Want an early Halloween scare? Go fish

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos start a bit early at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, where something fishy will be going on this weekend.

The Fishy Fest combines spooky entertainment and conservation-minded education. There will be a marine animal graveyard, Dia de los Muertos crafts and altars, face painting and more. Learn about bioluminescence (light production by living creatures) from marine experts, or take a look at parasites of the sea with “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” If you’re there at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, you’ll be able to catch the always-popular shark feeding.

Regular aquarium exhibits also will be open for the event. There are tanks with live specimens to feel and observe, presentations by naturalists and displays containing more than 100 different marine species. The aquarium performs public education for the local conservation group Heal the Bay.

The Fishy Fest will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23. The Aquarium is located at the beach level of the Santa Monica Pier, 1600 Ocean Front Walk. Children under 13 are free with an adult, and all others are admitted for a suggested donation of $5, or a $3 minimum entry fee. Costumes are welcome and encouraged, so put on your axe-wielding octopus outfit and get in the, er, swim of things.

Posted 10/17/11