The Saltmarsh Aviary is an extraordinary, 2,500-square-foot immersion exhibit with expansive views of Charleston Harbor in the background. This exhibit gives the feeling of kayaking through a salt marsh tidal creek and allows visitors to get a close look at a variety of coastal plants, birds and marine life, including herons, diamondback terrapins and pufferfish. Near the entrance to the Saltmarsh Aviary, animals such as fiddler crabs, rattlesnakes and other saltmarsh animals can also be viewed.- FEATURED SPECIES
- ANIMAL DATABASE
 When scared, these little  pufferfish expand their bodies like a balloon as they fill with water and their spines harden into a painful defense.
Species Sheet |
 Male fiddler crabs are like tiny disco dancers. The main  purpose of their large claw is to wave it back and forth to impress female fiddler crabs. Species Sheet |
 Their eyes are so big there is no  room in its head for eye muscles. To see to the left or right, its neck allows it to turn its head three-quarters of the way around. Species Sheet |
 A great blue heron has up to 17
Species Sheet |
| Fish | Invertebrates | Reptiles | Amphibians |
| Birds | Mammals | Plants | |
|
|
Did you know that the South Carolina Aquarium has an astronaut fish? An oyster toadfish once went to outer space for a special study because of its unique inner ear! Look for the oyster toadfish hidden down in the rocks in the saltmarsh.
Add animals to your own saltmarsh. Which animals would live here?