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LONDON AQUARIUM
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London Aquarium |
One of Europe's largest displays of aquatic life |
The London Aquarium is one of Europe’s largest displays of aquatic life, attracting over a million visitors a year. It is home to 400 species including sharks, stingrays and clownfish, moray eels, lion fish and sideways walking crabs. |
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The aquarium is located in County Hall near the London Eye. The Hall was the headquarters of London County Council and is a six storey 'Edwardian Baroque' style building. It was designed by Ralph Knott in 1911, and opened in 1922 by King George V. However, when Margaret Thatcher’s government abolished the London Council in 1986, County Hall lost its role as the seat of London's government and the building was used for other purposes. |
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The London Aquarium first opened in 1997. It covers 3 floors, split into 14 zones. In the Freshwater, River and Pond zones you will find fish such as carp, roach, perch, minnow, grayling and rudd. Carp is thought to be one of the oldest farmed fish, probably introduced into the British Isles by the Romans 2000 years ago. Carp are thought to live at least 40 years. The Pacific and Indian Ocean zones have various box fish and sharks, such as the Sandtiger shark. One of the most popular zones is the Touch Pool, where you roll up your sleeves and feel fish including Plaice and Rays. Other zones include Tropical Freshwater, Coral Reef, Invertebrates, Mangrove, and Rainforest. |
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In 2005 the aquarium rose to fame when it introduced three brightly coloured robotic fish. Created by robotics experts from Essex University, the creatures move around the tank like real fish, but unlike previous attempts at robotic fish, these are not pre-programmed. Instead, they have sensor-based controls, meaning they move around the tank, avoiding objects and other fish, and reacting to their environment as a real fish would. |
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The London Aquarium is open daily 10am to 6pm |
Admission costs £13.25 for adults, £11.25 concessions |
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