Aquarium welcomes tongue flicking new arrivals!

The award-winning visitor attraction, The Aquarium of the Lakes, at Lakeside, on the Southern shores of Lake Windermere, has added a spanking new element to its intriguing Riverbank at Night zone, to support the arrival of some colourful and exciting creatures.

Stunningly bright Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, clever gliding Asian Tree Frogs, a scary Striped-Kneed Tarantula and a tongue flicking Cuban Boa are just some of the creatures now in situ in a freshly created Lakes of the World area. Here, exhibits compare and contrast species of wildlife and plants found around Windermere, with those living around some of the world's largest and most exotic lakes.

These new arrivals are joined by fish such as Cichlids from Lake Malawi, Tetra from the Amazon's Oxbow lakes, and colourful Tiger Barb, Clown Loach and Cherry Barb from the Reservoir lakes of India. The bright features of some of these fish contrast strongly with the grey and brown tones of many of Windermere's species, including the pike and eels also found in this zone.

Many facts and figures relating to the new exhibits can be found on information boards and light-boxes, allowing those interested in geography, geology and ecology, as well as wildlife, to learn more about the formation of various lakes and the environmental challenges they face today.

Riverbank at Night is just one of six zones within the Aquarium allowing the visitor to follow the journey of water from the Cumbrian fells, down into Lake Windermere and on its onward route to Morecambe Bay. Other areas include Midnight at the Water's Edge, Otter Encounter and the Seashore Discovery Zone.

The Aquarium has over thirty displays and is home to a wide array of creatures, from otters, arctic char and diving ducks, to British sharks, harvest mice and Lobelia the lobster.

Stunning theming incorporates waterfalls, rock pools, a recreation of Bridge House at Ambleside and an underwater tunnel, from which the exploits of the diving ducks can be fully appreciated. Multi-level viewing is available on two floors and knowledge about exhibits is also enhanced through plasma screen presentations and a daily talks programme given by the dedicated and informed aquarists.

Holding over 250,000 litres of water, the Aquarium of the Lakes is Britain's only freshwater aquarium and is well worth a visit. Those heading back with tales of the Red-Eyed Tree Frog are likely to encourage the green-eyed monster in friends and family, so get your trip in early!

The Aquarium, situated at Lakeside, near Newby Bridge, in the Lake District, opens daily, with more details available at Aquariumofthelakes.co.uk.

Admission costs £7.50 for an adult, £5.00 for a child, and £6.50 for concessions.

Value-for-money family tickets are also available, as are combined tickets offering a chance to also hop on or off one of the lake cruise boats, or steam trains arriving at the same location.