Atlantis’ Water Features Department recently imported 70 native White Crabs from Andros and San Salvador to add to the already spectacular marine habitat. The clawed critters can be seen crawling and clamoring about their brand new home downstairs from the Lagoon Bar and Grill in the Coral Towers.
Compelled to add yet another outstanding feature to the already world-famous Atlantis waterscape, the Water Features Department first researched the husbandry of these fascinating creatures.
They then shopped around for different vendors to help them create the whole life support system now in place. Bahama Rock, who constructed the exhibit, patterned the final product after the model created by Natasha Christie, Curator for Coral and Beach Towers and Glen Kelly, former Curator.
The exhibit consists of rockwork with recessed holes that serve as hiding places for these normally nocturnal creatures. There is a continuous flow of water that cascades from the top of the rocks to a small freshwater wading pool, which the crabs use to clean themselves and keep their gills moist.
Cameron Jones, Water Features Aquarist, assisted by Douglas King, also an Aquarist, are responsible for caring for the crabs.
On a daily basis, both Jones and King must ensure that the tank is clean and that the life support system is functioning, in addition to feeding the crabs a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. Cameron stated that he is pleased to have been entrusted with the oversight of this new project, which is the first of its kind in The Bahamas and here at Atlantis.
Looking back at all the preparation and now the final result, Michelle Liu-Ferguson, Director of Water Features, feels that the entire project has been a success.
She stated, “The creatures have adjusted very well to their new surroundings and guests are truly fascinated by them.”
She added that even employees outside of the Water Features Department are very excited about it.
This, she said lends to the fact that when compared with the other displays this exhibit is “Very, very native as all Bahamians are familiar with this species of crab.”
The obvious success of the exhibit, which has been open for just over three weeks, indicates that Water Features has once again succeeded in ‘blowing away the customer.’
