The Vivarium features over 30 aquarium tanks in which you can discover the fascinating underwater world of tropical rivers and oceans, be astonished by the colourful activity in the coral reef and encounter the multi-facetted biological communities of the Mediterranean!
The tanks are grouped by habitat. You can see the accurate aim of the archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix), observe the ocellated river stingray (Potamotrygon motoro) during its constant search for food in the sand, and watch sea horses (Hippocampus sp.) swim in a thatch of seaweed.
The blind cavefish (Astyanax fasciatus mexicanus), a sightless and unpigmented creature which swims its way through the labyrinth of a stalactite cave, are fascinating in their ability to navigate using a lateral line organ. By contrast, much more colourful creatures can be found in our tropical coral reef. Marine angelfish (Pomacanthidae), copperband butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) and surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) work with brilliant colours to signal which animal is dominant or is ready to mate. Other impressive species include the bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) and of course the playful common octopus (Octopus vulgaris).
