Marine Invertebrates

A large coral at the entrance to Marine Invertebrates

Gallery closure notice

The Marine Invertebrates gallery is closed from 10.00-15.30 every other Tuesday. The space is being used for our Adventure Babies event.

The gallery may be closed on an irregular basis for other events and training.

Investigate the lives of ocean inhabitants in the Marine Invertebrates gallery.

See starfish, corals and molluscs, and discover the deep-sea secrets of the vampire squid and the feeding habits of the fin whale roundworm.

Star specimens and exhibits

  • a beautiful array of shells, from the giant clam to the queen conch
  • a crab that's related to spiders
  • sea snails used to make purple dye
  • shells once used as currency
  • delicate deep-sea creatures known as snake arms and basket stars

Explore the galleries with the Museum map

Find out how to get around with the Museum map. There are four zones to discover.

Discover: invertebrates

Oceans

Sounds of the reef

Coral reefs can be very noisy, as this recording from the Great Barrier Reef reveals. But why does it sound like frying bacon?

Collections

Giant squid: from the deep sea to display

Curator Jon Ablett tells the tale of how an elusive monster from the deep came to be one of our popular attractions.

Oceans

Corals: up close and personal

Glimpse some of the beautiful coral specimens in our collection and explore why coral diversity is important.

Collections

Charles Darwin’s coral conundrum

Darwin’s first scientific theory wasn’t about evolution, but how coral reefs form around the world.

Don't miss a thing

Receive email updates about our news, science, exhibitions, events, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.

Follow us on social media

Accept cookies?

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We use them to improve our website and content, and to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.

Manage my preferences