Aquas Shimane Aquarium

City: Shimane
Country: Japan
Region Chugoku
Opened 2000

Species 400

The aquarium's primary focus is on the marine life off the coast of Shimane Prefecture. The most famous fish that lives there is likely the Japanese flying fish. The first tank shows off a riotous array of fish that live in the coastal areas of the prefecture. It is a very effective introduction to the aquarium's tank design and a taste of their incredible collection of beautiful fish. Next, deep water Sea of Japan (East Sea) fish are showcased. There are also a number of jelly fishes, octopus and squid. The large circular tank of Japanese sardines is particularly effective. The Sea of Myth section shows off sharks, rays and other fish that can live peacefully together between meal time. It's impossible not to want to sit back and watch the fish for a good while. After taking in your fill, you get walk under the tank through a tube for an additional treat. After a large coral reef tank, the aquarium has a number of nocturnal fish and a number of smaller tanks. These mini-tanks are about the size of a regular hobbyist aquarium and showcase smaller interesting fish that would get lost and ignored in a large tank. The aquarium's stars are its three beluga whales (or white whale). The highly expressive and playful animals are put through their paces in an underwater show that shows off their features and playfulness. A number of smaller exhibits are built into the walls as you spiral down to the event theater. Finally, there is a sea lion exhibit and show that takes place outside.