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top 200 commentsshow 500

[–]faolkrop 549 points550 points ago

The Aquarium in Georgia has three whale sharks if you are in the states.http://imgur.com/eGoyJ

[–]caveman_rejoice 89 points90 points ago

I went there a couple of months ago. I highly recommend it.

[–]Zeoxult 19 points20 points ago

Read as school, saw penis. I need to pay more attention to whats typed.

[–]amurrca1776 58 points59 points ago

deaddove.jpeg

[–]bbb2011 3 points4 points ago

ಠ_ಠ

[–]SmellsLikeMediocrity 84 points85 points ago

And you can scuba dive with the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium!

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/events-and-programs/swim-with-whale-sharks.aspx

[–]sinverguenza 64 points65 points ago

oh my god I want to do this. I just went to Mexico this month to swim with whale sharks but fucking Hurricane Ernesto chased them away ;____;

[–]GoodGuyAnusDestroyer 106 points107 points ago

God Damn it Ernesto, he's always fucking something up.

[–]thckings 20 points21 points ago

I would recommend snorkeling if you want to interact with the whale sharks. They tend to remain near the surface of the tank where they have more room to swim. With the scuba dive they take you down towards the bottom of the tank where most of the other fish/sharks/rays hang out. I know of lot of people that were disappointed because they paid to scuba because of the whale sharks and they couldn't get anywhere near them.

[–]sinverguenza 4 points5 points ago

I was thinking the same thing. My would have been tour guide let us know scuba materials were not needed, just a mask and snorkle, because they are at the surface mostly, and are curious and will check people out.

[–]Jorthax 2 points3 points ago

I swam within 1m of a whale shark when I went to the Maldives when I was 16, I loved to swim and we went out on the boats, once spotted everyone jumped in and she began to dive (female + calf) it was the most amazing thing to see a beautiful creature that close.

[–]qabsteak 13 points14 points ago

I picture you shaking your fist at the sky as the hurricane approaches, saying only, "No es comico, Ernesto...no es comico."

[–]sinverguenza 11 points12 points ago

PORRRRRQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[–]Dafuq_McKwak 5 points6 points ago

I swam with a whale shark in the ocean in Mozambique this summer. I was terrified and amazed at the same time.

[–]sat0123 23 points24 points ago

Done it. There are a bunch of other sharks as well.

It's pretty sweet, but I could've done without the two-hour pre-dive lecture on sustainable fishing.

I did learn, however, that the groupers in the tank (which can be 500-600lbs, mind you) are considered more dangerous than the sharks. The sharks get fed regularly, so they don't eat people or the other fish in the tank. The groupers are territorial and will charge at you if you get too close.

[–]EvlLeperchaun 13 points14 points ago

I was a volunteer diver there while I was a student at Georgia Tech. After one of my first dives I learned later from my safety diver (diver with PVC pipe to help keep curious (read: grouper) fish away) that she had to keep an eye on me because I was being stalked by one of the bigger female grouper. She apparently does this with random people she just doesn't like. Every dive after that I was keeping a constant eye out for grouper. Those fuckers scared me more than this guy.

[–]bandkamp 2 points3 points ago

Went there a few years ago. I saw one of those come out of the murk silently and nearly crapped my pants

[–]AngusYoung93 2 points3 points ago

Good to see another diver from Tech. >_>^

[–]imperfectfromnowon 22 points23 points ago

Wow that is surprisingly affordable. Might have to add this to the ole life itinerary.

[–]driveitout 3 points4 points ago

You should definitely do it, I had the chance to do the dive a couple years ago and it was awesome. Pretty scary to be surrounded by so many large creatures, but awesome.

[–]Anuglyman 12 points13 points ago

You can scuba with whale sharks in Okinawa too.

[–]jsellout 64 points65 points ago

Dude, we're trying to stroke 'Merica's dick right now.

[–]Ragey_McRagerton 337 points338 points ago

FYI Georgia's is the world's biggest, Okinawa is second.

[–]MrActionPants 118 points119 points ago

Georgia: 6.3 million gallons

Living Seas at Disney World: 5.7 million gallons

Dubai Mall Aquarium: 2.64 million gallons

Okinawa: 1.98 million gallons

I'm probably still missing some...

[–]DarthYoda2594 40 points41 points ago

How thick is the glass there? That's a lot of fucking water.

[–]lomeon 87 points88 points ago

[–]widdershins42 40 points41 points ago

read that as 0.6mm thick and thought "jesus that's some strong plastic!"

[–]ps79 30 points31 points ago

Why aren't they using transparent aluminum. Scotty gave that dude the formula back in 1985.

[–]darkrxn 5 points6 points ago

You know, that didn't even sound syfy the second time I watched that movie because I knew about Corundum

"Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) with traces of iron, titanium and chromium.[1] It is a rock-forming mineral. It is one of the naturally clear transparent materials, but can have different colors when impurities are present. Transparent specimens are used as gems, called ruby if red and padparadscha if pink-orange. All other colors are called sapphire, e.g., "green sapphire" for a green specimen."

Many rubies and sapphires are manufactured for industrial uses, and they are used to form high pressure seals and check-valves. I wouldn't be surprised if they cost $1/kt to make, but they cost over $100 a seal versus compared to stainless steel seals for about 1/3 of that price.

[–]professor_derpy 2 points3 points ago

Wasn't until I read your comment that I noticed I made that mistake as well. 0.6mm seemed plausible in my mind

[–]Dafuq_McKwak 5 points6 points ago

That's one weird-looking back.

[–]KaptainKershaw 12 points13 points ago

The largest window is 23' tall by 61' wide, and 24" thick.

[–]steve_b 27 points28 points ago

All that matters is depth, not total volume.

EDIT: Well, depth and the area of the window.

[–]NRGT 8 points9 points ago

TIL a mall in Dubai has the third largest aquarium in the world.

[–]userdeath 2 points3 points ago

And the largest single acrylic panel in the world.

[–]Honestly_ 36 points37 points ago

Yeah, but I can get a Hattori Hanzo sword made while I visit the one in Okinawa.

[–]CancerousJedi 9 points10 points ago

You say arigato like we say arigato.

[–]xGGN 317 points318 points ago

'Merica

[–]I_REMOVE_COCKS 362 points363 points ago

America, where everything is a dick measuring competition

[–]jtfl 62 points63 points ago

When you remove them, are they easier to measure?

[–]JerseysFinest 43 points44 points ago

Not accurately, they tend to shrivel.

[–]AlrightStopHammatime 54 points55 points ago

'merican here.

I bet you mine can shrivel farther inside of me.

[–]craniumonempty 31 points32 points ago

I'm Texan... my shrivel will put your shrivel to shame. ... uh y'all

[–]itsme_timd 53 points54 points ago

Not America, where everything Americans do is criticized for one reason or another.

[–]LtCthulhu 5 points6 points ago

They envious.

[–]ghastlyactions 6 points7 points ago

Earth, where everything is a dick measuring competition

[–]Ed_Tivrusky_IV 11 points12 points ago

Given the opponent, in this case... competition isn't the word I'd use.

[–]OBLIMINON 3 points4 points ago

[–]gtwy 25 points26 points ago

I thought the National Aquarium in Baltimore was the biggest? Dammit. Their tickets are like $60 a piece because they claim to be the biggest. What a rip off!

[–]Cheapliquid 35 points36 points ago

only 29.95 last i checked (went last weekend)

[–]gtwy 14 points15 points ago

Oops it must have been $60 for the two of us. Still felt like a lot of money compared to most other attractions.

[–]crash331 29 points30 points ago

I think the claim in Georgia is it has the largest single tank. Other facilities may be larger and have more smaller tanks, but we have the largest single tank.

[–]mags87 12 points13 points ago

The one in Atlanta is around $35 and includes a 20-30 minute dolphin show

[–]gtwy 5 points6 points ago

There are dolphin shows at the National Aquarium as well

[–]Are_you_OK_Annie 18 points19 points ago

Not even close. I've been to that Aquarium and was disappointed. Side note I have also been to the Georgia and Shedd Aquarium so the Baltimore one doesn't even compare.

[–]ucffool 8 points9 points ago

Just went to Shedd; impressed by all the micro-climates they run, not just the 'one big damn tank'.

[–]IKabobI 55 points56 points ago

Atlanta Aquarium is awesome. For an extra bonus spend the night there during one of their overnighters, going to sleep (or attempting to sleep) with those monsters in the background is next to impossible.

Pic

[–]abom420 23 points24 points ago

That looks fun as hell.

[–]bleedingheartsurgery 34 points35 points ago

Awesome way to cash in too. Hey we're closing now, just lay there till we open again.. that'll be $80 thank you, see u at 7am

[–]Dildo_Ball_Baggins 24 points25 points ago

"Your hotel had a fish tank? That's cute."

[–]Zhangsanity 2 points3 points ago

sleeping with a whale shark would require incredible sexual stamina

[–]radiation360 13 points14 points ago

I've been scuba diving in the whale shark tank in Atlanta. It's pretty insane... they're HUGE. Also, the manta rays will bump into you to see what your deal is. It's best not to bump back.

[–]BramadeusBrozart 2 points3 points ago

When I have done dives with sharks/rays, the rays were chill as can be. They were letting us run our hands along them and what not. Are manta rays just more aggressive than stingrays or is it a captivity thing?

[–]103020302 3 points4 points ago

They are docile enough, but you don't wana shove them and have them try to speed away whipping their tail around. Ask Steve.

[–]AbruptlyJaded 43 points44 points ago

We stopped by just last Tuesday on our way home from my brother's wedding, because we had run out of time the LAST time we were in Atlanta. While I wasn't overly impressed with the aquarium (TN is better, and I enjoyed the Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach a bit more) I can say I was pleasantly surprised by the whale sharks, and we spent an inordinate about of time at the glass taking pictures. I also enjoyed the dolphin show - not so much for the story as for the dolphins themselves. I DO think the Georgia Aquarium did a good thing in making the ocean habitat (where the whale shark and other awesome creatures are) so large. They also have really adorable belugas, and their albino crocs are exhibited better than in New Orleans.

TL;DR I go to WAY too many aquariums.

[–]jsellout 19 points20 points ago

I really liked the aquarium in Denver because half way through there is inexplicably a giant tiger cage.

[–]OrangeCityDutch 3 points4 points ago

And a bar.

[–]frenzyboard 15 points16 points ago

The Newport aquarium in Cincinnati is pretty good. The entrance hall makes a great impression, and they've got some nice interactives with some rays and shellfish.

The Shed will always be one of my favorites. That first look when you enter... With the gigantic round viewing room? Oh man. It's so great! And the dolphins and belugas are shown so well.

The Tennessee was not one of my favorites. I think I had a bad time at that one just because of all the little screaming kids. Pretty sure the fish had headaches too.

I think one of my favorites was the National Aquarium in Washington DC. It's right near The Mint. Really out of the way and easy to miss, but it's very intimate and curated very nicely. It feels like an art exhibit. It was nice to visit an aquarium for adults.

I have fond memories as a kid at the one in Tampa. I went back as an adult, and it was a bit smaller than I remembered. I think they had to scale back a bit, which is unfortunate.

I haven't been to the Georgia one yet. I want to see whale sharks.

[–]findar[!] 12 points13 points ago

Check out the Dallas World Aquarium when you get a chance then!

[–]bluntmaster420 2 points3 points ago

I agree that the the Tennessee aquarium was better than Georgia's. For me it was simply the lay out, in the Tennessee one the elevation of the viewing areas led to tiger sharks swimming close enough that they were touching the glass right at eye level. Georgia had cool animals with the whale sharks, but there was nothing like having a tiger shark swim right in front of my face. If the Georgia aquarium had more elevated viewing areas so that the whale sharks could be seen up close that would really improve the Georgia aquarium in my mind.

[–]chkltcow 2 points3 points ago

TN's aquarium in Chattanooga is AMAZEBALLS! I liked the Georgia Aquarium because of the size of that display, but the layout of TN's is just awesome. Really want to go back there.

[–]onthenextlevel 9 points10 points ago

Fantastic photo of it by my favourite architecture photographers hiepler, brunier- http://www.hiepler-brunier.de/overview/241?filter=big%20tank&cat=2

[–]iphonephotog 2 points3 points ago

Love his work, glad to find someone else who does as well

[–]SeoirseN 5 points6 points ago

There's actually 4! I got a picture with all of them in it. They were all different size because they were all over the place though.

[–]zoodiary8 6 points7 points ago

wow, what a beauty.......

[–]N0V0w3ls 5 points6 points ago

Have they had success in keeping them alive for an extended period of time? If so, why have aquariums always had trouble keeping great whites?

[–]Toxication 2 points3 points ago

Nobody's really certain why great whites don't survive in captivity. If I remember correctly, one of the issues has something to do with the extra senses they have that sense electrical impulses, or something.

[–]N0V0w3ls 3 points4 points ago

But the Ampullae of Lorenzini are present on all sharks and rays. Maybe the white's sense is just more sensitive?

[–]Marshal1080 5 points6 points ago

You can do an overnight at the Georgia aquarium, you get a tour behind the scenes, then get to sleep right up next to the huge whale shark tank. They only do a few a month but it is a must do.

[–]robinthebank 6 points7 points ago

Came here to say this. I visited Atlanta for a week and going here was the best decision I made.

[–]Kongbuck 15 points16 points ago

It is a very nice aquarium if you go on a day when there aren't hordes of people. I also recommend the Clermont Lounge.

[–]thePD 8 points9 points ago

Listen to this guy, the Clermont Lounge is only beaten by the Georgia Aquarium in the age of some of its animals.

[–]TheRegularsBand 6 points7 points ago

Gawd, that is an aquarium filled with monsters

[–]NugzChillinGrindage 3 points4 points ago

Atlantan here. When you visit Clermont ask for Blondie. She'll crush beer cans with her boobs and treat you real nice. Also, DJ Romeo spins Disco (mostly MJ) late night on Saturdays. I would suggest going after 1am. Its a great lounge and a must see when you're here. Be warned: There are lots of very old strippers and the place is 115 degrees inside during the summer. Other than that it has a lot of charm.

[–]ColloquiaIism 5 points6 points ago

Don't you tell people to go there. That's where old strippers go to die :/

[–]skyshock21 2 points3 points ago

They've also got the most righteous "nope-crabs" I've ever seen. They're the size of cars.

[–]Apozor 174 points175 points ago

It's more spectacular in this video.

(Even better in 720p)

*Edit: Mirror 1 & Mirror 2

[–]mihametl 49 points50 points ago

I once made the mistake to show that video to my 2 year old niece to give her something else to do than trash my office. Now all she wants to do when she comes around is sit in my office chair and watch that video on repeat for...well probably hours. She usually gets hungry before she gets bored of watching it.

[–]remaker12 44 points45 points ago

Feed her Sushi. Don't tell her what it is.

Can 2 year olds eat sushi? I may be fucking stupid.

[–]feddz 6 points7 points ago

That doesn't really solve the problem though does it?

[–]TheMeatball 2 points3 points ago

I never even consider things like that. I feel like I would be a terribly irresponsible parent.

[–]throwthisbanana 1 point2 points ago

Everyone chill. Kids, they are monsters, eating raw fish cant kill them.

[–]KCintheOC 10 points11 points ago

this was my dreamscene wallpaper for like a year

[–]drumkn0t 8 points9 points ago

mirror for german viewers ? ;_;

[–]Apozor 6 points7 points ago

Hm, maybe here or there ?

[–]kaellinn18 15 points16 points ago

That video introduced me to the band Barcelona several months ago. They are definitely one of my favorites now. Beautiful song.

[–]cant_be_pun_seen 3 points4 points ago

Fun fact, there is an ambiance app for Google TV/Android that will play relaxing videos + music. This is one of those videos.

TIL

the app is called Classy Fireplace. Once you get into it, go to menu then "new scene" or something like that

[–]silenti 14 points15 points ago

What's the app?

[–]Ausrufepunkt 4 points5 points ago

Are the people allowed to take photos?
Because I always thought that'd fuck fish up

[–]Toastbiscuit 268 points269 points ago

About a year and a bit ago I saw the YouTube video of this aquarium with the band Barcelona put as the soundtrack. Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7deClndzQw

It made me love Barcelona and absolutely obsess about that aquarium. I went through a pretty rough patch and I ended up saying "fuck it, I'm going there".

Flew out to Japan, then flew out to Okinawa and then caught a freakin bus all the way to the other side of the island just to get there.

It was amazing. It actually felt incredible to fulfil a dream I've had for a while. I made a video of my whole trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al6IlPBpIzQ

edit: here I am eating a hot dog with one of the whale sharks: http://imgur.com/5yWcu

[–]MrCallahan 35 points36 points ago

I caught this video when it was first posted, and have been addicted to it every since! Japan is a place I've always wanted to go to. Every now and then I put this video on to give me on inspiration to travel, and after reading your message, I may just have to say Fuck It! and actually go! I wouldn't be surprised if this video stirred up those type of emotions in a lot of people.

Would you happen to have any suggestions of tours I should check out? or a decent website where I could plan a few tours?

[–]Sukirisu 19 points20 points ago

As someone who is in Japan now, I have these tips. A) Go when the weather is tolerable for you. Being from Sweden, I am having a very hard time with the heat and especially the humidity. Today was the first day in a very long time I was comfortable being outside, and that was at night, and I was still perspiring. B) Check wikitravel and japan-guide. Both have more information than anyone will be able to use in their travels. C) Plan travels between cities. Shinkansen is quite expensive, but going by local trains can take half a day and up to ten transfers. Get the Rail Pass if possible; I would love to be able to have that. D) If you go to big cities (like Tokyo), make sure to spend some time to just walk around in different areas and absorb the atmosphere.

[–]shadowboxman 5 points6 points ago

That was a really cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[–]kevin19713 13 points14 points ago

I liked living in Japan but the Marines have ruined Okinawa. I was stationed there for a almost a year and the people didn't really like me because I was a Marine. But then I went to Tokyo for 3 months and those were the best 3 months of my life.

[–]readit_at_work 5 points6 points ago

Army stationed at Oki. Same experience as the jarhead above. Out of uniform (and at the aquarium) I was treated all right, but in general (particularly around the southern end near Kadena and Camp Foster) the locals really have the anti-American sentiment.

However, the aquarium is awesome, and the local pineapple is unlike anything I can get in the states.

The sushi was obviously much improved over what you get here too.

[–]nanosounds 12 points13 points ago

You've gone and done exactly what I still really really want to do. And I knew I wanted to do it from watching the same video! I'm saving up my coins now, but hopefully next year I'll be able to make the pilgrimage there. Fish love! <3

[–]oldaccount 3 points4 points ago

The one in Atlanta might be closer and is actually bigger. They also have 3 whale sharks in a similar exhibit.

[–]bezaorj 2 points3 points ago

was it worth it? would you do it again? how long did you spend on the aquarium ?

[–]Toastbiscuit 9 points10 points ago

It was definitely worth it. It was a bit of an insular, soul searchy trip, but it was an amazing aquarium. I spent the entire day at the ocean park and most of it at the aquarium. You can eat lunch at the cafe that is next to the tank... here's me eating a hot dog with a whale shark: http://imgur.com/5yWcu

I have to say, that's now a highlight of my life :)

The best thing is that you can actually go "behind the scenes" and walk along really open walkways on top of the aquarium too and look down on the sharks and rays... amazing!

I'll go back one day! Maybe after I get a family :)

[–]OllyOllyO 2 points3 points ago

Your video is pretty awesome. In the comments you said that you did that Weird Fishes cover. I really like it. You've got a cool Nick Drake thing going on.

[–]Toastbiscuit 3 points4 points ago

Thank you! I really appreciate the compliment :)

[–]portablebiscuit 1139 points1140 points ago

This is the dawning of the Asian aquarium, the Asian aquarium...

[–]irascible 14 points15 points ago

[–]nom_trees 30 points31 points ago

Aquar-iii-ummm!

[–]SpenceMasta 19 points20 points ago

you made an asian joke with zero reference to overplayed casual racism and it was funny, thank you ಥ‿ಥ

[–]3BetLight 1 point2 points ago

you made an asian joke with zero reference to overplayed casual racism and it was funny, thank you –‿–

FTFY

[–]reddit_user13 60 points61 points ago

uncontrollable giggling

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]FuckYouGEMA 25 points26 points ago

[–]ndougla2 6 points7 points ago

[–]Milstar 13 points14 points ago

[–]Bacardio 129 points130 points ago

Register just so I could upvote this..... sigh no longer just a lurker

[–]323157 149 points150 points ago

The best and worst decision you ever made. Mainly the worst.

[–]SwimGuys 33 points34 points ago

Definitely the worst. I went from a work time lurker to checking this shit a couple times a day.

[–]xkrntoyx02 30 points31 points ago

You can be like me. Register an account but still be a lurker for 4 years.

Wait...

[–]SwimGuys 2 points3 points ago

Looks to me like you're on the slippery slop to oblivion as of yesterday. It's just like smoking. Just once here and there. Then a little more. Then more. Next thing you know you're unproductive at work. Killing cell phone batteries. On here at random times.

[–]xkrntoyx02 2 points3 points ago

You would think that would turn me-off, but as a chain smoker myself, I'm even more excited.

[–]de352507 9 points10 points ago

A COUPLE times a day?!?

[–]avelertimetr 15 points16 points ago

Then you start getting downvoted for something that was clearly funny or insightful, then depression sets in, and pretty soon you're sitting beneath a freeway overpass next to a shopping cart full of recyclable cans, with a heroin needle stuck out from your veins, chasing the upvote dragon. Right before you shoot up, you remember "who gives a shit about imaginary internet points?", throw the syringe away in disgust, delete your Reddit account and all the posts with it and taking away your one true sense of identity in the last few months. But then the empty void In your life starts to echo your feelings of being wanted, you fire up AlienBlue, just one last time, for old times' sakes. You end up on your death bed 5 months later, clutching your iPhone. With your final breath, you take the last action on this planet as a human being and push the downvote button on a post that was clearly funny. Payback was never so bittersweet.

[–]jaymedic 4 points5 points ago

But mostly, the best. Come for the karma, stay for the cats.

[–]meeeff 16 points17 points ago

I don't get it.

[–]ShadowRam 40 points41 points ago

reference song "Age of Aquarius"

[–]white618 25 points26 points ago

I've been to this aquarium. The pictures can't do it justice. Its simply an astounding place.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]effensteve 17 points18 points ago

I feel like the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew should be in this pic.

[–]My_Middle_Nut 76 points77 points ago

Rare footage form the National Aqaurium of Ireland

[–]MrBigBMinus 11 points12 points ago

Saw something exactly like this at the Georgia Aquarium, my wife and i just sat silently and watched them for almost two hours.

[–]drunk_otter 27 points28 points ago

Man, those Whale Sharks are pretty things. Worth a trip to Ningaloo to swim with them in the wild if you're suddenly feeling inspired by this pic.

[–]JohnScribbles 13 points14 points ago

Is that a thing? Swimming with sharks?

[–]drunk_otter 42 points43 points ago

Well, yeah - they're Whale Sharks (biggest current fish) that eat plankton, so there's no risk at all.

So yeah - this is a huge thing. Like whales but without all the shitty attitude. They're just big, awesome things that are really mellow.

[–]YoniMaven 20 points21 points ago

Whales have a shitty attitude?

[–]Toastlove 31 points32 points ago

Whales are totally up themselves because they know they are the biggest mammals.

[–]drunk_otter 22 points23 points ago

Yeah man - all that jumping around and breaching - they're just trying to fuck up people's boats, but they have really shitty aim. And they think they're so fucking special because they get all the tourist interest.

I mean, when was the last time you signed up for a limpet watching tour? Never, right? But whales? Yeah - they're the fucking stars of the ocean show.

They're always like "oooh - look at me - I'm a whale. I've got a blowhole and humans think I'm special" and everyone is like "yeah? what's the difference between you and us? A blowhole? Fuck your blowhole, man. In fact, fuck you in your blowhole, man. You suck."

[–]jaymedic 13 points14 points ago

Don't listen to this guy, he's not even a guy. He's a drunk otter. A drunken, surly otter.

[–]YoniMaven 2 points3 points ago

Blowhards with blowholes...

[–]Redebo 3 points4 points ago

Is that a thing? Ningaloo?

[–]Stringfellow_HaWk 8 points9 points ago

stressed? watch this on 720p on good headphones and its completely chills you out. Works for me anyway... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7deClndzQw edit: full screen!

[–]garrow10 9 points10 points ago

Why did I think whale sharks were bigger?

[–]Toastbiscuit 9 points10 points ago

The whale sharks at Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa and Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka only grow to around 7 meters. The ones in the wild are about twice as big, 14 meters long. They have a diagram on the wall of the aquariums to show you how big the full sized ones are!

[–]mwolfee 4 points5 points ago

What makes them stop growing to their full size?

[–]PSDOilPaintFilter 52 points53 points ago

[–]dillpunk 3 points4 points ago

Kaiyukan in Osaka also has whale sharks and is the biggest aquarium in the world! It is not super crowded and one of the most fantastic things I have ever seen. If you get a chance you should go!

[–]mstrymxer 8 points9 points ago

In my head all the fish in aqauriums are constantly going " excuse me, pardon me, so sorry"

[–]Whamsandwich 5 points6 points ago

I work for the Georgia Aquarium, the Ocean Voyager exhibit actually houses 4 Whale sharks, has 2.3 million gallons of water and has 61 miles of filtration pipeline.

[–]stoatyboy 24 points25 points ago

In emergency use hammer to break glass.

[–]calgy 41 points42 points ago

good luck breaking 24 inch acrylic with a hammer

[–]empw 58 points59 points ago

[–]HigherFive 41 points42 points ago

Good luck lifting it.

[–]chili_cheese_dog 58 points59 points ago

[–]Cheapliquid 10 points11 points ago

Well he is a god...

[–]ChromeBoom 4 points5 points ago

How did the shield move that quickly i wonder

[–]p3ngwin 6 points7 points ago

In emergency use hammer-Head to break glass.

FTFY :)

[–]DiscoJaguar 31 points32 points ago

To everyone commenting about how awful aquariums are:

Since this aquarium has probably been built a shift has been made in how animals are kept in captivity for educational purposes. The only reason animals have extremely large ranges in the wild is because competition with other animals, or because food is so scarce. Even whales that travel across the world for breeding only due so because of temperatures.

when all of that is provided for x animals habitat can be shrunk down to y size and the animal can be perfectly happy, far happier than it would be in the wild because it simply does not notice the difference, it would willingly stay in a smaller area if all it's needs could be met in that area.

TLDR: The biologists behind this love animals more than you ever could, they went to college so they could know more and would not endanger the well being of animals they study.

[–]byandbytheyfly 13 points14 points ago

I'm sure the biologists really do care for these animals, but the reasons you've stated why they would be fine living in aquarium conditions are kind of shaky and a gross oversimplification. Especially the "does not notice the difference" part.

Ever seen studies comparing the average life span of marine life kept in tanks vs in the wild? While not perfect, they do point towards the latter.

[–]-33rpm 4 points5 points ago

I don't want to split hairs, and you're right in that aquariums are not totally awful. They raise a lot of money for conservation, raise awareness and provide locations for breeding programs and so on.

However, the story you tell about range size evolution is pretty simplistic. The reasons for the evolution of range size you give are true, but not exhaustive, but the most important thing you ignore is that range size is an evolved trait. That means that even if everything an animal has everything it needs, there's no reason whatsoever to expect a behavioural shift in ranging behaviour. These behaviours, varying species top species, are instinctive and fixed. Sure, it has no competition and a load of food etc. but it still has the instinct and desire to roam as it would. For example, captive birds that try to migrate, flying to the corner of their enclosures for days on end (e.g. blackcaps).

TL;DR - range size is an evolved trait, and commonly not at all as labile as suggested.

[–]Bigbuddhabelly 4 points5 points ago

They seriously need to have a 24/7 stream of that aquarium.

[–][deleted] ago

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[–]BritishBatman 4 points5 points ago

The aquarium in Atlantis (Dubai) had a whale shark, but they were forced to release it because in the wild Whale sharks cover huge distances

[–]HalfAssRider 3 points4 points ago

Thanks OP, this brings back memories of my stay in Okinawa. One day I will return.

[–]redditizio 2 points3 points ago

There is a HD video on Vimeo of this aquarium which is pretty impressive.

[–]wggn 7 points8 points ago

[–]lazydane 12 points13 points ago

As beautiful as this is. The problem with Japanese attractions / theme parks is that the PR photos fail to show how insanely crowded these places get.

[–]Toastbiscuit 16 points17 points ago

I've been there, not super crowded at all. It's actually really nice, and the ocean park that the Churaumi Aquarium is within is gigantic... so big that you need a shuttle cart to take you from one side to the other!

I've heard on public holidays it can get packed though.

[–]Ragey_McRagerton 5 points6 points ago

All the youtube videos I've watched of this place, filmed by tourists, show a prettt similar crowd to the one in this picture.

[–]Jaytsun 5 points6 points ago

since everyone else is doing it i'd also like to say that the aquarium isn't very crowded

[–]northwestnugs 6 points7 points ago

I live on the island and have been to the aquarium. It really wasn't that crowded when I was there and I never hear of anyone complaining about crowds after they've gone.

[–]Anuglyman 3 points4 points ago

It isn't crowded at all. I've been there.

[–]Anzou 4 points5 points ago

I lived on Okinawa! Makes me happy to see this

[–]bunglejerry 8 points9 points ago

Okinawa's a strange place to have such an amazing aquarium, because you're never more than a few kilometres from coastal waters that offer pretty damn impressive views themselves.

Really it ought to be in a place like Mongolia, that's thousands of miles away from ocean water.

[–]calgy 38 points39 points ago

Well, its not so strange at all, they pump seawater into their tanks instead of buying billions of gallons of fresh water and tons of salt.

[–]bobsagetfullhouse 2 points3 points ago

This would be amazing to see in person now, but I just wish I could go back to being a kid again to view this.

[–]muffun_ 2 points3 points ago

I sure do love me some whale sharks.

[–]StopIMAHipster 2 points3 points ago

Whale sharks are mind blowing

[–]KidneyFailure 1 point2 points ago

I've been there a few times, but I had no idea you could get a fuckload of karma for a picture of the whale sharks

[–]HRT_team 0 points1 point ago

You might want to see this video from John Rawlinson. He made this in 2009. Link

If you are wondering; the music is from Barcelona.

[–]PotassiumEgg 0 points1 point ago

[–]manmeatsgoat 0 points1 point ago

For the full effect: http://vimeo.com/5606758

[–]chelsey0192 2 points3 points ago

Looks a bit like the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Ga. There are I believe four whale sharks there. They are ginormous beautiful creatures.

[–]burkhalp74 0 points1 point ago

If you think this pic is awesome, watch the video here

It is amazing, and a great song in the background.

EDIT: link/1080p version.

[–]AirshipAtamis 0 points1 point ago

Doesn't appear to be any plants in there, i bet they spend a fortune on water filters and feed.

[–]AbruptlyJaded 2 points3 points ago

That's a beautiful pic, makes me want to sit in front of the tank for hours!

[–]Nemmy06 0 points1 point ago

It's so majestic.....must visit soon.

[–]crazusmarzus 0 points1 point ago

yup. Georgia aquarium is at least as cool

[–]Nokarot 0 points1 point ago

Blah. I used to live in Okinawa and every time I think back on it, I get all depressed. I miss it so much.

[–]unkillable94 0 points1 point ago

This looks exactly like the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Cool to see other aquariums have whale sharks.

[–]happymon -1 points0 points ago

that fish cray

[–]bangwhistle -1 points0 points ago

Jane Winslett-Richardson: Are we - are we safe in here? Steve Zissou: I doubt it. Klaus Daimler: Do you still want to blow him up? Steve Zissou: No, we're out of dynamite anyway. Eleanor Zissou: It is beautiful Steve. Steve Zissou: Yea, it's pretty good isn't it... I wonder if it remembers me...

[–]Chandley54 1 point2 points ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJtHg9FbLUA

I watch this whenever I've had a stressful day & need a mental detox...