The aquarium, costing US$55 million in investment, was funded by three investors - China Poly Group, Straco Investment Pte Ltd and SembCorp Industry Ltd.

Aquarium curator Stephen Menzies said more than 250 marine species and freshwater fish including Chinese alligators, Chinese sturgeons and giant salamanders will be on display.

"Some fish displayed are rare and will be new to Chinese visitors," Menzies said.

He said more new species will continue to come and the aquarium, which will ultimately have more than 10,000 fish of more than 300 species.

The fish come from many countries including China, the United States, Singapore, Japan and Australia. "We chose fish different from other aquaria in China," Menzies said.

The aquarium now has 12 species of sharks from China, Singapore and Australia. More sharks will be imported, the curator said.

"But we won't import whales due to limited space," he said.

Insiders said the aquarium, close to the city's Oriental Pearl TV Tower, will contribute greatly to Pudong's tourism. With high-level offices dominating, Pudong needs more attractions for visitors.

The newly built aquarium is considered one of the largest in Asia with its 155-meter-long underwater viewing tunnel, said David Tan, general manager of Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Company Ltd. Tan worked as general manager of Singapore Marine World for six years.

"Due to its special features, the aquarium is expected to recoup its investment within six years," he said.

The aquarium was designed by Australian Living Ocean International and consists of a five-level main building with two basements to offer visitors a wide viewing experience.

(China Daily February 6, 2002)