A Tornado of Mullet Fish at Bristol Aquarium

A new feeding technique using a floating basket is causing a group of thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) to spiral at Bristol Aquarium.

The ‘tornado’ feeding provides the mullet with much needed food enrichment and mental stimulus, key to the health of animals in captivity. 

Mark Iwachiw, Zoological Manager at Bristol Aquarium explained: “We feed the mullet using herba gel placed in a basket. The mullet try to feed from all sides of the basket, which causes the basket to spin, creating this whirlpool of chasing mullet.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the enrichment project, it’s quite the spectacle!” added Mark.

The mullet occupy the bay of rays display which can be seen in the large botanical house at Bristol Aquarium. Also known as jumping mullet for their ability to leap out of water, they tend to swim in large schools and are found in coastal temperate waters.

Bristol Aquarium’s bay of rays display is an outdoor, cold water tank which is also home to different native species of rays and Ballan wrasse fish.

For more information about Bristol Aquarium visit www.bristolaquarium.co.uk or call the team on 0117 929 8929.