A
public aquarium (plural:
public aquaria or
public aquariums) is the aquatic counterpart of a
zoo, which houses living
aquatic animal and
plant specimens for public viewing. Most public
aquariums feature tanks larger than those kept by home aquarists, as well as smaller tanks. Since the first public aquariums were built in the mid-19th century, they have become popular and their numbers have increased. Most modern accredited aquariums stress conservation issues and educating the public.