Dive into Discovery Reef, where the vibrant world of the Indo-Pacific oceans awaits your exploration!

Explore the building's aquatic habitats, which represent the diverse zones of coastal ecosystems. At the Rising Tide habitat, discover live corals and learn about the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's coral conservation efforts. Don't miss the Tide Pool, where you can have a unique experience with some of the ocean's most intriguing creatures.

Your underwater journey continues as you approach the massive 85,000-gallon saltwater tank, which houses over 300 animals representing more than 35 species. Here, sleek sharks glide gracefully through the water, and brightly colored fish swim among coral and rock formations. 

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Discovery Reef Aquarium
Current Range and Historic Range
The Indo-Pacific region includes the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the western and central parts of the Pacific Ocean, along with the seas that connect these two bodies of water.
Habitat
The Indo-Pacific region has many different types of marine habitats, including deep-sea areas, coral reefs, rocky shores, sandy beaches, tidal flats, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Each of these habitats is unique and provides homes for many diverse marine life.
Predators and Threats
The Indo-Pacific region is facing several serious threats. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing practices contribute to overfishing and destroy habitats. Pollution, including garbage and other contaminants, enters ocean waters and poses significant risks to marine species through entanglement and ingestion. Coastal development and changes in land use can damage or destroy important coastal habitats, including areas where fish grow and develop. This region also has busy shipping routes, which increase boat traffic. This can cause noise pollution, harm habitats, and a greater chance of collisions with marine life.

Climate change is affecting ecosystems and species in this region as well. Warmer ocean temperatures and other stressors can lead to coral bleaching and death. Ocean acidification, caused by the ocean absorbing too much carbon dioxide, lowers the water's pH and makes it harder for some marine organisms, like corals, to survive. Rising sea levels also have negative effects on coastal ecosystems.