MSUM Oceanarium

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Moorhead, MN
MSUM Oceanarium

The MSUM Marine Lab brings a unique experience to the MSUM community where students can do hands on research and learn all about marine life!

The MSUM Oceanarium is an interactive, investigative marine laboratory open to the Moorhead community, college students, and researchers. 🪼🦀🐠🪸
Located in Langseth Hall.

05/16/2026

Banggai Cardinalfish are highly sedentary. They often finding shelter in the spines of urchins, coral, and anemones. Unlike most cardinalfish they are diurnal, meaning they are awake during the day.

05/12/2026

It’s not very often we get to see our porcupine pufferfish puffed up!

These fish puff up for a number of reasons. Most commonly it is used as a form of defense against predators. Here at the Oceanarium Bob doesn’t have any predators and make sure we are very gentle with him, puffing up for this reason is very stressful on his system!

Bob really only puffs up to stretch his skin as he grows. 🐡

05/05/2026

One of the things we do as a facility to ensure our animals are growing well is by getting regular weights and measurements on some of our animals.

This helps us adjust diets whether it be more or less. It can also help us recognize different illnesses early.

In the photos you can see us getting lengths on our sharks, all of the girls measuring right around 14 inches! We’ll keep everyone updated on how Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles are growing while in our care.

Photos: Aquarist Sam

05/03/2026

Schmidt is one of our newest additions. Schmidt is a Volitan Lionfish. These guys get their name from the look of their fins when flared out, giving the appearance of a lions mane.

Photo: Aquarist Sam

04/29/2026

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice! The recipe to create perfect little... bamboo sharks?

The votes have been tallied, and the MSUM Oceanarium is thrilled to announce the names of our three newest residents. After capturing more than 50% of the 400+ votes cast, the Oceanarium's three female bamboo sharks will be named Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup!

Thank you to everyone who cast their vote, and to all of the supporters of the Oceanarium. Stop in and meet Moorhead's own Powerpuff Girls during the Oceanarium's open hours on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day to all! Our earth isn’t just our home, it sustains us. Treat every day like Earth Day with us this Saturday for a special open hours! It is open to all of the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond. We will have make-and-take activities, an exclusive trading card designed by our very own Aquarist Eva Stoeckel, and our most exciting addition to the facility, three female bamboo sharks! We hope to see you then!🌎🌱🐠

04/17/2026

We haven’t been completely honest with you…

Well, at least our organisms haven’t. Most species have descriptions to help aid in identifying them in the wild, or to explain certain behaviors! Some make more sense than others to non-aquarists, so here are some fun twists on many of our animals’ species names!

04/14/2026

🦈 We have some exciting aquatic news to share! The MSUM Oceanarium has welcomed three female Bamboo Sharks to the facility.

Before they dive into the spotlight, they need names and we want your help choosing them.

Vote for a set of names chosen by the Oceanarium's student aquarists by April 27 at https://forms.office.com/r/mHENvibVch

The winning names will be announced on April 29.

04/09/2026

Our facility isn’t just run by dedicated college students, it’s run by little kids achieving their dreams.

Here’s to our amazing little members of the Oceanarium Community of Educators and Networkers(OCEAN)🥹

04/07/2026

Elbow, our snowflake eels has almost been with the Oceanarium for an entire year! These guys are shy, solitary and nocturnal. This makes it hard to see him during the day, as he’s usually sleeping. The best chance of seeing him is in the afternoon around dinner time, he rarely turns down a snack.

04/02/2026

Last week we gave our founding faculty member, Dr. Brian Wisenden, an early April Fools' surprise! Thankfully he has a "shark" sense of humor!🦈🦈🦈

Happy late April Fools' Day to everyone!

Address

Langseth Hall, Lower Level, Room 5 600 11th Street S
Moorhead, MN
56560

Telephone

(218) 477-2572

Website

https://www.mnstate.edu/oceanarium, https://www.mnstate.edu/about/engaged-learning/college-for-kids-teens/classes/, http

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