The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has sent an aquarium to the International Space Station.

No, this isn't a veiled attempt at turning the ISS into some kind of swanky bachelor pad, but rather an experiment that will study the effects of microgravity on marine life.

The grid structure at the upper side of each Aquatic Habitat captures air in each grid, while preventing water from escaping.

Specifically, researchers will examine the impacts of radiation, bone degradation, muscle atrophy and developmental biology over a three-month period. This data may improve understanding of human health in these areas back on Earth.

"We think studies on bone degradation mechanisms and muscle atrophy mechanisms are applicable to human health problems, especially for the ageing society," said Nobuyoshi Fujimoto, associate senior engineer at JAXA.