A PETITION urging the owner of an American-style, multimillion-dollar city nightclub to ditch his plans for a live shark tank has gone national, attracting more than 35,000 signatures in two weeks.

The online petition was created in December after The City revealed Atlantis Lounge Bar’s plans for a 3m diameter aquarium with two 60-150cm hammerhead sharks.

media_camera Nathan Buttigieg has grand plans for the former Garage Nightclub site.

Owner Nathan Buttigieg didn’t respond to The City’s questions yesterday, but said in an emailed statement: “Atlantis Lounge Bar is aware of state and federal laws regarding the captivity of marine animals. We’re in consultation with animal groups, local authorities and local government to ensure we adhere with state and federal laws.”

The luxury Waymouth St bar is due to open next month, initially with swimming performers (mermaids) with the sharks to come later.

In an earlier interview Mr Buttigieg estimated the entry fee to the bar, to have an overall capacity of 360, would be $20.

The night spot is to feature a 25,000 litre aquarium with “mermaids” and, later on, hammerhead sharks.

Situated at the former Garage Bar, Atlantis Lounge will have a 3m diameter cylinder, floor-to-ceiling infinity tank in the middle of the floor with two swimming performers.

What else it’ll have:

VIP room hire for $500-$1000, with bottle service

BOTTLES of champagne (some up to 15L) such as Ace of Spades and Cristal

CHAUFFEURED Range Rovers for VIPs

GOLD-plated toilets from Turkey

AGATE bar/onyx wall

LIVE house musicians (such as saxophone and bongo players)

AQUARIUM, tipped to be the largest commercial aquarium in Australia aside from SeaWorld