Taiwan Unveils World's Longest Aquarium

An impressive 33-metre-long aquarium went on display in Taipei, Taiwan on Friday at the opening ceremony of an aquarium expo.

The aquarium is believed to be the longest in the world and was built to celebrate Taiwan's centennial this year. It features scenery and landmarks from around the island and 100 species of domestic cichlid fish.

The tank holds 28 tons of water and is made of tempered glass with an extra explosion-proof layer.

The aquarium has seven sections with nearly 30 modelled landmarks, including the Yehliu Geopark at the north coast, the landmark Taipei 101 building, Taiwan's highest Jade Mountain, the Taroko National Park, and the Eluanbi Lighthouse down south. Each of the tanks is connected with a curved tank displaying waterfalls.

Lai Yung-sheng, who has been an aquarium landscape artist for more than 20 years, said he used styrofoam, foamed concrete and natural rocks from Taiwan to complete the settings.

[Lai Yung-sheng, Aquarium Artist]:
"We tried to come up with ideas and looked for information on the landmarks that are the most familiar to people. That's how it was done."

The aquarium was designed at the beginning of the year, and twice tested before it officially appeared to the public. It took three months to build.

Hundreds of visitors attended on the first day of the exhibition.

[Tu Yi-chin, Visitor]:
"There are the artistic concepts of the mountains and waters similar to Chinese brush paintings, and those are what I like the most, because it incorporates Chinese cultural elements."
 
The aquarium will be exhibited in Taipei until October 3, 2011 at the Taiwan International Ornamental Fish Expo.