From Facebook : "The uShaka Sea Wold team recently released a shoal of 52 large batfish in front of the NSRI base, at the base of the north pier. These fish were among the original fish moved over from Sea World’s `old’ aquarium to our new premises at uShaka Sea World in 2004. Their large size and schooling behaviour made them a popular attraction in the Snorkel lagoon exhibit both with visitors watching them through the windows and with snorkellers swimming in the exhibit. However we decided that it was time to release this group of batfish back into the sea. This multi species exhibit is representative of shallow inshore reefs along our coast and the bat fish have now made way for other species. The fish were removed from the exhibit and spent several weeks in quarantine, to ensure that they were in good health prior to their release. Just prior to release, they were given a final fresh water bath, which eliminates any external parasites they may carry, and then transported in the aquarium’s 2-ton trailer tanks to the harbour and released. It is hoped that this impressive shoal of batfish will take up residence on local reefs and provide great viewing and photo-opportunities for the local diving community !"
A great achievement. I was hoping this would be exciting news of a rescue (I'm hoping to visit early next year) - the aquarium has looked after a number of unusual rescued animals in recent years, including Antarctic fur seal, tiger shark, Indian yellow-nosed albatross, fulmars and shearwaters.
