Colorful Comeback: Tropical Florida fish dazzle families at Tampa International Airport

Travelers passing through Tampa International Airport can once again catch a glimpse of colorful Caribbean reef fish as the Florida Aquarium’s popular tropical exhibits have returned to the airport’s baggage claim areas. 

The exhibits, fixtures on TPA’s red and blue baggage claim levels since 1998, were temporarily removed in July to protect the fish from vibrations caused by ongoing curbside construction. The Florida Aquarium relocated the animals to its downtown Tampa facility, ensuring they remained stress-free and continued to receive top-notch care.

Now, after months of preparation and careful setup, the vibrant underwater habitats are back in place. Each display features 19 species of tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and damselfish, nearly 50 individual animals in total. All are native to Florida’s Caribbean reef ecosystems. 

Aquarium staff continue their meticulous care routine, providing the fish with a diet of squid, shrimp, clams, and nutritional pellets, along with regular tank maintenance and scuba dives to keep the habitats pristine. 

For more than 25 years, the partnership between the Florida Aquarium and TPA has brought a touch of the tropics to travelers arriving in Tampa Bay. The return of the exhibits marks another milestone in that ongoing relationship and a welcome splash of color for passengers picking up their luggage. 

Visitors can find the shimmering displays once again at the red and blue baggage claim levels of Tampa International Airport.