Taraporewala Aquarium

Mumbai is the financial city of the country. There are many places that you can visit while you are in the city. Among many other famous attractions, Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai is the oldest and the most famous. Located in the popular Marine Drive in the city, the aquarium has many marine and freshwater fishes.

History of the Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai was built in 1951 with the help of DB Taraporewala, a Parsee philanthropist, who donated a huge amount for the aquarium. It was inaugurated by India’s first president of India, Rajendra Prasad.

It was renovated and reopened in 2015 and has glass aquariums all over. It houses more than 100 species of marine life such as fishes, stingrays, turtles, etc. Some of these marine lives are found only in Lakshadweep island. The place also has fossils that show the evolution of fishes.

The aquarium is maintained by the Department of Fisheries. It has around 16 seawater and 9 freshwater, and 54 tropical tanks. The tropical section of the aquarium has different ecosystems like plantation, moss, island, etc.

What will you See in the Aquarium?

At the Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai you will find many freshwater and marine fishes that look beautiful. There is an acrylic glass tunnel that is around 12 feet long. There is a pool where you can touch the fishes and enjoy your visit. The beautiful fishes in the aquarium can leave you spellbound.

What are Popular Attractions Here?

When you enter the Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai, you will find oceanarium with a variety of fishes. There is also an amphitheatre with seating for around 50 people. The touch pool is the favourite place for children who are visiting this place. If you are tired of walking around the city and visiting this place, then enjoy a fish spa to rejuvenate yourself.

The touch pool has more than 350 species of fishes. It is a wonderful place for children to learn and educate themselves. The aquarium is a perfect place to spend a day’s picnic.

Different Species of Fishes in the Aquarium

There are hundreds of species of fishes that you can enjoy in the Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai. You can witness Damselfishes such as moon tail, golden damselfish, striped, sergeant major damsel, cocoa, and electric blue. You see some tropical fishes, sucker, red tail, and Asiatic catafishes. If you think this is all that is there to see, then you can find different kinds of marine eels to amaze your eyes.

Amaze yourself with a variety of butterflyfishes, triggerfishes, angelfishes, tangs, etc. You can also touch sea urchins, sea cucumber, tube worms, brittle star, starfish, etc. Other than these species, you can enjoy viewing batfish, golden travery, jelly fishes, dwarf lion, squirrel fish, negro, arowana, marine coral reef, whimple, etc. You will also enjoy witnessing alligators, octopuses, goldfish, sea turtles, seahorses, koi, red-earned sliders, etc.

What is the Right Time to Visit the Aquarium?

The best time to visit the aquarium is when the weather is nice. Even though it is indoor, the weather in the city can be harsh during summers. Except for Mondays, when the aquarium is closed, you can visit it from 10 am – 8 pm with a one-hour break from 1 pm – 2 pm. There is also a nominal fee for everyone. However, entry fees vary for children and adults. Also, you would need to pay additional charges for taking photos.

How to Reach the Museum in Mumbai?

You can reach the museum by train, bus, or taxi. The nearest train station is Charni road or Churchgate. You can then take a taxi or bus to reach the museum from either of the train stations.