AUBURN HILLS, MI -- More than 5,000 creatures -- including coral caves, sharks and stingrays -- and an underwater viewing tunnel will be part of a giant new aquarium coming to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in spring 2015.

The public was given a sneak peek at the upcoming Sea Life Michigan aquarium at a groundbreaking ceremony held Tuesday morning at the shopping center.

Themed exhibits will feature species in Michigan and the Great Lakes, coral caves, sharks, sea horses, stingrays, and more -- totaling 5,000 creatures and 250 species in 150,000 gallons of water, said Hayley Townsend, general manager for Sea Life Michigan.

The aquarium will be 35,000 square feet, including a 180-degree underwater ocean tunnel.

This will be Sea Life's first aquarium in Michigan, seventh in the United States, and 42nd in the world.

"We're focused on amazing and breathtaking educational experiences for our guests, and to inspire them to take an active role in conservation so that these environments are preserved for generations to come," Townsend said during the event.

Steve Berlow, the manager for Great Lakes Crossing, said mall officials have been planning the aquarium with Sea Life for the last couple of years. They selected Michigan because of its central location in the Midwest and its proximity to Canada. Since the closest comparable aquariums are in Minneapolis and Charlotte, organizers expect to attract visitors from as far as 350 miles away.

"It definitely identifies Southeastern Michigan on the comeback trail, and it certainly signifies Oakland County as being an economic destination," Berlow said.

Leslie Hornung, senior VP of Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said Sea Life Michigan should bring about 50 new jobs.

Construction has already begun for the aquarium, which will be in the building that used to house the GameWorks arcade. Organizers anticipate Sea Life Michigan to open in spring 2015.