The Barcelona Aquarium (Spanish: L’Aquarium de Barcelona) is the richest marine center in the world for Mediterranean fish species. It attracts more than 1,500,000 visitors annually making it the 4th most visited place in the city of Barcelona.

Three interesting facts about the aquarium:

It features over 11,000 water-dwelling animals of over 450 different species . They are housed within 35 aquariums containing a total of approximately 5 million liters (1.30 million gallons) of water.

. They are housed within 35 aquariums containing a total of approximately 5 million liters (1.30 million gallons) of water. It consists of the 14 Mediterranean, 7 tropical and 14 themed aquariums, therefore, you can be sure to discover some amazing sea life.

The Oceanarium – a microcosm of the Mediterranean Sea – is the largest aquarium, with a diameter of 36 meters (118 feet) and 5 meters (16 feet) deep. It crossed by an 80-meter (262 feet) glass tunnel that allows you to walk among sharks, eels, and rays.

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Barcelona Aquarium Pictures

Common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in the Oceanarium

Soft coral does not have a stony exoskeleton

Sea anemones are related to jellyfish and corals

Coral community

Wreathy-tuft tube-worm (Spirographis spallanzanii)

Shame-faced crab (Calappa granulata)

The Top 5 Most Beautiful Fishes at the Barcelona Aquarium

Yellow tang

The Yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) in nature is found in the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, between Hawaii and Japan. The habitat of this species is from inside the reef out to depths of 40 meters (131 feet) or more.

Yellow tang

This is a medium size fish, with an adult growing to a length of almost 20 cm (6–8 in). The species has an oval-shaped, vibrant yellow body, therefore, is one of the most popular fish in a saltwater aquarium. Its lifespan is 30 years in the wild and 10 years in captivity.

Longspine spinefish

The Longspine spinefish (Macroramphosus scolopax) is found in the Atlantic, Indian, and West Pacific Oceans. The species has a long beak in the shape of a tube, with a small mouth with no teeth at the end, and is up to 18 cm (7 in) long.

Longspine spinefish

These fish inhabit at depths of 40 to 300 m (131–984 ft). They swim slowly, often with the body vertical and the head down.

Royal dottyback

The Royal dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnella) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They are usually seen hovering close to corals and rubble in shallow coastal reefs.

Royal dottyback

The fish features a half yellow and half purple body and grows to 5–7 cm (2–3 in) long. Any aquarist will recognize the royal dottyback as an excellent aquatic pet to care for in their home aquarium.

Gray angelfish

The Gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) a species of large fish found on coral reefs of the western Atlantic Ocean, at depths ranging from 2 to 30 m (7–98 ft).

Gray angelfish

They may live up to 10 years. The maximum recorded length is 60 cm (24 in). The maximum recorded weight is 1.8 kg (4 lbs). These fish are curious and brave, as a result, they are a popular subject for underwater photographers.

Humbug damselfish

The Humbug damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus) is a coral-dwelling fish found in groups sheltering in the arms of staghorn corals over shallow lagoons and inshore reef flats. These fish range throughout much of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and in the Red Sea.

Sporting three black stripes on a white body, the species has a zebralike appearance. It can grow to a size of almost 10 cm (4 in) and is considered a good “starter” fish for beginning saltwater aquarists.

Humbug damselfish

The Barcelona Aquarium was opened in 1995. It is part of Aspro Parks, a Spanish multinational company with its headquarters based in Madrid. Aspro owns and operates over 60 leisure attractions across Europe.

Address: Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n – 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Official website: L’Aquàrium de Barcelona

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