A STOCK-TAKE with a difference will be held at Deep Sea World this weekend as the aquarium carries out its version of a 'fishy census'.

Between 17th and 18th January, staff at the North Queensferry attraction are inviting visitors to volunteer to help spot and record the number of certain species, including sharks, rays, clown fish, piranhas and frogs.

An official check will then be made, and the child who most accurately reports the population of each of the selected species will win a free family annual membership to the aquarium.

Deep Sea World’s Catherine Gemmell said, “Every year our zoological team has the tricky job of counting all our animals. We are looking for budding marine biologists to come along and help us check our numbers!

“There have been lots of new exciting animals added to our collection over the past year which always makes it more difficult to count as nearly all our animals don’t stop moving.

“Obviously some creatures will be easier to count than others; the larger sharks are usually fairly straightforward, although there are a number of other shark species that like to spend much of their time either hidden among the rocks or under the sand.

“Our rays can be a little tricky, as can the clownfish as they tend to rush around a lot!” Anyone interested in taking on the challenge can ask for a stock take sheet at reception and be in with the chance of winning a family membership and an Access All Areas pass if their count is judged to be the most accurate.

Visitors can also get their faces painted as their favourite sea creature throughout the weekend, and there will also be public talks and feeding sessions.