Huge springs, from which millions of gallons of clear water bubble every hour, are the headwaters of the beautiful Homosassa River. A floating observation platform ( we call it the Fish Bowl ) inside these springs allows the visitor to see a large variety of fresh and saltwater fish, manatees and turtles. All these creatures can travel unrestricted between the headwaters and the Gulf of Mexico.

Crevalle Jacks weigh 3 to 5 pounds on average, but can reach 50 pounds and measure up to 3 feet. These fish are found anywhere between Nova Scotia and Uruguay. They constantly travel in large schools.

The average weight of the sheepshead fish is between 1 to 8 pounds, although they have been recorded weighing up to 15 pounds at a length of 3 feet. This fish can be found between New England to the north and Brazil in South America. They feed on crustaceans on sea walls, pilings and oyster bars.

The average length of the mature Mangrove Snapper is 2.5 feet. This fish can be found between New England and the southern end of Brazil. Mangrove Snappers feed on crustaceans on pilings, reefs and shell beds.

Quite frequently a curious manatee will swim up to the window and look at the visitors inside the underground observatory

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