Aquaristics in Spain: Have you seen THIS yet?

Aquaristics is a fascinating hobby that is attracting more and more people around the world – and it is also finding more and more followers in Spain. From the crystal-clear waters of the Balearic Islands to the diverse rivers and lakes of the mainland, Spain offers a wealth of inspiration for creating your own underwater worlds. In this blog article, we dive into the special features of aquaristics in Spain. You will receive valuable tips on how to care for and design your aquarium and learn about the most beautiful native fish species that will turn your aquarium into a real eye-catcher. Be inspired by the possibilities that Spain has in store for aquarium enthusiasts and discover how you can bring a piece of the Spanish underwater world into your home.

Table of contents

What types of fish are there in Spain?

Spain has an impressive variety of fish species that can be found in the country’s different bodies of water. Trout are common in fresh waters and are particularly at home in the clear, cold rivers and lakes of the mountains. Barbel and carp are also widespread in many rivers and lakes. Catfish, an impressive predatory fish, can be found in some larger waters, while chub can be found in both rivers and lakes.

The coasts of Spain, especially the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, offer a rich variety of sea fish. The gilthead sea bream is a very popular fish in the Mediterranean region, while the hake is mainly found on the Atlantic coast. Sardines are common along the entire Spanish coast and red mullet can also be found in the country’s coastal waters. This diversity reflects the different habitats that Spain has to offer and makes the country a paradise for anglers and aquarium enthusiasts.

Aquaristics as a hobby in Spain

Aquariums not only offer the opportunity to observe exotic fish species, but also the chance to bring a piece of the Spanish underwater world into your own home. The design of an aquarium can be inspired by the natural landscapes of Spain, be it a small piece of the Mediterranean with colourful corals and tropical fish or a mountain lake with native freshwater species.

Aquarium care tips

A successful aquarium requires attention and care. Here are some tips to keep your aquarium in top condition:

Water quality: Regular water changes and checking the water values are essential. Pay attention to the pH value, hardness and nitrate content of the water.

Filtration: A good filter ensures clear and clean water. Make sure that the filter is cleaned and maintained regularly.

Lighting: The right lighting is important for the growth of the plants and the well-being of the fish. A daylight lamp with a timer can be very useful here.

Feeding: Feed your fish a balanced and varied diet, but do not overfeed them. Excess food pollutes the water and can lead to algae growth.

Aquarium plants: Plants contribute to the oxygen supply and provide hiding places for the fish. Choose plants that suit the water values and light conditions of your aquarium.

It is important to realise that keeping an aquarium also involves responsibility. Many fish species are protected and it is important to find out about the origin of the fish and plants. Support sustainable breeding programmes and avoid buying wild-caught fish. This way you can ensure that your hobby does not jeopardise natural populations.

Oceanogràfic in Valencia

The Oceanogràfic in Valencia is the largest aquarium in Europe and one of the most impressive of its kind in the world. As part of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), it is not only a scientific centre, but also an architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Oceanogràfic was designed by the renowned architect Félix Candela and is characterised by its impressive architecture, which combines modern designs with natural elements. The buildings and open-air facilities are designed to reflect the different habitats of marine life. Visitors can take a walk through various marine and freshwater biotopes, which are housed in separate pavilions.

The Oceanogràfic is divided into different areas, each representing a different ecosystem. These include the Mediterranean Sea, the polar seas, the tropical seas, the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Seas and the freshwater environments. Each area is designed with the utmost care to replicate the natural habitat of the animals and provide them with an environment that meets their natural needs.

With over 45,000 marine animals from more than 500 different species, the Oceanogràfic offers an impressive variety of sea creatures. Here you can observe sharks, rays, jellyfish, seahorses and sea turtles up close. Particularly noteworthy are the dolphin shows, which are not only entertaining but also raise awareness for the protection of these intelligent animals.

One highlight is the impressive underwater tunnel aquarium, which offers a 70-metre walk through a huge tank. Visitors can experience sharks and other large fish up close as they walk beneath them. This experience gives an unforgettable impression of the majestic beauty of the underwater world.

Loro Parque on Tenerife

Loro Parque, located in Puerto de la Cruz on the beautiful island of Tenerife, is much more than just a zoo. Over the years, this award-winning park has developed into one of the best animal parks in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. With its extraordinary variety of animals, impressive plant life and commitment to conservation, Loro Parque offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Loro Parque is known for its incredible variety of animal species. Originally founded as a parrot park, the park is now home to the largest collection of parrots in the world with over 350 different species and subspecies. But that’s not all: visitors can also marvel at gorillas, tigers, chimpanzees, jaguars and many other fascinating animals. Particularly impressive are the dolphin and orca shows, where visitors can experience the intelligence and dexterity of these amazing marine mammals up close.

In addition to the rich animal world, Loro Parque also offers a breathtaking botanical diversity. The park is embedded in a lush tropical landscape that gives the feeling of being immersed in another world. The lovingly designed gardens and the variety of exotic plants and flowers create an oasis of peace and beauty. The orchid garden, which is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world with over 1,000 different orchid species, is particularly worth a visit.

Loro Parque is committed to protecting endangered species and educating people about nature conservation. The Loro Parque Fundación, a non-profit organisation, works worldwide on projects to preserve endangered animal species and their habitats. Since its inception, the foundation has supported more than 200 conservation projects and provided millions of euros for the protection of the environment.

The park also offers numerous educational programmes and workshops aimed at raising awareness of the importance of nature conservation. Schools and families have the opportunity to take part in guided tours and learn more about the animals and the work of the park.

A visit to Loro Parque is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. The impressive variety of animals and plants, the exciting shows and the lovingly designed surroundings make the park a highlight on Tenerife. Whether you want to admire the majestic orcas, listen to the colourful parrots or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the tropical gardens – Loro Parque offers something for everyone.

Poema del Mar on Gran Canaria

Poema del Mar, located in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria, is a modern and fascinating aquarium that attracts visitors from all over the world. The name, which translates as ‘poem of the sea’, reflects the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the underwater world presented here. With its impressive architecture, innovative exhibitions and commitment to the protection of the marine environment, Poema del Mar offers an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Poema del Mar is not only remarkable for its impressive collection of marine animals, but also for its unique architecture. The building has been designed to take visitors on a journey through the different marine ecosystems. From the moment they enter, guests are transported to another world, brought to life by a successful combination of design and technology. The large panoramic windows and the curved lines of the building create a sense of space and depth that leaves visitors in awe.

The aquarium is divided into various themed areas, each of which presents different aspects of the marine world. One of the highlights is the ‘Jungle’, an area that shows the diversity of freshwater ecosystems. Here, visitors can observe crocodiles, turtles and a variety of exotic fish.

Another impressive area is the ‘Deep Ocean’, where visitors can get to know the mysterious and fascinating creatures of the deep sea. This area contains one of the largest curved aquarium windows in the world, which offers a breathtaking view of huge schools of fish, sharks and other sea creatures.

The ‘Reef’ area is just as spectacular and shows the colourful and vibrant world of coral reefs. Here visitors can marvel at the complex and beautiful structures of the corals and the multitude of fish and other creatures that live in these ecosystems.

Poema del Mar attaches great importance to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. The aquarium uses modern technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce its environmental impact. Through the use of recycling programmes, water saving measures and other environmentally friendly initiatives, Poema del Mar actively contributes to the protection of the environment.

Palma Aquarium: A marine paradise in Mallorca

Palma Aquarium, located in the capital of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca, is a fascinating and extensive aquarium that introduces visitors to the wonders of the underwater world. This modern and well-designed aquarium offers an impressive collection of marine life from different parts of the world and is a must-see for anyone visiting the island.

Palma Aquarium is divided into different areas, each representing different marine ecosystems. These areas are themed so that visitors can take a trip around the world through the oceans.

The Mediterranean section offers a comprehensive insight into the local waters around the Balearic Islands. Here, visitors can discover the diversity and beauty of the Mediterranean, including well-known species such as octopus, moray eels and seahorses.

In the tropical area, guests can experience the colourful and vibrant world of coral reefs. This area is particularly impressive with its colourful fish, exotic corals and the variety of sea creatures that can be found in tropical waters.

A particular highlight is the shark area, which is home to one of the deepest shark tanks in Europe. Visitors can observe various shark species, including sand tiger sharks and blacktip reef sharks, up close and learn more about these fascinating predators.

The architecture and design of Palma Aquarium are conceived to provide an immersive experience. The large panoramic windows and well-designed exhibition spaces allow visitors to see the sea creatures in their natural environment and experience the complexity and beauty of the oceans.

The outdoor jungle area is another special feature of the aquarium. This area is modelled on a tropical rainforest and is home to exotic plants as well as birds, turtles and other animals that live in such an ecosystem.

Sustainability and environmental awareness are a priority at Palma Aquarium. The aquarium relies on renewable energy and environmentally friendly practices to minimise its ecological footprint. Recycling programmes, water saving measures and the use of sustainable materials are just some of the initiatives implemented here.

L’Aquàrium of Barcelona

L’Aquàrium of Barcelona is one of the most important aquariums in Europe and an unmissable destination for anyone who wants to experience the fascinating world of marine life up close. Located in the heart of Port Vell, Barcelona’s old harbour, this modern aquarium offers an impressive variety of marine habitats and an unforgettable journey through the underwater world.

L’Aquàrium is best known for its extensive collection of Mediterranean sea creatures. In the various aquariums, which represent the different ecosystems of the Mediterranean, visitors can discover a wide variety of fish species and other marine life. From colourful reef fish and majestic rays to predatory moray eels and fascinating octopuses – the diversity and beauty of the Mediterranean world is presented here in an impressive way.

The centrepiece of L’Aquàrium is the impressive Oceanarium, one of the largest and most spectacular pools in Europe. With a diameter of 36 metres and a depth of five metres, it is home to around four million litres of water and a variety of sea creatures, including sharks, rays and sea turtles. An 80 metre long underwater tunnel runs through the tank, allowing visitors to observe the sea creatures up close as if they were walking right through the ocean. This unique perspective offers an unforgettable insight into the fascinating world beneath the water’s surface.

In addition to the Oceanarium, L’Aquàrium offers numerous other exhibitions that shed light on various aspects of the marine world. In the ‘Planeta Aqua’ exhibition, visitors can discover the adaptability of sea creatures to extreme habitats such as the deep sea, polar regions and tropical seas. The ‘Explora!’ exhibition is aimed primarily at children and families and offers interactive stations where young visitors can playfully explore the secrets of the sea.

L’Aquàrium of Barcelona places great emphasis on education and environmental protection. The aquarium offers a variety of educational programmes and workshops for school classes and families aimed at raising awareness of the importance of marine conservation. These programmes are designed to increase knowledge about the marine world and inspire visitors to take an active role in protecting the oceans.

Sustainability and environmentally friendly practices are core values at L’Aquàrium. The aquarium relies on renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies to minimise its ecological footprint. Through recycling programmes, water saving measures and the use of sustainable materials, L’Aquàrium actively contributes to the protection of the environment and promotes responsible behaviour among its visitors.

A visit to L’Aquàrium in Barcelona is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. The impressive exhibitions, fascinating underwater tunnel and diverse educational programmes make the aquarium a highlight of the Catalan capital. Whether you want to marvel at the majestic sharks in the Oceanarium, discover the colourful reef fish in the Mediterranean area or learn through play at the interactive stations – L’Aquàrium has something for everyone.

Seville Aquarium

The Seville Aquarium, also known as the ‘Acuario de Sevilla’, is a fascinating attraction that takes visitors on an exciting journey through the underwater world. Located in the heart of the Andalusian capital, the aquarium offers an impressive collection of marine life and is a great place for anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating ecosystems of the world’s oceans.

The Seville Aquarium is divided into several themed areas, each representing different marine environments. These areas offer a comprehensive insight into the diversity of marine habitats and the unique inhabitants that live in them.

In the ‘Mediterraneo’ area, visitors can discover the riches of the Mediterranean. The exhibition shows a variety of fish species and other sea creatures that are native to these waters, including colourful reef fish, elegant rays and mysterious octopuses. The design of this area conveys an authentic image of the Mediterranean underwater world.

The ‘Océano Atlántico’ area offers an insight into the Atlantic Ocean. Here, visitors can observe impressive sea creatures such as sharks, barracudas and giant rays. The aquarium is known for its large shark collection, which allows guests to experience these majestic predators up close.

In the ‘Océano Pacífico’ area, visitors can discover the colourful and diverse world of the Pacific. The exhibition shows the colourful diversity of the Pacific coral reefs, which are populated by exotic fish, seahorses and other fascinating creatures.

The Seville Aquarium places great emphasis on education and offers numerous interactive experiences and educational programmes for visitors of all ages. Special areas such as the ‘Túnel Submarino’ allow guests to walk through an underwater tunnel and observe the sea creatures up close. This impressive experience provides a sense of immersion and allows visitors to experience the marine world in a new and exciting way.

In addition, the aquarium regularly offers workshops and educational programmes aimed at raising awareness of marine conservation and expanding knowledge of marine ecosystems. These programmes are suitable for both school groups and families and offer an interactive and educational experience.

Aquaristics in Spain – Conclusion

Keeping aquariums in Spain offers a wealth of opportunities, from the diversity of native fish species to inspiration from the country’s stunning natural landscapes. With the right care and responsible husbandry, your aquarium can become a little paradise, bringing the beauty of the Spanish underwater world into your home. Let yourself be inspired and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of aquariums in Spain!

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Sladjan Lazic

Sladjan ist Triops-Züchter und Gründer von Triops Galaxy. Im Jahr 2020 hat er seine Leidenschaft für Urzeitkrebse entdeckt und züchtet seitdem diese faszinierenden Urzeitwesen in heimischer Zucht.

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Aquaristics in Spain: A journey through Spanish underwater worlds