touch a variety of live invertebrates (animals without backbones) found along the coast of South Carolina, such as hermit crabs, whelks, 
sea urchins, horseshoe crab and more. Aquarium staff and volunteers are on hand to tell you about these animals and help you to better understand 
the life in the Atlantic Ocean. - FEATURED SPECIES
- ANIMAL DATABASE
 When a shadow passes over a purple sea urchin, it  will move its spines to point to the shadow to protect itself in case the shadow belongs to a predator. Species Sheet |
 When feeding, an sea stars will  push its stomach out of its tiny mouth located in the center of its body to digest its food outside of its body. Gross!Species Sheet |
 Hermit crab anemones in particular live on hermit crab shells. The anemone's stinging tentacles help protect the crab, and the crab's sloppy eating  feeds the anemone.Species Sheet |
 Their immune system  is so effective that their blood is often used in medical procedures to detect bacteria contamination.Species Sheet |
| Fish | Invertebrates | Reptiles | Amphibians |
| Birds | Mammals | Plants | |
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Did you know that when sea stars eat, they invert their stomach outwards to consume their food? Yuck!