The Aquarium tropical
The Aquarium at the Palais de la Porte Dorée is a place for discovery, awareness, and engagement, where the beauty of aquatic ecosystems meets the urgency of ecological issues. Here, visitors don’t just admire : they understand, marvel, and take action to preserve biodiversity.
An Aquarium to explore biodiversity and protect the planet
Since its creation for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition, the Aquarium has never ceased to fascinate visitors. Today, it is home to more than 4,000 animals representing 350 different species, some of which are critically endangered.
With 85 tanks, two-thirds freshwater and one-third marine, as well as two terrariums, the Aquarium tropical (Tropical aquarium) is a unique place where science meets wonder. Its mission is to conserve, study, and showcase tropical aquatic fauna and flora while raising public awareness of environmental challenges.
An immersive journey through aquatic ecosystems
The Aquarium invites you on a journey through a wide variety of aquatic environments. Presented as living tableaux, the tanks recreate natural habitats as faithfully as possible, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, African lakes, rivers in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, major waterways, caves, and springs.
Some tanks are dedicated to threatened species, such as the Joba Mena, a fish that is critically endangered and now protected thanks to the Aquarium’s conservation efforts. A section devoted to Madagascar highlights the island’s unique biodiversity. Another section focuses on French Guiana, a biodiversity hotspot home to exceptionally rich fauna and flora.
Each area is designed to inspire wonder while providing knowledge. Educational displays, interactive features, and interpretation programs help visitors understand the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
A commitment to biodiversity
The Aquarium does more than display species, it takes concrete action to preserve them. Through breeding and conservation programs, it actively contributes to the protection of endangered species.
Providing the best possible care for the animals is a top priority. The Aquarium’s teams work to recreate natural habitats tailored to each species, respecting their specific needs in terms of temperature, water quality, and space. This constant attention not only ensures the well-being of the animals but also supports their reproduction and survival, thereby contributing to the conservation of threatened species.
The Fish Net project in Madagascar, an international partnership, studies and protects Malagasy aquatic ecosystems in collaboration with local researchers and NGOs. Additionally, the ongoing renovation of the facilities aims to provide an optimal living environment for the animals while reducing the Aquarium’s ecological footprint, including improvements in filtration systems and energy efficiency.
The Aquarium is also a center for research: it collaborates with scientists to study species behavior, the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, and strategies for preserving biodiversity.
A place for everyone
Fosse de l'Aquarium
Photo : Anne Volery © Palais de la Porte Dorée
The Aquarium is designed to engage all audiences. Families can enjoy child-friendly trails, fun workshops, and dedicated spaces where biodiversity can be explored in an entertaining way. For school groups, guided tours, educational materials, and workshops are offered to raise awareness of environmental issues. Nature enthusiasts can take part in conferences, meet scientists, and attend special events to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
An Aquarium connected through partnerships
The Aquarium does not work alone. It collaborates with other scientific institutions, such as the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and European aquariums, on research and conservation programs. It also partners with associations and NGOs committed to protecting oceans and endangered species, as well as with local authorities on environmental awareness and education initiatives.