Roanoke River Aquarium now features the rare state and federally endangered species
Center in the Square has announced that the federally endangered Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) has now found a permanent home in the Atrium Aquariums of Center in the Square. Two of the rare fish are settling in nicely in the Roanoke River Aquarium, which showcases the aquatic life of the river–our Valley’s namesake.
“This is a unique educational opportunity for the Valley, especially for the thousands of students in our region that visit Center in the Square every year,” said President and General Manager, Dr. Jim Sears. “This fish has only been displayed in a handful of places in the world,” he said.
The Roanoke logperch, a tan-colored fish with black stripes, red dorsal fins and a pointed nose, only lives in the Roanoke River and its tributaries, as well as some smaller rivers and creeks in an area from Roanoke south into northern sections of North Carolina.
The scientific name for this species, “rex,” means “king” in Latin, a proper name for this large and impressive darter which can reach lengths up to 6 inches. The Roanoke logperch requires a clean and clear stream bottom to feed and reproduce. However, many of its native streams are being degraded by increasing silt levels caused by human activity.
Center in the Square board member Steve Bowery provided funding for the aquarium because of the educational value of displaying a fish most people would never see. “This fish is unique to Roanoke, and now another reason for people to visit Downtown Roanoke. This exhibit will be an educational resource for teachers and parents across the Valley, and its arrival couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Bowery.
Center in the Square worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Researchers at Virginia Tech to obtain the proper permits and establish protocols for maintaining the fish in captivity. Biologists from VDGIF collected the specimens from the river in early May.
In addition to The Roanoke River Aquarium, visitors can also see an 8,000-gallon living reef, a large seahorse aquarium, jellyfish aquariums, and an exhibit featuring the turtles of Virginia. The Atrium Aquariums are free to the public during Center in the Square’s regular business hours, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“Prior to our recent renovation, there was little to see in the atrium,” said Sears. “Now, at no charge, people can come and learn about exotic fish and corals from the world’s oceans and an endangered species from right here in the Roanoke Valley.”
