The Aquarium Access Badge
A temporary access badge was left beside one of four aquarium research tanks. Four researchers each studied a different animal and entered a different zone. Security needs to identify the badge owner before the next shift begins.
Your task
Who left the temporary badge?
- 1
The badge was found beside the ray tank.
- 2
The two morning researchers studied coral and jellyfish, one subject each.
- 3
Alphabetically, Eli’s subject comes before Nora’s subject.
- 4
Ben did not enter the ray zone.
- 5
Each researcher worked with a different subject: rays, jellyfish, coral, or turtles.
Solution revealed
Solution
The answer: Suki
Nora and Eli are the two morning researchers, so they must split coral and jellyfish. Eli’s subject comes first alphabetically, fixing Eli at coral and Nora at jellyfish. Rays and turtles remain for the afternoon researchers, Suki and Ben. Ben did not enter the ray zone, so Ben must have turtles and Suki must have rays. The badge beside the ray tank therefore belongs to Suki.
Read the complete solution reasoning (spoiler)
Why this answer is the only fit
Suki is correct.
Nora and Eli are the two morning researchers, so they must split coral and jellyfish. Eli’s subject comes first alphabetically, fixing Eli at coral and Nora at jellyfish. Rays and turtles remain for the afternoon researchers, Suki and Ben. Ben did not enter the ray zone, so Ben must have turtles and Suki must have rays. The badge beside the ray tank therefore belongs to Suki.
Original RankDaily puzzle · Manually reviewed · Last updated July 20, 2026