Overview
The Aquarium earned its name from the incredible diversity and density of tropical fish that make this shallow site feel like swimming in a giant natural aquarium. Located between Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, it's one of Neil Island's most accessible and family-friendly dive sites.
Natural Aquarium
Why "Aquarium"?
- Fish Density: Highest concentration of reef fish
- Color Variety: Every color of the rainbow
- Tame Fish: Accustomed to divers
- Clear Water: Exceptional visibility
- Easy Viewing: Shallow, calm conditions
Topography
Seascape Features
- Depth Range: 3-9 meters
- Bottom: White sand with coral patches
- Coral Patches: Scattered bombies
- Seagrass Beds: Dugong feeding grounds
- Rocky Outcrops: Fish congregation points
Marine Life Showcase
The Residents
Tropical Fish Galore
- Butterflyfish: 12 species documented
- Angelfish: Emperor, Blue-face, Arabian
- Moorish Idols: Graceful swimmers
- Bannerfish: False Moorish Idols
- Surgeonfish: Powder Blue, Regal Tang
Anemone Cities
- Clownfish: 5 species in one site!
- Common Clownfish
- Pink Skunk Clownfish
- Clark's Anemonefish
- Tomato Clownfish
- Saddleback Clownfish
Sandy Bottom Specialists
- Stingrays: Blue-spotted, Kuhl's
- Garden Eels: Hundreds in colonies
- Gobies: Shrimp gobies and partners
- Flounders: Masters of disguise
- Sand Perches: Latticed and Speckled
Dugong Territory
The Gentle Giants
Aquarium is one of the best sites for Dugong encounters:
Best Dugong Conditions
- Time: Early morning (6-8 AM)
- Tide: High tide
- Season: November to March
- Location: Seagrass beds
- Approach: Quiet and respectful
Dugong Behavior
- Feeding on seagrass
- Usually solitary
- Surface breathing every 3-5 minutes
- Curious but shy
- Protected species - maintain distance
Macro Paradise
Small Wonders
The coral patches hide:
- Nudibranchs: 20+ species
- Pipefish: Ornate and Robust
- Seahorses: Rare but present
- Mantis Shrimp: Peacock variety
- Octopuses: Day octopus common
Perfect for Everyone
Beginner Heaven
- Maximum 9m depth
- No currents
- Easy entry/exit
- High fish guarantee
- Long dive times
Snorkeler's Dream
- Shallow coral heads (1-3m)
- Calm surface conditions
- Easy beach access
- Family-friendly
- Glass-bottom boat tours
Photographer's Playground
- Excellent visibility (15-25m)
- Abundant subjects
- Natural lighting
- Calm conditions for macro
- Cooperative fish models
Coral Communities
Patch Reef Ecosystems
Each coral patch is a complete ecosystem:
- Core: Usually Porites bommie
- Associates: Smaller corals attached
- Residents: Territorial fish
- Visitors: Roaming predators
- Cleaners: Wrasses and shrimp
Seasonal Highlights
Monthly Calendar
- Jan-Mar: Best Dugong chances
- Apr-May: Coral spawning
- Jun-Aug: Juvenile fish boom
- Sep-Oct: Mating displays
- Nov-Dec: Crystal visibility
Special Features
Night Diving
Aquarium transforms after dark:
- Hunting lionfish
- Sleeping parrotfish
- Active crustaceans
- Bioluminescence
- Coral polyps feeding
Fluorescent Diving
With UV lights, discover:
- Glowing corals
- Fluorescent fish
- Hidden patterns
- Scientific research opportunities
Conservation Success
Aquarium showcases conservation wins:
- No anchor damage
- Healthy coral growth
- Increasing fish populations
- Regular Dugong sightings
- Community protection
Dive Tips
- Go slow to see more
- Check under ledges
- Watch the sand for rays
- Listen for Dugong breathing
- Bring wide-angle and macro lenses
