Underwater Thrills

Aqua Life 2013 brings around 200 rare aquatic species to the city.

A school of tiny fish in dazzling shades of blue,yellow,orange and green dart around underwater plants and corals. As light reflects on some of them,they look illuminated from inside and those watching gasp with awe. One could say the Aqua Life 2013 exhibition which has brought around 200 rare aquatic species to the city is a preview to a scuba dive.

Organised by Laukik Soman,owner of Laukik Creations,who is an aquatic life-enthusiast,the exhibition boasts of species such as cardinal tetra,osckar,discus,black ghost,alligator gar,paku fish,giant gurami,tiger shark,arowana,koi carp,plowe horn,jelly fish,diamond angel,striped angel,yellow tang and clown fish. City-based aquarium stores have also brought pre-assembled biotopes,under water plants,ornamental stones,fish food and various other products that will be useful in setting up aquariums at homes or in public spaces.

Little wonder then that the exhibition has been buzzing with visitors both young and old. While we did expect to see children running from one tank to another in excitement,even elders could be seen moving around the tanks wide-eyed,tapping on the glass frames to catch the attention of fish,shouting out to one another when they did get the required attention and going into a frenzy of clicking pictures. Some could be seen walking out gleefully,holding plastic bags full of water and their new pets fish.

The exhibition has been divided into sections. While the volunteers are helpful in identifying the fish and sharing information on how underwater ecology works,there is some confusion caused by a lack of space. The organisers have put up aquariums in a way that the crowd walks in a single direction. However,it has added to the chaos since every once in a while someone in the line stops to buy some products,holding every one else in place on the line.

The exhibition is on near Harvest Club,Mhatre Bridge,till Sunday

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