It houses the world's only frozen Coelacanth specimen.
Suruga Bay, where the aquarium is located, is the deepest bay in Japan.
The aquarium uses specialized equipment to transport deep-sea creatures to the surface without damaging their cells due to pressure changes.
The Coelacanth is considered a 'living fossil' that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
Many of the specimens are collected directly by local fishermen working in Suruga Bay.
The Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium is the world's first museum dedicated exclusively to deep-sea marine life. It is located near the deepest part of Suruga Bay, which reaches depths of 2,500 meters. The facility features a permanent display of Coelacanth specimens, including both preserved and frozen examples. The aquarium maintains specialized pressurized tanks to showcase living organisms extracted from high-pressure, low-temperature deep-sea environments. Its collection includes rare species like the giant isopod and various bioluminescent fish. The exhibits are curated to highlight the unique evolutionary adaptations required for survival in the bathypelagic zone. The museum is integrated with a research facility that studies deep-sea biodiversity in the nearby bay.
The glass display case containing the frozen Coelacanth is the most iconic backdrop.
Visit on a weekday to avoid significant crowds from local school groups and tourists.
Take time to read the detailed placards, as they explain the complex engineering required to keep deep-sea animals alive in tanks.
Check the official website for updates on new specimen arrivals, as deep-sea captures are unpredictable.
Do not attempt to use flash photography, as the sensitive deep-sea specimens can be stressed by bright light.
Open year-round, but occasionally closes for brief maintenance periods or due to severe weather events affecting the port area.
