Themed aquariums


The themed aquariums enable you to enjoy the small details of marine flora and fauna that in large aquariums would go completely unnoticed.

These small tanks feature a number of interactive modules that you can use to learn more about the organisms you find.

Marine invertebrates

These mini aquariums feature specimens from various groups of invertebrates to help you learn more about them.

These include examples of the cnidarian species, such as sea anemones, gorgonians and beadlet anemones. All cnidarians have a defence system in common consisting of stinging cells called cnidocysts.

You can also see arthropod crustaceans, such as lobsters, king crabs and shrimps. Crustaceans are invertebrates with jointed exoskeletons.

The aquariums also feature echinoderms such as starfish and sea cucumbers. Echinoderms are exclusively marine animals with spiny skin (echino means spines and derma refers to the skin).

Finally, there is a primitive example of a cephalopod – the nautilus. Cephalopods are molluscs that, through evolution, have internalised their shell or have even lost it; the nautilus, however, which is considered to be a living fossil, still retains it.


Posidonia meadows are ideal refuges for some marine animals, especially for the smallest, such as seahorses. Seahorses are fish that do not usually swim very fast and can be easily washed away by currents. To prevent this, they take refuge in amongst Posidonia leaves and stick to them with their prehensile tails.

Here, you can admire these tiny organisms, which look more similar to mythological beings than the group to which they actually belong – fish.

cavallet-mar-ventre-gros general-caballitos-de-mar-2 general-caballitos-de-mar

Shark eggs

Hanging between the corals and marine plants, you can get a close look at the shark eggs in the aquarium.
Also known as mermaids’ purses because of their shape, shark eggs, like those belonging to the catshark, have a long and quite transparent shell that enables you to see how the shark embryos are developing inside. The egg capsule also features tendrils on its ends to ensure that the eggs remain attached to the corals and marine vegetation and prevent them from being swept away by the currents.

Look closely at the eggs because you might be able to see the embryos move inside and also look at the bottom of the aquarium because some have already been born.

tauro-gat-aquarium-barcelona huevos-de-tiburon-aquarium-barcelona tauro-gat-aquarium-barcelona-2

Tropical corals

Corals are colonies of tiny organisms called polyps, which form complex reef structures. They are true architects of nature.

In this mini aquarium, you can observe in detail different species of colourful corals and even see how the polyps move by opening and closing their tentacles.

This tank is populated by corals that have been bred in captivity without removing specimens from the wild.

coralls-tropicals acuario-coralls-tropicals

Fantastic creatures under the sea

In these mini aquariums, you can see marine animals with shapes that are so curious that they resemble mythological creatures. They are strange creatures that adopt incredible shapes to adapt to their surroundings. They will unleash your imagination and transport you to a world of fable and legend.

They are currently home to leafy seadragons – a very special kind of seahorse that is difficult to distinguish from its environment full of leaves and algae.
criaturas-fantasticas-aquarium-barcelona cavallet-de-mar-dalgues