Behind the scenes and professions
DIVE BEHIND THE SCENES
From seawater pumping and treatment to feeding and care, not to mention monitoring and maintenance… a whole team works behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the Aquarium.
Visit the behind the scenes of the Aquarium de Biarritz
DISCOVER THE BACKSTAGE IN AN EXCLUSIVE VISIT!
Jobs at the Aquarium
Aquarist technicians
Aquarists technicians are experts responsible for managing the aquariums and the well-being of marine animals. Their role is essential: they oversee aquarium maintenance, water quality, and species feeding.
Their work also involves daily health monitoring, with particular attention to each species depending on its biological and behavioral needs.
Technicians
Technicians ensure the proper functioning of the Aquarium. They are responsible for the technical maintenance of installations and equipment necessary for the smooth running of visits and animal safety.
This includes maintaining water filtration systems, managing temperature, salinity, and water circulation parameters in the tanks.
Behind the scenes of the Aquarium
Animal feeding
Each species has a specific diet to respect their individual regimen and biological rhythm. Food is mainly composed of fresh or frozen items (shelled mussels, shrimp, squid-cuttlefish, fish fillets). To compensate for vitamin deficiencies, supplements may be added.
Aquarists technicians ensure each animal gets the necessary quantity and that no one dominates the others. A seal eats on average 4 kg of mackerel per day! Come watch their meal!
Shark feeding
Then it’s the sharks’ turn to eat. Three times a week, fish fillets are thrown into the giant tank to feed this large familymade up of about thirty sharks, several rays, giant groupers, and many accompanying fish!
Some sharks, like the scalloped hammerhead shark, are fed on a pole. One caretaker distributes the food from above, another stands below in front of the large glass to monitor the feast! They note what each one eats, the quantity… real nutritionists!
Attend the seal feeding every day at 10:30 am and 5:00 pm
EDUCATIONAL COMMENTARY BY A KEEPER
Quarantine
If needed, animals are isolated in quarantine tanks, a secure space where they can rest and recover after injury or illness.
These tanks are also used for breeding and acclimatizing newcomers before they join their companions in the exhibition aquariums.
Coral breeding
We cultivate tropical corals in our facilities. Once grown, these corals are installed in our aquariums, enriching our underwater reefs visible during your visit.
This breeding program helps ensure the survival of these animals (no, corals are not plants!), while strengthening biodiversity in our aquariums.
Tank water
The Aquarium de Biarritz is located on the Atlantic coast. Ocean water is directly drawn at the foot of the cliff. This water is then sent to settling tanks where it is prepared and filtered to guarantee optimal quality. The shark and seal tanks are supplied by a pump system, while other aquariums benefit from a gravity-fed distribution system.
By regularly measuring water parameters (temperature, salinity, etc.), the team ensures ideal conditions for our animals while respecting the local environment.
Adaptation to natural conditions
We ensure that the living conditions of our residents are as close as possible to their natural habitat.
Lighting, temperature, and thermal regulation are adjusted according to the specific needs of each species to promote their well-being, reproduction, and natural behaviors.
Maintenance
Aquarium de Biarritz maintenance is a crucial task to ensure cleanliness and safety of the installations.
Teams take care of cleaning the tanks, especially the shark tank, three times a week. Cleaning includes vacuuming food residues, removing algae, and cleaning the glass.
