins. This species of puffer fish is also poisonous!

Moorish idol fish in The Deep's Lagoon of Light exhibit

Moorish idol

Zanclus cornutus

Their bold black and white colouration is a striking contrast against the colours of the reef. Growing up to 23cm they feed on sponges, small crustaceans and algae encrusted in the rocks. These fish mate for life!

Blue spotted ribbontail ray in The Deep's Lagoon of Light exhibit

Blue spotted ribbontail ray

Taeniura lymma

This species is instantly recognisable by the bright blue spots that decorate its body. These act as a warning for its sharp venomous barb. Commonly found on the sandy or rocky beds of coral reefs, it uses its rounded snout to detect crabs, prawns and molluscs hiding in the sand.

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