Frequently Asked Questions
When did the aquarium open?
The aquarium opened on 13 April 1988. It was then called Underwater World Perth. Our current owners, Coral World International, purchased the aquarium in 1991.
On 1 January 2001, the aquarium's name was changed to AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia, with new exhibits and a new focus on the marine environments of Western Australia.
How big is the aquarium?
The main aquarium at AQWA is called the Shipwreck Coast. It is 40 metres long, 20 metres wide and 4.5 metres deep and holds 3 million litres of seawater! The acrylic tunnel is 98 metres long.
How many fish are at AQWA?
There are approximately 400 different species of marine life at AQWA including 8 different species of sharks.
Where does the water come from?
The water used for AQWA's exhibits is filtered directly from the Indian Ocean via an intake line.
Do the sharks eat the other fish?
While it does not happen very often, if a fish is older and moving more slowly, it may be eaten by a shark or larger fish. Most of our residents' diets are provided by us and include high quality seafood, live food and vitamin supplements.
Are you able to help students with their projects?
AQWA is happy to send out any available information about your specific topic or subject area. However, please avoid listing specific questions in your enquiry – we can’t do the research for you! Please also note that unfortunately our staff are not available for interviews.