Fishing for a Fresh London Attraction

The aquarium craze has spread to London, where a $43-million facility opened this weekend at County Hall on the South Bank, just steps from the Waterloo train station.

One of Europe’s largest such exhibits, it displays thousands of fish, plants and other marine life representing more than 350 species. Two giant cylindrical tanks, one each devoted to Atlantic and Pacific life, stretch three stories high. Among their denizens are sand tiger and brown sharks, and crabs.

Nearly 40 other displays focus on coral reefs, rain forests and other environments. In some areas, visitors can touch living specimens from starfish to sting rays. The aquarium is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; expanded summer hours begin in June. Admission is about $11.20 adults, $7.75 children. Information: 011-44-171-976-8000.