Aquarium – the aquatic counterpart of a zoo – is a vivarium having at least one transparent side in which water-dwelling plants or animals are kept and displayed. It may be a part of larger establishments such as a marine mammal park or a marine park.
Most public aquarium facilities have a number of smaller aquaria. The largest tanks hold millions of gallons of water and can house large species, including sharks or beluga whales. Dolphinaria are specifically for dolphins. Aquatic and semiaquatic animals, including otters and penguins, may also live in public aquaria.
Public aquariums are often affiliated with oceanographic research institutions or conduct their own research programs, and sometimes specialize in species and ecosystems that can be found in local waters.
There are over 200 aquaria worldwide.
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