What is the difference between reptiles and amphibians? They have many similarities, which can be confusing. Both are cold-blooded, relying on external sources to regulate their body temperature. Both are vertebrates (having backbones) and have excellent eyesight.

There are more than 7,700 species of reptiles. Reptiles breathe air through their lungs and are covered with scales, scutes, or a combination of both. With a few exceptions, reptiles lay soft-shelled eggs in a nest. Some exceptions to this are boas and pythons, which give live births to their young. Species that are found in the reptile family include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and turtles.

Amphibians breathe through gills, lungs, or their skin. Their skin is moist, smooth or rough, and is sometimes covered with a sticky substance that helps create a waterproof coating to keep the skin moist. Amphibians can live on land or in the water but must have water or a moist environment to survive. They typically go through a metamorphosis, changing form as they mature. There are more than 6,000 species of amphibians remaining in the world today, including frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.

Bamboo Bay also features a 3,000-gallon cylindrical aquarium filled with fascinating aquatic species, including a variety of fish and bamboo sharks, which further highlight the diversity of the animal kingdom. Bamboo sharks are a type of small, bottom-dwelling shark with unique, flexible bodies covered in distinctive patterns.

It is believed that 19% of all reptile species and 33% of amphibian species are at risk of extinction due primarily to habitat loss and degradation. Efforts to conserve aquatic habitats are equally critical, as many fish species face similar threats in our oceans.