Cox’s Bazar is known as a city by the sea, drawing millions of tourists every year to its vast beach and waves. But beyond the sand and surf lies another world — one hidden beneath the sea.
For those curious to explore that underwater world without diving into the ocean, Cox’s Bazar offers Radiant Fish World, the country’s only sea aquarium, which opened in December 2017.
Located in the Jhautala area of Cox’s Bazar town, the aquarium welcomes visitors with an artificial waterfall at the entrance. Once inside, a tunnel-like passage leads to tanks featuring intimidating-looking piranhas, followed by displays of crabs, snails, oysters and other aquatic creatures.
Further inside is a fish-feeding corner, where visitors can collect feed and feed the fish themselves. The experience has become particularly popular among children, while adults also consider it engaging.
Beyond the feeding area, a Mekong giant catfish stands out prominently. The giant fish is among the aquarium’s major attractions.
The aquarium also houses a variety of species, including red marble tilapia, yellow parrot cichlid, blue diamond discus, lobster, angelfish, mantis shrimp, Doitsu koi, spotted gar, giant gourami, featherfin squeaker catfish and black carp.
Information about the characteristics of the fish and other aquatic creatures is displayed beside each exhibit, allowing visitors to learn about aquatic life while enjoying the experience.
Tourist Sabiha Naib said she enjoyed seeing so many varieties of fish and marine creatures in one place.
“It is a very enjoyable experience. It is particularly entertaining and educational for children,” she said.
Another attraction is the turtle exhibit, which allows visitors to observe the marine animals up close. Beyond it is a large underwater tunnel surrounded by tanks where different marine creatures move through the water.
Walking through the tunnel gives visitors the impression of entering the sea’s depths.
The lower floor also features another artificial waterfall, along with displays of crabs, snails, oysters, shrimp, horseshoe crabs, and marine green algae.
Visitors can also experience Doctor Fish foot therapy, where a special type of fish provides a foot massage in water.
The second floor offers 3D and 9D experiences, providing visitors with virtual entertainment for a separate ticket. A souvenir shop also sells various gifts, marine products, pickles, and other goods.
The third floor has a game zone for children, with various activities designed for young visitors. A full-body massage chair service is also available.
At the top, the Radiant Ocean Research and Education Centre serves as the research and education wing of Radiant Fish World.
Visitors can learn about marine algae cultivation, zooplankton, and phytoplankton through practical displays. Exhibits also focus on marine biodiversity and its conservation.
Outside the aquarium, visitors can explore a mirror maze, illusion displays, and 3D artworks, adding another dimension to the experience.
Radiant Fish World managing director Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury said the initiative was inspired by similar attractions abroad and was established to introduce people to the mysteries of the underwater world while providing an alternative recreational destination in Cox’s Bazar.
“Compared with the beach, there are relatively few recreational opportunities for tourists in Cox’s Bazar. We therefore developed Radiant Fish World as an alternative destination beyond the beach,” he said.
A visitor can spend around six hours exploring the attractions, he added.
For many tourists, the experience offers something different from the usual Cox’s Bazar itinerary. After spending time by the sea, they can step into an artificial underwater world and observe marine and freshwater life up close.
The aquarium currently offers visitors the chance to view about 220 species of marine and aquatic life, according to the authorities.
Bringing marine creatures, aquatic biodiversity, educational exhibits, and recreational attractions together under one roof, Radiant Fish World has created a different kind of experience for tourists in Cox’s Bazar—one that offers a glimpse of the mysteries beneath the sea without ever leaving the city.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
