* Total water volume: This is the most common metric, but can be misleading as it doesn't account for exhibit space or visitor experience.
* Number of species: This focuses on biodiversity, but doesn't capture the sheer size or complexity of an aquarium.
* Number of exhibits: This highlights the variety and scope of an aquarium, but not its overall volume or diversity.
* Visitor attendance: This indicates popularity but doesn't reflect the aquarium's size or scale.
Here are some of the world's largest aquariums based on various criteria:
By water volume:
1. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (Zhuhai, China): Estimated at 48 million gallons, holding the world's largest aquarium tank.
2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Dubai, UAE): Boasts a 10 million-gallon tank and a vast underwater zoo.
3. Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, USA): Holds over 6.3 million gallons of water.
4. Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal): Holds over 5 million gallons of water.
5. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, USA): Holds over 2.5 million gallons of water.
By other metrics:
* Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, USA): Known for its vast exhibit space and focus on conservation.
* Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, USA): Holds a significant number of species, and its famous beluga whale tank is a popular attraction.
* Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (Osaka, Japan): Offers a diverse range of marine life and is renowned for its impressive Pacific Ocean tank.
* National Aquarium (Baltimore, USA): Features a large array of exhibits, including a famous jellyfish exhibit.
* Sydney Aquarium (Sydney, Australia): Holds a significant number of species and offers a unique view of Australia's diverse marine life.
Ultimately, the "largest" aquarium is subjective and depends on your preferred metric. Each of these aquariums offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the wonders of the underwater world.