Visitors will never cease to be amazed as they journey through Europe’s
largest Oceanarium. Inhabited by 16,000 animals and plants representing
over 450 different species, the Oceanarium offers visitors a unique
and enchanting experience. Four biotypes, each recreating one of
the world’s coastal habitats, are located in the four corner
towers which encircle the central aquarium. Together, they constitute
a representative set of ocean environments. The Oceanarium is Europe’s
largest aquarium. Osaka Aquarium in Japan is the only larger aquarium
in the world. It was built in the 1990’s by the same architect
who designed the Lisbon Oceanarium – Peter Chermayeff. The
Global Ocean tank, one of the world’s largest aquariums (4
million litres), is visible throughout a visit to the Oceanarium.
The tank habitat is that of the high seas, and a good percentage
of its inhabitants are large animals, known for being strong swimmers.
Most are migratory species, and ranges can span several oceans. The
best known are the sharks, rays and barracudas. Large shoals of fish
can also be found on the high seas, although they are more common
in coastal waters and on the continental shelf. Even for those who
don’t like the sea, a visit to Lisbon’s Oceanarium is
an exciting and worthwhile experience, one that will be remembered
for years to come.
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