Journey to the “Kuroshio”
We introduce you to the must-see points including Kuroshio Sea Tank, the main attraction of Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and other interesting exhibits like Shark Research Lab.
- Home
- Aquarium Area Guide
- Journey to the “Kuroshio”
- The Kuroshio Sea
A dynamic world of migratory fish
The Kuroshio Sea
The gigantic tank, which has a volume capacity of 7,500 cubic meters, affords views from multiple directions, for example, from the Aqua Room and through the large acrylic window. Only here can you enjoy the sight of never-before-seen groups of whale sharks and manta rays swimming in the ocean.
| Aquarium capacity | 7,500 m³ (depth 10m, width 35m, length 27m) |
|---|---|
| Species | 70 kinds |
| Number of seats | 56 (Shark Stand) |
Marine life found in this area
Video of the Kuroshio Sea
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Must-see Points
Early morning is the best time to see!- The Kuroshio Tank is at its most beautiful early in the morning. Since the tank lights go on in the evening, you can see how some fish behave differently in the natural light.
Regular visitors to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium can make new discoveries by coming at different times of day. 
Jinta: The Aquarium's Biggest Whale Shark- There are three whale sharks at the aquarium, the largest of which is named Jinta. Jinta which were transported into our Aquarium in March 1995, holds the world record for longest time kept in captivity now.
Churaumi Column
Seasonal Information: Zebra Shark Eggs- In their breeding season, which lasts from April to July, zebra sharks, which have leopard-like patches on their skin, lay large eggs about the size of a human palm.
An electrifying attraction!
Whale Sharks stand up to feed! An Electrifying Habits!
Four times each day, the whale shark and other fish are introduced, with the help of video images and commentary about the tank, in front of the large Kuroshio Sea tank. At 3 and 5 o'clock, an explanation of the whale shark, Manta Ray and other fishes feeding habits is featured. We hope you enjoy the amazing spectacle of the whale sharks and their feasting behavior.
Programs of the “Kuroshio”
Four times each day, the whale shark and other fish are introduced, with the help of video images and commentary about the tank, in front of the large Kuroshio Sea tank. At 3 and 5 o'clock, an explanation of the whale shark, Manta Ray and other fishes feeding habits is featured. We hope you enjoy the amazing spectacle of the whale sharks and their feasting behavior.
- Explanation of the tank
- 11:30
Explanation of Kuroshio Sea, along with images of the whale shark's relocation to the Aquarium - Explanation of the tank with divers
- 13:30
A discussion of the Kuroshio Sea and images from divers' underwater cameras - Explanation of the tank with feeding
- 15:00 / 17:00
Here come the whale sharks! We present an amazing feeding spectacle!
Must-see Points
Find a spot near the acrylic glass!- The number one spot to watch the whale sharks feed is near the pane of acrylic glass (Kuroshio Sea, 1F). The whale sharks are fed in the middle of the tank, while the manta rays are fed at the sides. The whale sharks stand straight up in the water when they feed.
Don't miss the mantas feeding!- The manta rays are fed a few minutes after the whale shark feeding begins. They are fed at the sides of the tank. At feeding times, the mantas spin nimbly in the water.
Most active before feeding!- Whale sharks seem to swim leisurely all day long, but their behavior does actually change at different times. Whale sharks swim most slowly from the time the aquarium shuts until the following morning, then they start to move faster until the time when they are fed. They swim most rapidly right before feeding time. Take a look and see!
*Please note that there are reading mistake.