For many children, having a goldfish is an important stepping stone in pet ownership, providing an invaluable education on the natural interactions between marine life, TV remote controls, and half-eaten Oreos. Take your knowledge of the underwater world to the next level with today’s Groupon to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, located in Panacea. Whereas most aquariums feature sharks and other large marine creatures, Gulf Specimen thinks small, with many species of algae, invertebrates, and fish on display. Thanks to the laboratory's marine biological supply operation, exhibits are frequently changing, so no two visits are the same. Get up close and personal with a schooner’s worth of touchable underwater critters, such as starfish, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, whelks, clams, and bewildered mermen. While you’re there, learn about the lab’s conservation efforts, including Operation Noah’s Ark, a project to preserve the species and delicate habitats threatened by the Gulf oil spill. The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Reviews

WCTV featured Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and its Noah's Ark project to save animals endangered by the oil spill. Five Yahoo Locals rate it an average of four stars.

• It was so fun and educational to let the kids actually see the creatures up close and and touch them. My kids are still talking about it 5 weeks after our trip. - Jane, Yahoo Local
• The casual atmosphere allowed time to explore and wait to see the critters do their thing, like a hermit crab switching shells. – Cece, Yahoo Local