Lisbon Oceanarium Animals | Key Exhibits and Activities

The Oceanário de Lisboa is one of Europe’s largest and most immersive aquariums. It’s home to over 15,000 aquatic plants and animals across 500 species, making it incredibly diverse. The key highlight is that the Oceanário features four oceanic zones: the North Atlantic Rocky Coast, the Antarctic Coastline, the Temperate Pacific Kelp Forest, and the Tropical Indian Ocean Coral Reef. Each zone is an ecosystem in itself, with species found specifically in these zones.

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Meet the stars of the Oceanário de Lisboa

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The Ocean Sunfish

The Oceanário de Lisboa houses the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), the world's largest bony fish, known for its unique disk-like shape, extreme fragility, and fascinating "sunbathing" behavior at the water's surface.

Sea Otters

The sea otters at Oceanário de Lisboa are the smallest marine mammals, noted for their dense fur at about 155,000 hairs per square centimetre, and their playful behavior. Native to the North Pacific, these otters spend nearly all their time in water.

Garden Eels

Garden eels live in colonies, peering from their sand burrows with slender bodies to catch drifting plankton. Their quirky and upright appearance, moving gently with the current, fascinates visitors and adds unique charm to the Oceanário.

Crownose Rays

Cownose rays at the Oceanário are recognized for their large triangular pectoral fins and graceful, undulating swimming style. They are ambassadors for marine conservation and are featured in the Oceanário’s Central Ocean Tank and stand out for their calm demeanor.

Magellanic Penguin

Magallanic penguins form lifelong bonds and share the responsibilities of incubating their eggs. Male Magallanic penguins without mates during the breeding season produce a loud call like that of a donkey to attract a female to pair with.

Bat Star

The bat star is a common sight in central California waters, often found under rocks, in crevices, and within kelp forests. Feeding on dead plants and animals, the bat star has membranes between its arms that resemble bat wings.

Brain Root Coral

Brain root coral forms massive colonies, often exceeding four meters in size. While exhibiting semi-aggressive behavior towards other corals, they often cooperate with their own species, creating vibrant and textured groupings.

Great Barracuda

Juvenile great barracudas are incredible predators capable of reaching speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour, making them one of the fastest predators in the ocean. You’ll find these among the corals in the Oceanário’s Atlantic zone.

Key exhibits and zones at the Oceanário de Lisboa

Starfish on ocean floor at Oceanario Lisboa.

North Atlantic Rocky Coast

Explore a rugged marine habitat where jagged rock formations and tide-pool displays recreate Europe’s northern shores. Interactive touch tanks and clear interpretive panels invite you to connect with starfish, anemones, and other hardy coastal species.

Penguins in icy habitat at Sea Life Konstanz, Germany.

Antarctic Coastline

The Antarctic zone is a cool world of shimmering blue ice and penguin colonies that capture the essence of the icy continent. Watch lively feedings, explore striking audiovisual presentations, and learn about the urgent need to protect fragile polar ecosystems.

Underwater view of lush greenery and small fish at Lisboa's Oceanário.

Temperate Pacific Kelp Forest

Wander through a swaying kelp forest where sunlight filters through towering fronds. Schools of vibrant fish dart between plants, illustrating the intricate balance of life along California’s underwater reefs.

Sea turtle swimming in Shark Dive Xtreme at SEA LIFE Melbourne.

Tropical Indian Ocean Coral Reef

The Indian Ocean is a kaleidoscope of colour, where brilliant corals and exotic fish recreate the beauty of this vast oceanic body. Snorkeler‑style observation galleries allow you to feel like you’re drifting above the reef, marveling at tiny cleaner shrimp tending to larger fish and watching sea turtles navigate narrow crevices.

Zebra shark swimming over coral reef in Genoa Aquarium.

Central Ocean Tank

Step up to one of Europe’s most impressive aquarium tanks and watch sharks, rays, and glittering schools of fish glide through a massive open-water habitat. Panoramic viewing panels surround you, delivering a true sense of being inside the ocean. This tank spread across both levels and is a 5-million-liter saltwater panorama.

Aquarium with lush aquatic plants at Takashi Amano Exhibit, Lisbon Oceanarium.

Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano

Discover a living masterpiece by aquascaping pioneer Takashi Amano. This serene freshwater exhibit evokes the beauty of tropical rainforests with lush plant life, naturalistic layouts, and tranquil lighting that create an almost meditative experience. The U-shaped tank spans 40 meters in length, and the darkened foyer ensures a truly immersive experience.

Explore Takashi Amano's Forests Underwater

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Unique experiences & must-do activities at the Oceanário de Lisboa

Underwater forest exhibit by Takashi Amano at Oceanarium, featuring diverse aquatic plants.

Forests Underwater by Takashi Amano

Step into the world’s largest nature aquarium, created by renowned aquascaper Takashi Amano. Wander along a 40-meter-long freshwater tank filled with over 10,000 tropical fish and lush aquatic plants, accompanied by a soothing original soundtrack for complete immersion.

Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts
Duration: 20–30 mins
Location: Dedicated exhibition hall, adjacent to the Central Ocean Tank
How to access: Included with all entry tickets

Woman observing rays and fish at Lisbon Oceanarium's Tropical Indian reefs exhibit.

Submerged Universe exhibition

Discover an immersive art-meets-science exhibit where the mysteries of the ocean and the cosmos come alive. Interactive displays and poetic visuals guide guests through the interconnectedness of life, from plankton to whales, with mesmerizing soundscapes and visuals.

Perfect for: All ages, curious minds, educators
Duration: 25–30 mins
Location: New exhibition wing, marked on-site
How to access: Included with all entry tickets

Family observing underwater forest exhibit at Lisbon Oceanarium.

Central Ocean Tank experience

Stand in awe before a colossal circular tank containing five million liters of seawater, revealing sharks, rays, and vibrant schools of fish from four ocean habitats. Multiple vantage points allow for 360° views, replicating the sensation of being immersed in the ocean.

Perfect for: First-time visitors, families, marine enthusiasts
Duration: Self-paced, typically 20–40 mins
Location: Central Gallery, the heart of the Oceanário
How to access: Included with all entry tickets

Penguins gathered on rocky terrain at Lisbon Oceanarium.

Penguin Feeding

Witness playful Magellan penguins frolicking and feeding in a recreation of the Antarctic coastal habitat. Glass-viewing galleries ensure up-close encounters, perfect for animal lovers and children.

Perfect for: Kids, families, animal lovers
Timing: Every Tuesday at 3:15pm
Location: Antarctic Coastal exhibit
How to access: Included with all entry tickets

Tips to make the most of your experience

The best time to explore all the exhibits without hordes of crowds is right after the Oceanário opens at 10am and during late afternoon between 2 and 5pm.
If you visit on a Tuesday afternoon, make sure to check out the penguin feeding at the Antarctic Coastline at 3:15pm. This experience is perfect for kids and adults alike.
If you’re driving to the Oceanário, you can park your car at the Oceanário Park located right outside the venue, or at any other parking garages nearby.
When you visit the Forests Underwater exhibit, the best way to experience it is to walk from one end of the U-shaped tank to the other and then back, taking in all the little details of the tank as you do so.

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon Oceanarium animals

How many creatures is the Oceanário de Lisboa home to?

There are over 15,000 creatures from 500 species at the Oceanário. These are spread across the massive Central Ocean Tank and the four oceanic zones that flank it.

Which are the four oceanic zones found at the Oceanário?

The four oceanic zones at the Oceanário are the Tropical Indian Ocean, the Temperate Pacific Ocean, the Antarctic Coastline, and the North Atlantic Zone.

Which zone can you find the penguins in?

You’ll find the King Penguins on the Antarctic coastline at the Oceanário.

What are some of the rarest species at the Oceanário de Lisboa?

Some of the rarest aquatic species you can find at the Oceanário de Lisboa are the Sunfish, the Devil Ray, Grey Nurse shark, the Bull Ray, and Sea Otters.

Are all the animal exhibits open during the venue’s opening hours?

Yes, you can access all four oceanic zones, the Central Ocean Tank, and Takashi Amano’s Forests Underwater at any time within the Oceanário’s operating hours.