National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Oyster farming is the most traditional type of shallow sea aquaculture on the western coast of Taiwan, ranging from Hsinchu in the north to Dapeng Bay in the south. Numerous oyster fields cover this area. The semicircular display tank produces the sense of being underwater and shows visitors the naturally occurring interactions between the dangling lines of growing oysters and shoals of fish swimming among them.

The estuary portion of this exhibit introduces the mangrove ecosystems of western Taiwan. The type of soil found here not only accumulates nutrients from the river and ocean, but also stores energy-rich, organic matter from the decomposition of twigs and fallen leaves. As such, this muddy soil serves as an organic food source for fish, shrimps, crabs, clams and worms, many of which also reproduce in such habitats.