When you look out to sea from the fantastic village of Fowey, can you imagine how many species of fish and marine animals are out there in those waters? Well, imagine no more. Because there’s a good collection of these creatures living in Fowey Aquarium.
This cute little aquarium that sits on Fowey Town Quay gives visitors a great glimpse into the marine life that can be found in the waters that stretch along the Cornish coastline. It may be small but it is mighty when it comes to just how many species of fish are crammed within its walls. Conger eels, gobies, shannies, flatfish, dogfish, lobsters, crabs and so many other salty critters – many of which are brought in by local fishermen – are in the tanks here for visitors to watch and learn about. There’s also a great ‘touch pool’ at the aquarium which is primarily for kids to get up close and personal with the likes of prawns, starfish and crabs.
Fowey Aquarium has quite a long history. It was established in 1952 and has always allowed fresh seawater to be pumped in at high tide so that filtration is kept to a minimum. It actually still boasts some of the original tanks it started out with around 70 years ago. Plus, all the seawater means that sponges, sea-squirts and tube worms can come in and make their homes too in this welcoming abode.
Don’t expect to spend an entire day out at Fowey Aquarium but do expect an hour or two of fishy fun and fascination, particularly if you tap up the team that runs the attraction, who will answer all your questions on these local marine creatures. What this place lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. And hands-on fishy experiences.