ZSL London Zoo Aquarium
The Aquarium has been at ZSL London Zoo since 1853, and has a very interesting history.
Separated into three different halls, which are home to different types of fish, the Aquarium is involved in many different conservation projects and breeding programmes.
There are many exotic, beautiful and even weird fish in the Aquarium, some of which you can learn more about on these pages!
Tour the Aquarium
Hall 1 contains animals related to our conservation projects. Many of these fish are extremely endangered, and some are even classed as extinct in the wild. Two of the rarest species on display are the Mexican Pupfish and the Greek Killifish.
Hall 2 contains stunning coral reef tanks. The colourful animals provide an amazing display.
Hall 3 contains our Amazonian tanks. This includes 'electric tanks', holding our electric eel, Vera. There is also the 'flooded rainforest', which is the biggest tank in the aquarium and keeps several stingray.
Spotlight On
Endangered Species: The Corfu Toothcarp
ZSL London Zoo Aquarists are involved in conservation projects to protect the Corfu Toothcarp. The Corfu Toothcarp is one of the endangered species that we have on display in ZSL London Zoo Aquarium, and is now the focus of a new Conservation plan.
Conservation Programmes
Aquatic ecosystems cover approximately 70 per cent of the earth’s surface and are essential for supporting life on our planet.
ZSL recognises the importance of improving the management and sustainable use of aquatic resources, and has developed a programme of marine and freshwater conservation. We work with local communities and partner organisations in the UK and worldwide.
Marine and freshwater conservation
Island ecosystems conservation
The History of The Aquarium
The Aquarium here at ZSL London Zoo holds a very important position in history, because it was the first aquarium to be established and opened in the whole world! It was also the first establishment of its kind to be called an ‘aquarium’. Find out more about this historic exhibit.
Aquarium Video
Our aquarium curator reveals what goes on behind the scenes at ZSL's Aquarium.
Breeding Programmes
ZSL London Zoo Aquarium currently has a variety of breeding programmes in place which aim to help in the conservation of endangered fish. The main focus is on fish that can be colony-managed in captivity over time and several of the species are extremely rare, and some are classified as extinct in the wild by the World Conservation Union, IUCN.
Home Aquarium
If you want to have your very own Aquarium, there are certain things that you are going to need. The Aquarists here at ZSL London Zoo have put together a list of the basic items that you will need to set up your own tank!
Big Fish tank
Fish can be very beautiful creatures to look at, and many people want to buy them to display in their homes. This is fine, as long as people know what they are looking after, and how to look after them properly.