SEA LIFE Manchester has named one of its resident Lionfish after England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps.

The renaming of the Lion(ess)fish has been carried out to honour Earps winning BBC Sports Personality at the award ceremony last night.

Earps enjoyed a successful 2023 footballing campaign, being named the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper in February and earning the FIFA World Cup Golden Glove at the 2023 tournament this summer.

She was also named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for her performances throughout the 22/23 season as well as claiming England Women’s Player of the Year for her successful international performances in the same period.

Lionfish are known for their venomous fin spines and are found mostly in marine habitats in warm tropic waters, relying on their unusual colour and distinctive fins to discourage would-be predators from eating them.

Jenn McDonough, General Manager at SEA LIFE Manchester, said: “We are all so proud to see Manchester United’s Mary Earps named BBC Sports Personality of the year. Her performances at club level and for England have been truly inspiring and she has done some much to increase the popularity of the women’s game.

“On top of how she’s played on the field, Mary has been a constant voice in encouraging others to follow their dreams and be the best person they can be, which is something we believe everyone can get behind.

“We chose to name a Lionfish after Mary due to the link with the Lionesses, we’re hoping one day Mary can come along and visit her namesake for herself!”

For further information and to visit Mary Earps the Lionfish for yourself, please visit the SEA LIFE Manchester website here: https://www.visitsealife.com/manchester/