Aquarium Near Me

Whether you’re seeking a visit to large scale aquarium or visit a shop that sells small home based aquariums, know that these vessels of sea life have been enriching lives for hundreds of years.

Are you interested in finding an aquarium near your current location? You’ve come to the right place. Simply browse aquarium near me on the map below and find a list of aquariums located in a close proximity to your current location. Need a bit more information on aquariums? Read on for facts, trivia, and a bit of history on aquariums!

Aquarium Near Me – Find it on the Map

Aquarium Near Me – Aquarium Trivia

Which civilization is credited with first creating aquariums?

Through careful research and documentation, many historians have come to the conclusion that the ancient Romans were the first civilization to have brought fish indoors. This first fish to find indoor bliss, were kept under guest beds in small tanks made of marble (the purpose of having a fish under your bed is still pretty unclear). After the introduction of glass panes in the year 50, the marble tanks were replaced with glass, which improved their view of the fish and heightened the overall experience. In 1369, Chinese Emperor, Hongwu, established a porcelain company that produced very large porcelain tubs for maintaining goldfish. As time went on, people produced tubs that even approached the shape of modern fish bowls, though at the time these tanks were often used to maintain weather loaches and newts rather than actual fish. Consider the history of aquariums while searching aquarium near me!

A male whale shark at the Georgia aquarium.

When did public and private aquariums become popular in the US?

As you search aquarium near me, know that these now beloved views into the underwater world were not always a hit in the Us. Aquariums became much more popular as hours had an electric supply after World War I. Prior to this, many homes in rural areas did not have the luxury of electricity or the power to use it as they pleased. Electricity allowed artificial lighting in tanks as well as aeration, heating of water, and filtration. These necessities made it easier for exotic species to be held in tanks. Jugs made from a variety of materials were implemented to import fish from all over the world, handlers used a bicycle foot pump to initiate aeration. Not only did the popularity of electricity help to popularize home tanks, they made public aquariums much more appealing. Fish lovers rejoiced at the opportunity to see exotic species they had formerly only viewed in books and encyclopedias. Transporting fish became easier once plastic shipping bags were introduced in the 1950s. Around this time the introduction of air freight also made it easier for fish to be successfully brought in from different regions of the world. In the 1960s, silicone sealants were created which allowed for all glass aquariums and major developments in the aquarium as an attraction.

Aquarium Near Me – Aquarium Facts

The First Public Aquarium

Now that you know a bit about the history of aquariums and the advances that made them possible, where exactly was the first fully public aquarium opened? Read on while searching aquarium near me to find out! The first public aquarium was opened within the confines of the London Zoo in May of 1853. Dubbed, the Fish House, it was constructed in the same vein as a greenhouse. P.T. Barnum quickly followed suit in 1856 and created the first American aquarium as a part of the already established Barnum’s American Museum, which was located in New York City (prior to burning down). In 1859, the famous Aquarial Gardens were founded in Boston, Massachusetts. Around this time a number of aquariums were also opened throughout Europe. Aquariums such as the Jardin D’Acclimatation in Paris and the Viennese Aquarium Salon in Germany drew big crowds on a fairly regular basis.

Public Aquariums Today

Aquariums have come a long way since their humble beginnings under beds in Ancient Rome. Consider this while searching aquarium near me. Modern aquarium tanks can hold millions of liters of water and can house massive species such as sharks and beluga whales. These species are able to be housed thanks to thick, clear acrylic glass windows. Aquariums are no longer just for fish, many such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium also boast semi aquatic mammals such as otters and seals. Modern aquariums also often include land animals and plants that enjoy spending time near the water. For example, many aquariums have also taken to boasting polar bears and the like. In order to keep revenue consistent, many major aquariums will also promote special exhibits in addition to permanent collections. Some even possess the aquatic versions of a petting zoo. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a shallow tank filled with several common types of rays, all of which visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with. The South Carolina aquarium even lets visitors feed the rays in the Salt marsh Aviary. Aquariums will also be a popular part of American culture. So long as our fascination with the sea and creatures uncommon to our everyday life persist, so will aquariums.