Matsya Darshini, an Acquarium and a Fish Museum is one of the major attractions in Visakhapatnam. The Acquarium was set up and is maitained by Greater Visakha Municipal Corporation (GVMC). Matsya Darshini took its shape from the earlier Municipal Commissioner's Bunglow in May 1990.

Fishes from Singapore, Malaysia and from many other parts of the world were brought and put for display at the Museum. However, due to lack of funds, the development of the Museum were stopped for sometime in 1995.

To give the Acquamuseum, a come back, VMC has recently inviteded tenders from public companies to maintain the museum. A Local firm - Paragon Ventures was selected. Paragon Ventues went ahead and was planning 18 glass acquariums to put Fishes from Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and from other parts of the World.

The Acqu Museum today hosts a number of sea, deep sea and oceatic marine life. The list includes Clown Anemone Fish that weights few grams, the yellowish Carpet Anemones to Pacu that weights about 10 kilograms to the extremly dangerous Sting Rays (which are of about 500 varieties) and the Moray Eels that look like snakes!

The acquarium also hosts the Arowana fish. These fishes are imported from Thailand and cost a whopping Rs. 1.5 Lakhs each. The Arowana fish look light yellowish and each fish is about 2 1/2 feet in length.

The fish list here also includes the Red Squirrel Fish, the Blue Damsel Fish, Silver Dollar, Sharks, Piranhas from the Amazon etc.

Location: Rama Krishna Beach Road (Map)

Distance from town: 10 Kms from Dwaraka Bus Station (RTC Complex) or Asilmetta Junction

Reaching Matsya Darshini: By APSRTC Bus from various parts of city that stop at Rama Krishna Beach. Matsya Darshini is just 5 minute walk from the RK Beach Bus Stop and about 15 minutes walk from the VUDA Park Bus Stop.

Entrance Tickets: Can be obtained at the location. Drive In ATM of State Bank of India available at location.

Curator: IN Varma