A public aquarium also referred to as public aquaria are basically an aquatic counterpart of a zoo. These are founded basically for public to view varied types of aquatic species. Apart from housing numerous small aquaria, the public aquariums are noted mainly for featuring aquaria of enormous sizes. The first public aquarium which was open to the general masses was in mid 1800s and since then there was no looking behind of the aquarium business. The number of public aquariums has increased dramatically and can be traced in every corner of the globe. ‘Fish House’, opened in London Zoo in the year 1853 was the first public aquarium.
Soon after this, number of public aquariums popped up in different continents of the world. At present the Georgia Aquarium, containing more than 8 million US gallons of water and thousands of marine animals is the largest aquarium in the entire world.
Almost every continent houses a large number of public aquariums. Asia, the largest continent takes pride in holding some of the most renowned aquariums of the world. In Asia the countries which have public aquariums are China, Iran, Thailand, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Israel. Some of the major public aquariums in Asia can be listed as Bangkok Aquarium, Sentosa – Underwater World, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Underwater World Pattaya, Bueng Chawak Aquarium, Qingdao Underwater World, Taraporewala Aqaurium, Manila Ocean Park, 63 Building Aquarium, Ocean Park and so forth. In the below sections you would come to know about the major points about some of the public aquariums in Asia.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: It is the largest aquarium of Shanghai and one of the most renowned one in the world. This 20,500 square meters public aquarium was founded in the month of February in 2002. For housing 450 different species of aquatic animals this structure has been segregated into 9 zones. The main attraction of this aquarium is Bruce, the Oranda goldfish measuring 43.507 cm. In addition, it is known for its underwater tunnel, the longest in the world. Other marine animals comprise Pirarucu, Grey nurse shark, Humboldt penguin, Blue tang, and Kittiwakes.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: This second largest aquarium of the world is located in Ocean Expo memorial Park, Okinawa.
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The world’s largest acrylic glass panel is based in this aquarium. Among its collection of aquatic species the most significant ones are manta rays and whale sharks. Dolphin shows are also held here, attracting a large number of audience everyday. Along with the spectacular beauty of the aquarium the visitors can also enjoy the Emerald Beach, Botanical Gardens and other exhibitions.
Bangkok Aquarium: Based in the campus of Kasetsart University, this public aquarium was founded in the year 1940. This oldest aquarium of Thailand comprises almost 100 species and 560 species of aquatic plants and fishes respectively. It is the Department of Fisheries of Thailand which attends to all the requirements of this beautiful place. Among its chief possessions, the Siamese giant carp, Chao Phraya giant catfish and Siamese tigerfish are the most unique ones.
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