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Superhero night at the aquarium

Calling all animal superheroes to the Waikiki Aquarium for Family Night Friday.

The aquarium’s Fintastic Four — Smasher, Quicksand, Fission and Invisia — will be on hand to greet guests for the event, which takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., after the doors are usually closed.

Visitors will get the opportunity to encounter each of the four and learn of their unique abilities. 

Smasher is a mantis shrimp that can stun prey with very quick hitting and punching. Quicksand is a mole crab, also known as a sand turtle, who can dig very fast. Keiki get to participate in an activity where they must try to dig faster than Quicksand. Fission is a jellyfish that has the ability to clone itself. Invisia is an octopus with the ability to change colors and texture to camouflage herself.

Children will also be able to see a variety of sponges, a box crab (which disguises itself as a box), a teddy bear crab (a furry-looking crustacean) and hermit crabs, who hide in their shells.

Local scientists from University of Hawai’i will be on hand to answer questions and talk about each of these unusual animals.

Keiki can create their own superhero costumes, complete with a mask and cape, then attend a superhero training school to become Hydro Heroes. They will accomplish heroic tasks, like cleaning up oil spills and removing plastic debris from sand.

Guests are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy the action-packed evening.

Waikiki Aquarium is at 2777 Kalakaua Ave. Admission is $12 children and adults ($9 members); free for keiki ages 2 and under. Call 440-9011 or email reservations@waquarium.org to make reservations.