“Can you imagine,” whispered a young boy to his sister, eyes wide with wonder, “living underwater surrounded by all these creatures?”. He pointed towards the entrance of the Tropical Aquarium. The Tropical Aquarium, nestled within the grand Palais de la Porte Dorée, first opened its doors in 1931. It was a celebration of aquatic life from France’s colonies, intended to showcase the diverse beauty of the underwater world.
The Tropical Aquarium houses a staggering collection of 4,400 animals, representing 350 different species. Within its 84 tanks, you’ll encounter an array of fish from the vibrant coral reefs to the murky depths of the Amazon. Some of the oldest inhabitants are the “living fossils”, fish that have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. The Arapaima, for example, is a giant freshwater fish from the Amazon basin that can grow up to 3 meters long.
One of the most captivating exhibits is the crocodile pit, considered one of the finest in Europe. Initially home to Nile crocodiles that arrived in 1948, it now houses a variety of crocodilians. Sadly, the last of the original Nile crocodiles, brought here by the renowned scientist Professor Théodore Monod, passed away in 2010. But the Tropical Aquarium continues its mission to educate and inspire. Each tank offers a window into a unique aquatic world. The aquarium aims to foster a deep appreciation for these delicate ecosystems and the incredible creatures that call them home.