A unique example of a nineteenth-century aquarium. It was opened on 12 January, 1874. Apparently, it is the oldest of the currently operating marine public aquariums in Europe. The aquarium attracts numerous visitors every year, including tour groups of schoolchildren and tourists. The exhibition includes 23 aquariums with volumes ranging from 250 to 60,000 litres and a total volume of 246,000 litres. They are lined with volcanic stone to simulate a natural setting. The aquariums are lit mainly by natural sunlight through special openings in the ceiling to enhance the naturalness. About 200 species of fish from the Gulf of Naples are exhibited here, including about 100 species of fish. Not only common, but also rare and difficult to keep species are exhibited. The so-called semi-closed system of water quality maintenance is used. The water intake is located in the sea 300 metres from the shore at a depth of 11 metres. The water stands in a large tank and then is pumped into two large underground systems and then into the exhibit aquariums. About one third of the total water volume is changed. Visitors can get booklets describing the Public Aquarium in five languages. Each aquarium has illuminated information panels.
The Naples Aquarium is unique in its kind. First and foremost, its excellence lies not in its size, not even in its long history of operation, but in its treatment of the organisms that live there. The main goal of the aquarium staff is to prolong the life cycle of its inhabitants, the longevity of which will be reflected in the absence of the need to catch new animals. It is noteworthy that some animals can even reproduce here. A striking example is the appearance of five stingrays in 2006. The activities of the staff of the Aquarium of Naples are varied: co-operating with the Coast Guard to help animals in emergency situations or providing them with temporary shelter; co-operating with European aquariums in the exchange of animals or information on their housing; promoting research activities.
The Aquarium of Naples also has its own library of biology and aquatic sciences. It houses a great variety of specialised journals, monographs, abstracts and articles by various researchers and scientists. The aim of the library is not only to store information, but also to disseminate it and raise the cultural level of ecology and water.
The Naples Aquarium is located in the Villa Communale park, which is one of the oldest in the city.
Open all days except 24-25 December, 1 January, 1 May
