Key Highlights
- Chimelong Spaceship in Zhuhai, China, tops the list with a staggering 75.3 million litres.
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi follows closely, offering 58 million litres of marine habitat.
- All five aquariums together hold more than 250 million litres of water, supporting over 30,000 species.
- These facilities feature world‑record tanks, extensive coral reefs, and immersive underwater tunnels.
Detailed Insights
Chimelong Spaceship opened in 2023 and boasts 38 tanks, the largest single tank holding 56 million litres. It shelters more than 300 species and includes a 2.8 million‑litre coral reef exhibit that is the biggest living reef in any aquarium.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi began operation in May 2023 after seven years of construction. Its eight themed realms showcase polar, tropical, and other habitats, and it is home to over 150 marine species under one roof.
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom was the world’s largest before 2023. Since its 2014 opening, it has housed more than 15,000 sea animals across eight zones and remains a major attraction in Zhuhai.
S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore held the top spot from 2012 to 2014. Today it still ranks among the largest, with 100,000+ animals from 1,000+ species and a 36‑metre underwater tunnel that lets visitors swim beside marine life.
L’Oceanografic is Europe’s largest aquarium, featuring ten distinct marine environments and a 500‑species collection. Its 36‑metre tunnel is the longest in Europe, and visitors can observe beluga whales and angel sharks.
Key Concepts
- Aquarium Capacity: The total volume of water a facility can hold, measured in litres or gallons.
- Marine Biodiversity: The variety of species and ecosystems present within a marine environment.
- Coral Reef Exhibit: A dedicated area that replicates a natural reef, often using live corals and associated fauna.
- Underwater Tunnel: A transparent passage that allows visitors to walk or swim while surrounded by marine life.