This leucistic American alligator can be seen in the River Journey building at the Tennessee Aquarium. Unlike albinoism, which is characterized by reduced pigment in the body, leucism results from defects in pigment cells, causing a lack of natural color in all or part of the body.IF YOU GO• What: Oddtober happenings and viewings• When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in October• Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.• Admission: $26.95 adults, $16.95 children 3-12 (Oddtober activities included)• Phone: 1-800-262-0695• Website: www.tnaqua.org
A ghostly baby alligator, a fish that breathes air, another that catches birds and a stealthy, tentacled squid are among the “wonderfully weird” creatures to discover this month, nicknamed Oddtober, at the Tennessee Aquarium.
“This is a great time to celebrate animals that are somewhat bizarre or that display really cool behaviors,” says Thom Demas, curator of fishes.
“Right now, we are one of the only places where you can see bigfin reef squid up close,” he says. “These guys not only look like aliens, they lead pretty amazing lives.”
Their “big fins” run the length of their bodies, undulating to move with stealthy precision while stalking prey. If their eight arms and two tentacles don’t send a shiver down your spine, the way they peer at you will, Demas says. “They have huge eyes, which when compared to their body size, are the largest in the animal kingdom.”