Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops Longicaudatus
Triops Longicaudatus Red
Triops food
Sea almond leaf
Aquarium filter
Lighting
Substrate
Decoration
Heating
Cleaning
ThermometerGuide
Aquaristics in Italy – Underwater passion between the Dolce Vita and the Mediterranean
When you think of Italy, pasta, wine and picturesque coastal towns probably come to mind first – but have you ever thought about how fascinating the aquarium scene is in this country? Between the Mediterranean climate, historic cities and a deep-rooted love of nature, Italy has developed a passionate community around aquariums and underwater worlds. In this blog article, we take a look at the world of aquatics in Italy.
The fascination of aquaristics – also alive in Italy
In many Italian households, you will not only find artfully furnished flats and gardens, but also lovingly maintained aquariums. In northern Italy in particular, in cities such as Milan, Turin and Bologna, numerous associations and specialised shops dedicated to aquariums have been established. But there are also real gems among the aquarium shops in southern Italy and on the islands – often run by families who have passed on their passion for fish and plants over generations.
What is particularly noticeable in Italy is the strong connection to nature. Many aquarists emphasise near-natural tanks, biological filtration and a harmonious interplay of plants and animals. The attention to detail that you may already be familiar with from Italian design is also reflected in the design of the aquariums.
Italian biodiversity – even under water
The Mediterranean naturally plays a role, even if it is salty and has nothing directly to do with classic freshwater aquaristics. But the proximity to the sea has heightened awareness of marine habitats – and this is reflected in seawater aquariums. Many Italian aquarists keep miniature coral reefs in their living rooms. And anyone who has ever visited an aquarium shop in Rome or Naples knows how impressive it can be.
In zoos and public aquariums – for example in Genoa or Cattolica – you can also gain great insights into the underwater world and get inspiration for your own aquarium.
What makes the Italian aquarium scene special is the open, informal atmosphere. Whether in forums, at trade fairs or at regional meetings – the dialogue between like-minded people is warm and helpful. Many Italian aquarists are proud of their tanks and are happy to show them off – and they are just as happy to pass on tips, be it on water chemistry, feeding or setting up a new aquarium.
So if you’re ever travelling in Italy and have a little time on your hands, why not pop into a local aquarium shop or find out whether a meeting or exhibition is taking place. You’ll be surprised how much passion and expertise you’ll find there.
Acquario di Genova
The Acquario di Genova is the largest aquarium in Italy and one of the most important in Europe. It is located in the historic harbour of Genoa and was opened in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. It was designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, who gave the building the shape of a ship.
With an exhibition area of around 10,000 square metres, the aquarium is home to around 70 tanks containing over 12,000 animals from more than 400 species. These include dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea lions, rays, jellyfish and many other sea creatures. One highlight is the Whale Pavilion, which opened in 2013 and allows visitors to observe dolphins both above and below the water.
Another special feature is the Biodiversity Pavilion, housed in a converted ship’s hull called ‘Nave Blu’. Here, visitors can explore tropical rainforests, coral reefs and other exotic habitats. Interactive areas, such as a touch tank with rays, offer exciting experiences, especially for children.
Acquario di Cattolica
The Acquario di Cattolica is the largest aquarium on the Adriatic coast and the second largest in Italy after the Acquario di Genova. It is located in the city of Cattolica in the Emilia-Romagna region and was opened in 2000. The aquarium is housed in a restored building complex that was originally built in the 1930s as the ‘Le Navi’ marine colony.
With an exhibition area of around 110,000 square metres, the aquarium is home to over 3,000 animals from more than 400 species. The exhibition is divided into four themed areas.
- Blue area: Here visitors can observe sea creatures such as sharks, penguins, rays, jellyfish and tropical fish.
- Yellow area: This section is dedicated to the habitats of river otters and caimans.
- Green area: Exotic animals such as snakes, amphibians, chameleons and insects are presented in this area.
- Purple area: This part of the aquarium shows deep-sea creatures and offers an exhibition about the mysterious creatures of the deep sea.
A special highlight is the central shark tank with 700,000 litres of water, where the largest sharks in Italy, the sand tiger sharks, live. The aquarium also offers interactive experiences such as a touch tank with rays and the opportunity to watch sharks, penguins, otters and rays being fed.
Acquario di Livorno
The Acquario di Livorno, named after the naturalist Diacinto Cestoni, is the largest aquarium in Tuscany and is located directly on the picturesque Terrazza Mascagni overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Originally opened in 1937, it was rebuilt after being destroyed in the Second World War and most recently extensively modernised in 2010.
The aquarium offers a fascinating tour through various marine worlds. Visitors can discover numerous species, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, seahorses and the green sea turtles Ari and Cuba. A particular highlight is the Indo-Pacific vase with blacktip reef sharks and an impressive tunnel that allows an up-close view of the sea creatures.
Acquario di Napoli
The Acquario di Napoli is the oldest public aquarium in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. It was opened in 1874 and is located in the Villa Comunale, a historic park in the centre of Naples. The aquarium is part of the renowned Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, an important marine biology research station founded by the German zoologist Anton Dohrn.
With around 19 tanks covering an area of around 507 square metres, the aquarium is home to over 200 species of marine animals and plants, mainly from the Gulf of Naples. Visitors can observe a variety of Mediterranean sea creatures here, including fish, corals and other fascinating organisms. A special feature of the aquarium is its direct connection to the sea, which enables a continuous supply of fresh seawater and thus creates optimal living conditions for the animals.
In addition to its function as an exhibition centre, the aquarium is also used for scientific research and education. It offers insights into marine biodiversity and raises awareness of the need to protect the marine environment. For visitors interested in marine biology or simply looking for an informative excursion in Naples, the Acquario di Napoli is a worthwhile destination.
Gardaland SEA LIFE
Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium in Castelnuovo del Garda is a fascinating destination for families and sea lovers. As part of the Gardaland Resort, it offers an interactive journey through over 40 themed pools that take visitors from the freshwater worlds of Lake Garda to the depths of the oceans.
A special highlight is the transparent underwater tunnel, in which sharks and rays swim directly over the heads of visitors. In total, the aquarium is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures from around 100 different species. Interactive stations, such as a touch tank and an area where children can draw their own fish and bring them to life virtually, make the visit an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium is also actively involved in environmental and species protection and offers educational programmes to raise awareness of the need to protect the marine environment. With its combination of education, entertainment and nature conservation, it is a worthwhile destination for anyone who wants to discover the diversity of marine life.
Conclusion: Aquaristics in Italian – an experience in itself
Aquaristics in Italy is not just a hobby – it is an expression of joie de vivre, aesthetics and closeness to nature. If you have the opportunity to get to know the local scene, you will soon realise: There is a lot to discover in Italy beyond pizza and palm trees. And who knows – maybe you’ll even bring a piece of the Italian lifestyle home with you in the form of a new aquarium project?
