Did you know that invasive, “vampire-like” sea lamprey are attaching themselves to and drinking the body fluids of Lake Erie fish?  That piranhas’ ferocious, blood-thirsty reputations came from a staged demonstration President Theodore Roosevelt witnessed during an Amazon expedition in the early 1900s? That poison dart frogs’ toxicity is derived from their insect diet?  

Crime fighters, princesses, comic book characters, warlocks and mummies are invited to explore “Lake Eerie” and the “deep boo sea” at Pumpkins & Piranhas at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium (Flats West Bank, 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland) from Tuesday–Friday, October 25–28 from 10 am–7pm (last admission at 6 pm). 

The not-so-spooky SEA-sonal fun days are included with general Aquarium admission ($19.95 ages 13+, $13.95 ages 2-12, $0 passholders and guests younger than 2) and feature extended hours, underwater jack-o-lanterns, costumed SCUBA divers, themed décor, a take-home treat bag for costumed kiddos, and a visit activity booklet focused on a few misunderstood animals. 

“There is actually a great deal to learn and appreciate about some of the more ‘menacing-looking’ Aquarium residents,” explains General Manager Stephanie White. “For example, moray eels slowly closing their jaws showcases their sharp teeth and might seem like a visible warning to would-be predators, but it’s simply how they force oxygen-rich water over their gills to breathe.” 

The Aquarium encourages guests to purchase advance general admission tickets online.  “We want to prepare enough take-home treat bags for the young ones,” says White. 

For more information, please visit greaterclevelandaquarium.com or call 216-862-8803.