The
Gallery
of
Lights
Dive into a new world
Press Release
New in 2016
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
NEW IN
2016
Opening in February 2016
100 m2 of additional visiting space
5 new aquariums
Design and production:
Coutant Group
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Why did you imagine this new universe?
« Many of our visitors seek to live a spectacular and unique
experience. For them, we have imagined an «immersive» area,
with a gallery of aquariums staged in a journey punctuated by
innovative technologies (HD animated movie, interactive displays, etc.).
This descent to the depths will be a surprising and poetic
adventure into: light and its mysteries.»
MATHIEU COUTANT, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR.
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
The Gallery of lights in
the exhibition
1st floor
CONTENTS
05. An innovative space for scientific mediation:
Light in all shapes and sizes
06. 5 new aquariums:
Exceptional settings for bewitching phenomenon
07. Abyssal zone, an unknown world
08. The abyss characteristics
09. What species can be discovered in
The Gallery of lights?
10. Draw with the plankton
11. Important dates at the Aquarium La Rochelle
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 3
The Gallery
of Lights
Dive into a new world, for a magical journey to the great depths.
Here, in the darkness, marine species light up and reveal their vibrant colors.
From the surface to the mysterious abyss zone, let yourself be carried away
by a magical experience and discover the secrets of light.
Hold your breath; keep your senses sharp,
the immersion in the Gallery of Lights will amaze you.
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
An innovative space for
scientific mediation
Understanding light-related phenomena in the ocean: bioluminescence, fluorescence,
iridescence… What is its role, its effects? How do species react, adapt? Find the answers
to these questions in a fun, educational and interactive way!
Let the show begin...
Fluorescence is a surface’s ability, when it is lit up by
specific radiation to emit different radiations. Species are
then metamorphosed: coral, Cerianthus and Jewel
anemones light up in surprising colors.
On the ceiling, the surface of the water reveals a manta
ray passing against the light. Follow its graceful strokes;
it will take a series of settings with captivating wonders.
Bioluminescence is the capacity that various living
organisms have of producing light by means of a chemical
reaction.
Beneath the surface, life lights up
When light disappears
During this, a molecule known as luciferin (from the
Latin Lucifer: light-bringer) combines with oxygen in
the presence of an enzyme, the luciferase. Energy is
then freed in the form of light rather than heat – a cold
light; you can hold a firefly without getting burnt
At a depth of 150 m, 99% of sunlight is absorbed. Beyond
1 000 m, total darkness reigns. Sunlight is made up of
several luminous radiations each corresponding to a
particular colour. Together, these radiations constitute
the light spectrum.
Iridescence is an optical phenomenon. Iridescent surfaces
are composed of regularly laid-out microstructures that
reflect different light wavelengths (colors) depending on
direction. Such surfaces appear to change color as you
change the angle from which you look at them.
Light in all shapes and sizes:
luminescence phenomenon
The darkness of the abyss reveals its hidden secrets.
In this place where the absence of light, the extreme
pressure and the low temperatures create an environment
hostile to all forms of life, the alchemy of the elements
offers an unexpected show.
+ FOCUS ON
WHY IS EVERYTHING BLUE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA?
Light is absorbed by the water.
Red light is absorbed by the surface of the water. It can no
longer be reflected and a goldfish will thus appear grey.
Blue light is the light that penetrates deepest in the water.
Below 60 meters, it is the only light that can be
reflected by elements of the environment.
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80% of the fauna
inhabiting the depths
emit light.
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 5
5 new aquariums. Exceptional settings for
bewitching phenomenon
Jewel anemones
Japanese Giant Spider Crab
Fluorescent corals
These little anemones tend to come
in a range of bright colors: green,
violet, orange, pink and so on. Their
hundred or so tentacles are arranged
in 3 rings around the mouth. They
develop on hard substrata (rocks or
wrecks) and prefer rougth, murky
waters, and may therefore be
observed beneath rocky overhangs
or at cave entrances.
It has a leg span of up to 3.5 meters
from claw to claw, including 37 cm
for the body itself, and weighs 20
kg. It is the largest living arthropod.
It inhabits the Pacific Ocean floor
from Tokyo Bay to Taiwan. Adult
specimens’ carapaces do not vary
greatly in size – it is the claws that
go on growing. The species can live
for up to 100 years.
Certain corals live in symbiosis with
microalgae. Like all plants, these
latter have need of light, which
is not always in sufficient supply
underwater. Thanks to their fluorescent
components, the corals concerned
can process the light they receive
to make it usable by their algae,
emitting continuous radiations visible
in the dark.
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Aquariums
created for these
particular species,
by Coutant
Aquariums
Pineapple fish
Gorgonia
Certain animals’ tissues contain
light-producing bacteria. For the
Pineapple fish, these particular
bacteria are located in specialized
organs. The bacteria in question
are permanently luminescent but
the fish can control light emission
by concealing the luminous organ.
Sunlight is absorbed when it enters
water. Red disappears after the first
meters, then green and finally blue,
the radiation that penetrates to the
greatest depth. This phenomenon
can be observed by modifying the
light of the gorgonia’s aquarium.
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 6
The Abyss,
An unknown world
Enter a vessel and unravel the mysteries of this world without light. From the observation
post, meet its strange and fascinating inhabitants, with many powers…
Observation post of the vessel’s Gallery of Lights
The term « abyss » or « abyssal zone » refers to ocean
regions over 2 000 meters deep.
Abyssal zone exploration began in the 19th century, with
one of the earliest oceanographic expeditions sailing
abroad the HMS Challenger. Numerous samples were
brought to the surface and soundings made at depths of
over 8 000 m. As yet, there has been little exploration
of abyssal trenches. However, plains lying between 3 000
and 6 000 meters below the surface have been subject
to research using manned or surface-guided vessels.
Even today, though, 95% of the ocean deeps remain
unexplored, while the moon’s surface has been a great
deal more accurately mapped.
Oceanic trenches deeper than 6 000 m only account for
2% of ocean surface areas. Several thousand kilometers
long, they can reach depths in excess of 10 000 meters.
+ FOCUS ON
THE MARIANA TRENCH
This trench situated in the Pacific Ocean is
the deepest point of earth with a
reached depth of 10 912 meters.
The abyss account for more than 80% of ocean surface
areas and 2/3 of them are made up of abyssal plains –
vast sediment-covered stretches located at depths of
between 4 000 to 6 000 m.
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 7
The characteristics
of the abyss
Species
Because of the extreme conditions prevailing in abyssal
zones, it was long believed that life was impossible in
their depths. However, most major groups of marine
animals are represented there (fish, shellfish, echinoderms,
worms, etc.). They have often developed adaptations to
the dark, high pressure and scarcity of food. As no plant life
can exist at such depths, ecosystems depend on “abyssal
snow” – organic debris fallen from the surface – as their
main food source. Such regions are sparsely populated
and animal growth is slow.
Temperature
Pressure
Water temperature on the surface varies depending
on season and geographical region. However, below a
certain depth known as the thermocline, temperatures
are cold and not to vary significantly. At 1 000 meters, the
temperature is 5 or 6°C, and then drops progressively to
reach an average of 2°C
Painting : Jean-Michel Bénier
Average pressure on the sea’s surface is 1,013 hPa
(1.013 bars). It increases underwater by 1 bar every 10
meters. Pressure in abyssal zone is higher than 200 bars,
reaching 1 000 bars in oceanic trenches – a pressure of
one metric ton per cm².
Light
Sunlight is absorbed progressively as it enters water.
There is no trace of it in abyssal zones, and development
of algae is therefore impossible. The only light sources in
the depths are of animal origin – bioluminescence. Over
80% of fauna inhabiting the depths emit light.
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No other habitat on earth has such
a constant temperature than
In the ocean depths
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 8
What species can be discovered
in the Gallery of Lights?
Only 5% of the abyss species have been discovered. Most have evocative names: the
Tripod fish, the Dumbo octopod, the Dragon fish, the Pelican eel, the Flashlight fish, the
Spook fish. From the observation post, meet its strange inhabitants, with many powers…
But beware, the giant crabs are watching you…
The Black Dragonfish
The Lanternfish family (myctophidae)
It has luminous organs along its belly as well as at the
tip of a long barbel beneath the chin, used to light up
and pinpoint its prey (fish and shellfish). Males are much
smaller than females (5 cm as against 53 cm) and have
no teeth, pelvic fin or barbell. Only females undertake
vertical migration, descending into the depths by day and
returning to the surface at night.
They account for 90% of deep-sea biomass (with over 300
species). Their many luminous organs enable identification
of species as well as determination of the individual
specimen’s gender. They stay at depths of between 300
to 1500 meters during the day and swim to the surface
at night, so avoiding predators and following the vertical
migration of the zooplankton they feed on.
The Tripod fish
The Dumbo Octopod
Its fins’ rays are up to a meter in length. It uses them as stilts
to hold itself above the ocean floor and take advantage
of the currents that bring it tiny shrimps and fish. Its long
fins also enable it to sense any vibrations created by
animals approaching along the muddy seabed. This
species produces ova and spermatozoa at the same
time, and is one of the rare creatures capable of selffertilization.
This species of octopus is a largely benthic creature.
It glides over the ocean floor in search of worms,
bivalves and shellfish. It moves by creating impulses
with its arms, squirting water, or waving its “ears” like
fins.The male and female differ in size and in the way their
suckers are arranged. As there is no specific breeding
season, the female lays eggs all year round.
+ FOCUS ON
Pilule et Pigeon
Animation and sound design studio,
they have created the animated movie of the vessel in
collaboration with the team of the Aquarium.
THE GALLERY OF LIGHTS - 9
Draw
with the plankton
While leaving this timeless space,
stroke the surface of the water one more time.
Plankton will draw a final constellation for one last surprise.
Waves of light... The luminous phenomenon occasionally
observed on the surface of rough seas is due to marine
organisms belonging to the plankton family.
shock or friction causes deformation of their cellular membrane –
a mechanical action that sparks off a chemical reaction oxidizing
the luciferins in the presence of an enzyme, the luciferase.
The reaction causes emissions of photons that create a luminous
halo around the source of disturbance..
la Galerie Des lUMiÈre FOLIO
Important dates at the Aquarium
2000-2016
2016
February: Opening of the Gallery of Lights
A new universe, 100 m² of additional visiting space, 5 new aquariums, an immersive scenography, surprising
species: in this unique area the visitor dive into the depths to discover, from the surface to the abyssal zone,
the mysteries of light. HD movie, screenings and interactive technologies, this new area will offer a beautiful,
educational and fun experience.
2012
Opening of the coastal area
In February 2012, a new space has open in the exhibition of the aquarium La Rochelle and reveals a new
dimension of the foreshore. Discrete ecosystem, living with the tides, the foreshore holds many mysteries.
With its technical and biological know-how, the Aquarium La Rochelle recreates here a unique vision of rocks
battered by the waves and populated with seaweed rarely kept in aquariums. Modern aquariums specially
designed for observations, microscopes and spherical aquariums offer a new look at the species of our
coastline. Thus, amateur fishing on foot or curious walker, each and every one will take time in the contemplation
of this strange universe, until every detail...
2009
Opening of an area dedicated to jellyfish
Breathtaking Jellyfish... At the turn of the Atlantic the jellyfish ballet becomes denser. The pretty intriguing, old
650 million years circling overhead and a new surprise decor. One room is entirely dedicated to them. There,
inhabitants housed in new aquariums technology specially designed by Coutant Aquariums: one of them
contains 2 500 liters of seawater. It will accommodate the Asian blue jellyfish, jelly blubber or more local
Rhizostoma pulmo known by the common name of marmoue, reproduced at the Aquarium. In the middle of the
room, the visitor moves around a funny all round aquarium filled with Cassiopea jellyfish living in the mangroves.
The English call it «upside down» as this species always has its head facing the floor. This area is also about the
breeding of jellyfish, zooplankton, phytoplankton ... The trip to the land of surprises is just beginning.
2001
1st April: Inauguration of the latest in large-scale European Aquariums in the centre of
La Rochelle. This Aquarium has a surface of 8 414 m² and 3 000 000 liters of seawater.
2000
21st December : Opening of the Aquarium La Rochelle
on the Big Yachts Basin.
LA GALERIE DES LUMIÈRE FOLIO
Quai louis Prunier
17002 la rochelle Cedex 1 - France
Tél. +33 (0)5 46 34 00 00
#aquariumlarochelle
Contact press
[email protected]
www.aquarium-larochelle.com
la Galerie Des lUMiÈre FOLIO
© aquarium la rochelle, Photo : Thinkstock/istock, Pilule et Pigeon studio 2015, Peinture : Jean-Michel Bénier
To dream and understand the sea