An aquarium is an aquatic enclosure, transparent on at least one side, designed to keep and exhibit water-dwelling plants and animals.

Aquariums may be private, or public, taking the form of zoos that research, raise and exhibit fish, aquatic mammals and various other underwater organisms. Many people also keep smaller salt or fresh water aquariums in their homes to house pet fish.

Usually made of glass or high-strength plastic, modern home aquariums are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Through the use of various filtration, heating, aerating and pumping systems, aquariums can be tailored to provide a wide array of underwater environments for fish and other aquatic creatures.

Aspiring aquarium keepers, or "aquarists," will find when researching this hobby, that there are many factors that determine what size and type of tank is appropriate for each individual. The aquarium ecosystem is a delicate one, and can easily be damaged by the wrong lighting, food, or the introduction of incompatible species.

There are many commercial aquariums where the public can view species that would otherwise be out of reach for them. Public aquariums are able to house fish and sea life on a scale that would not be possible for the average person wanting a home aquarium.

The largest commercial aquarium is the Georgia Aquarium, with 8 million gallons of water it also houses more aquatic animals than any other. With 6.3 million gallons of water in their shark habitat, it can boast the largest single aquarium habitat globally as well. The Georgia Aquarium was opened in 2005, using a gift of more than $250 million in funding from the co-founder of the Home Depot chain of home improvement stores, allowing it to open without any debt.http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/newsroom/pressKitFiles/fact_sheet.pdf