During my visit to Paris this summer, one of the places I was able to visit (apart from the millions of museums and galleries) was the Aquarium de Paris, which is situated in the Jardins du Trocadéro overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The entrance to the aquarium is does not do it justice as I was not certain what I was getting myself into, however I was pleasantly surprised. It presents a very large, multi-zone urban aquarium with dozens of display tanks, hundreds of species and what the institution describes as Europe’s largest Médusarium (jellyfish complex). The aquarium website reports around 72 exhibition tanks, several thousand individual animals and hundreds of species. The thing that caught my eye was that the aquarium works with research partners (e.g. the Michael Sars Centre) on ctenophores and jellyfish husbandry. I am hoping to provide a section-by-section oriented review emphasising the taxa you’ll encounter, the scientific highlights of each section, and what visitors should keep an eye out for.
The Seine section is the first one you come to within the aquarium and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the aquatic life that thrives in the iconic river flowing through the heart of the city. Designed to reflect the natural environment of the Seine, this section features tanks with carefully recreated riverbanks, pebbled substrates, and gentle currents that mimic real conditions. Visitors can observe a diverse range of freshwater species native to the river, including perch (Perca fluviatilis), roach (Rutilus rutilus), and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) as well as smaller fish like gudgeons (Gobio gobio). The exhibit highlights how the Seine has become increasingly habitable thanks to ongoing environmental restoration efforts, emphasising the delicate balance between urban life and nature.
Next on our underwater journey is the the Atlantic section, which transports visitors beneath the waves of the vast north Atlantic Ocean, revealing the richness and diversity of marine life found along France’s western coasts. This area features expansive tanks that recreate rocky seabeds, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms, offering a realistic view of life in these cold, dynamic waters. Among the species on display are gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), and pollock (Pollachius pollachius), as well as colourful wrasses and anemones that bring the underwater landscapes to life. The exhibit not only highlights the biological variety of this region but also underscores the ecological importance of sustainable fishing and marine conservation, helping visitors appreciate the beauty and fragility of France’s oceanic environments. This is important as for the most part, they are out of sight and out of mind.
To incorporate the southern coast of France, the next section focussed on the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. This area does its best to emulate the warm, sunlit waters of the Mediterranean, showcasing its vibrant and diverse marine life. The tanks are designed to evoke the rocky coves and seagrass meadows typical of the region, providing a naturalistic habitat for species such as the mullet (Chelon labrosus), groupers, moray eels (Muraena helena), and octopuses (Octopus vulgaris). Brightly coloured damselfish (Chromis chromis), and blennies dart among the rocks, while starfish, sea urchins, and anemones adorn the rocky sides of the tanks. The section highlights the Mediterranean’s unique balance between tropical and temperate ecosystems, I couldn’t believe the colour of some of the fish on display here. Move over coral reefs, you’ve got competition. There is also a cinema in this section which plays a number of quite interesting films about fish and marine conservation, however the subtitles and audio are all in French which meant I couldn’t get as much out of them as I would have liked.
The New Caledonia Lagoon transports visitors to the heart of one of the world’s most extraordinary marine environments, inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage–listed lagoon that surrounds the island of New Caledonia. This exhibit captures the beauty and diversity of the South Pacific’s coral reefs, with crystal-clear waters, living coral formations, and an array of vibrant tropical fish. Visitors can marvel at species such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and snipefish, all moving gracefully among colourful corals and anemones. I will admit that this is a part of the world that I know nothing about when it comes to the marine side of things, I have been blinded by New Caledonia’s amazing reptiles, so seeing these species up close and learning more about them was an interesting and enlightening part of the visit for me. While I try to keep my eyes open to all species in need of conservation, as we all know, some species have larger voices in terms of their support and drown out those that are less attractive or less accessible.
In the Mangrove section (you guessed it), visitors are immersed in three carefully recreated mangrove‐ecosystems (from French Guiana, Mayotte, and Futuna) that showcase the rich diversity of life found where river, land and ocean meet. Among the standout species is the banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix), a silvery, banded fish native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia, famous for its hunting trick: from just below the water surface it spits precise jets of water to knock insects off overhanging mangrove leaves. The aquarium also has signage educating the public on the diversity of orchids found in mangrove ecosystems. Mangrove orchids often grow as epiphytes, anchoring themselves to the trunks and aerial roots of mangrove trees rather than in soil. Species such as Eulophia graminea and Aerides odorata thrive in the humid, saline air, drawing moisture and nutrients from rain and organic debris instead of the salty substrate below. Their delicate flowers add splashes of colour to the otherwise green and brown mangrove landscape, while also playing important ecological roles, providing nectar for insects and helping maintain biodiversity in these challenging coastal environments.
As has become the new norm, the busiest part of the aquarium was the coral reef section, where younger visitors could come face-to-face with fish they recognise from Finding Nemo. The coral reef exhibits are alive with both colour and movement, showcasing the dazzling diversity of tropical marine fish that inhabit these vibrant underwater ecosystems. Among the most beloved residents are the clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), easily recognised by their bright orange bodies and white stripes, living symbiotically among the tentacles of sea anemones for protection. Sharing the reef are sleek, fast-swimming tangs, including the popular blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), whose vivid hues stand out against the corals’ rich backdrop. Other species such as butterflyfish, damselfish, wrasses, and gobies add to the kaleidoscope of life, each playing a unique role in maintaining the reef’s delicate ecological balance. Together, these fish illustrate the intricate interdependence that defines coral reef ecosystems, where every species, from the smallest cleaner wrasse to the most flamboyant angelfish, contributes to the health and harmony of the reef environment.
The Médusarium found at the aquarium is one of the largest jellyfish exhibits in Europe, offering an enchanting and ethereal journey into the world of these mesmerising marine creatures. Opened in 2019, this section is dedicated entirely to jellyfish, showcasing their beauty, diversity, and ecological importance through dozens of specially designed cylindrical tanks that allow the animals to drift gracefully in gently circulating currents. The lighting is carefully calibrated to highlight their translucent bodies and hypnotic movements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. Beyond its visual impact, the Médusarium also serves as an important centre for research and breeding, helping scientists better understand jellyfish biology, life cycles, and population dynamics in changing marine environments. You can see some of the work that goes on through the laboratory found in this area.
The species on display include a wide variety from oceans around the world, reflecting the incredible adaptability of jellyfish. Visitors can see moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) which you may have seen washed up on British shores, upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea andromeda), and the striking Pacific sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens), among others. Some tanks feature delicate blue blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus) and tiny hydromedusae, while others display more dramatic species with long, trailing tentacles. The exhibit illustrates the different life stages of jellyfish (from polyps to medusae) and educates visitors on their crucial ecological roles as both predators and prey in marine food webs. Through a combination of artistry, science, and education, the Médusarium transforms these often misunderstood creatures into ambassadors for ocean awareness and environmental stewardship. I hope that my footage in the video found at the bottom of this overview helps to bring their majesty to life (skip to 7:20ish for the jellies).
The Japan section of the aquarium carefully blends art, culture, and aquatic life to create a serene and visually captivating experience. I am not entirely sure if this is a temporary exhibit as the space seems like it may be used for other purposes, and there was no signage to suggest otherwise. So, perhaps it is permanent. This area celebrates Japan’s deep appreciation for nature and beauty through elegant displays that pair traditional Japanese artwork and design with the graceful movements of goldfish (and the koi that we’ll meet shortly, which again makes me think this may be temporary). There is a single illuminated tank that showcases shimmering varieties of goldfish (Carassius auratus) such as ryukin, oranda, and comet goldfish, their flowing fins and vibrant colours evoking living works of art. The surrounding décor, inspired by Japanese gardens which enhances the tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. Beyond its visual splendour, the exhibit highlights the cultural significance of goldfish in Japan, where they symbolise luck, prosperity, and the harmony between humans and nature, making this section a perfect fusion of artistic heritage and aquatic wonder. As one of the final parts of the aquarium, it helps to bring everything full-circle from the lanterns I shared at the very beginning, to the cultural links fish have.
Many aquaria are moving away from having starfish and anemones in touch tanks, and the Aquarium de Paris is no difference. They have a koi touch tank which provides an interactive moment within the aquarium experience for all age, inviting visitors to gently touch and feel the graceful koi carp that glide these through clear, shallow waters. Surrounded by a somewhat naturalistic landscaping and tranquil lighting (judge for yourself in the photo below), the exhibit evokes the calm atmosphere of a Japanese garden, highlighting the beauty and symbolism of koi as creatures associated with peace, perseverance, and harmony. Guests can observe the vibrant colours and flowing fins of these ornamental fish up close, gaining an appreciation for their gentle nature and cultural significance. Visitors much ensure that the animals are being handled appropriately, they have plenty of space to keep away from prying hands if they wish. The koi touch tank offers both a sensory and educational encounter, encouraging mindfulness and respect for aquatic life for those that are patient enough.
Something you may have noticed is the wealth of coral ecosystems throughout the different exhibits of the aquarium. Coral reefs are threatened by a combination of human activities and environmental changes that disrupt their delicate balance. One of the most serious threats is climate change, which causes ocean temperatures to rise, with even a small increase leading to coral bleaching, a stress response where corals expel the symbiotic algae that provide them with food and colour. Ocean acidification, another result of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, weakens coral skeletons and makes it harder for them to grow. In addition, pollution from agricultural runoff, plastics, and coastal development introduces harmful substances into the water, while overfishing and destructive fishing practices damage reef structures and upset ecological relationships. Tourism, when poorly managed, can also harm reefs through physical contact, anchor damage, and waste. Together, these pressures reduce coral resilience, slow recovery from natural disturbances, and threaten the survival of entire reef ecosystems that millions of marine species (and human communities) depend on.
The Aquarium de Paris has a solution, which it calls the Corallium. It is not only a stunning showcase of coral reef beauty but also a centre for coral conservation and research. Within this vibrant exhibit, visitors can admire living corals while learning about the urgent challenges facing coral ecosystems worldwide. Behind the scenes, the aquarium’s aquarists and marine biologists engage in coral propagation and restoration projects, cultivating coral fragments in controlled environments to better understand their growth and resilience. These efforts contribute to international conservation initiatives aimed at preserving genetic diversity and supporting reef restoration in the wild. Through public education, sustainable aquarium practices, and scientific collaboration, the Corallium demonstrates the Aquarium de Paris’s commitment to protecting coral reefs, fragile yet vital ecosystems that sustain an extraordinary wealth of marine life. To me, this was the most inspiring and optimistic part of the aquarium, a potential solution to one of the most pressing marine conservation issues.
Towards the end of the tour around the aquarium, you finally get the opportunity to walk through the underwater tunnel within the main tank that has been teasing you throughout the journey so far. There are numerous small windows and displays that hint at what is to come, with the tunnel surrounding you with the breath-taking sights of marine life gliding gracefully overhead and alongside. I feel that every aquarium now has a walk-through like this. Is this the main way they attract guests? Can an aquarium really be regarded as such without one? I’ve gone off on a tangent haven’t I? This transparent tunnel (and many like it) allow visitors to come face-to-face with impressive species such as sharks, groupers, and schools of tropical fish, reducing the blindness they face for the life in the ocean. Some of these species are threatened with extinction, others less so. By providing a representation of a carefully balanced marine ecosystem, the powerful yet elegant presence of the black tip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) create a sense of awe, while smaller fish dart in and out of coral formations or large boulders, adding colour and energy to the scene. This panoramic experience gives a true sense of being underwater, revealing the scale and majesty of ocean life.
The last display is a little different. This is the Guyana tank, which is located in the gift shop and offers a final glimpse of the aquarium’s rich biodiversity, celebrating the lush aquatic life of South America’s tropical rivers. This beautifully arranged exhibit features species native to the Amazon Basin and Guyana’s freshwater ecosystems, such as tetras, angelfish, cichlids, and the distinctive plecostomus catfish that help keep the tank’s environment clean. Surrounded by vibrant aquatic plants and natural driftwood, the tank captures the beauty and tranquility of a rainforest river, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling shop around it. More than just a decorative display, the Guyana tank serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global aquatic habitats and the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems, even as visitors prepare to leave with a souvenir of their journey through the aquarium. There are a number of amazing gifts on offer here too so try not to lose all of your money!
It is clear from my visit that the Aquarium de Paris is deeply dedicated to education and environmental awareness, weaving learning opportunities throughout every part of the visitor experience. Each exhibit we’ve seen from the Seine section, which teaches about local biodiversity and river conservation, to the Corallium, which explores coral reef ecology and restoration, encourages curiosity and understanding of aquatic life. Interactive spaces such as the touch tank allow children and adults alike to engage directly with aquatic species, fostering respect and empathy for living creatures. The Médusarium combines scientific research with public display, helping visitors appreciate the complexity of jellyfish biology and ocean ecosystems, while educational signage and multimedia installations explain global challenges like pollution, overfishing, and climate change in accessible terms (thanks for the help there Google Lens). There are also a range of child-focussed shows, school workshops/guided tours, and the cinema which help to engage more visitors of all ages. It was a great feeling to leave the aquarium with a positive feeling that this institution does all it can to inspire a new generation to value and protect the world’s waters, turning wonder into a call for conservation and further learning.
By visiting the Aquarium de Paris you are taken on a journey through the wonders of aquatic life, combining beauty, discovery, and education in one unforgettable experience throughout all of France and its oversea territories. Highlights such as the underwater tunnel, the ethereal glow of the Médusarium entice visitors to learn more. While there were no amphibians, the aquarium is dedicated to conservation and environmental education. Blending scientific insight with artistic presentation, the Aquarium de Paris provides an inspiring experience for all ages, one that deepens appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and the importance of preserving it for the future. It is definitely worth the entrance fee (starting at €22 per adult) and you can easily spend a few hours here captivated by the fish, corals and atmosphere that this window into the world beneath the surface provides.
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