National Aquarium: From Mountain to Ocean

 We leave the ground floor on an escalator that deposits us on the second of four levels.  This level is dedicated to the journey water takes from Mountain to Ocean, and tells the story in a series of unique habitats.

We start with an Appalachian Mountain stream.

Next is a briny coastal wetland.

The stars are a pair of Diamond-backed Terrapins.  With their shallow skin speckle in coal black ornamentation, these threatened turtles are not only the Maryland State Reptile, but such beautiful animals.

Keepers have placed some "treasures" Amidst the oysters for the Terrapins to "discover".

The nest is a Chesapeake Bay beach habitat with barnacle encrusted pier posts.

The star inhabitant was a very curious and affable Striped Burrfish, Chilomycterus schoepfi.  People who think fish are dumb, have never met a fish.  They are curious, educable, and have personalities if only you take the time to connect.

Madam Burrfish brought a friend to meet me.

The final tanks create ever deeper habitats into the Atlantic Ocean.