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About Bolton Aquarium  We are very proud of the fact that this is one of the oldest public aquariums in the country. Most of our fish are freshwater fish. Their natural habitat would be streams, rivers or lakes. Several snakes are kept in the aquarium, but there are only two tanks adapted as vivariums (homes for snakes) on public display. If you would like to know more please click on any of the questions below.
Tell me about the history of the Aquarium? Tell me about the history of the Aquarium? In the 1920’s it was decided to include an aquarium in the new civic buildings that were being planned. The planners visited several aquariums across Britain and Europe and the best ideas from each were used in Bolton’s Aquarium. Are all the snakes on display? No. This is because we may have to keep a careful eye on them to make sure that they are healthy. Snakes are also kept in the back when they are breeding. They are very nervous at this time. It is difficult for a female snake to find a suitable place to lay her eggs in a display tank, discouraging her from laying and making her ill. The eggs would dry out in the display areas. Why do you keep snakes? Snakes have had a bad press from earliest time! By keeping snakes and telling people about these fascinating animals we hope to convince people that snakes have more reason to be afraid of humans than the other way round. What do snakes eat? In the wild snakes eat a variety of animals. There are snakes that only eat tree frogs some that only eat snakes, some that only eat earthworms and some that only eat termites. The snakes here are fed on mice and rats, which are farmed for the purpose. The mice and rats are dusted with vitamin powder to ensure that the snakes get all they need to be healthy. Our snakes are all captive bred and so they are used to this diet. Isn’t it cruel to keep snakes in such small spaces? No. As long as snakes have everything they need there is no sign that they suffer from stress or boredom. In fact the snakes have a more relaxed life in captivity than they would in the wild. In captivity they are safer from disease, parasites, and attack by other animals, including humans. Why are the Bolton Aquarium displays mainly of freshwater fish? We like to be different! Most aquariums have marine fish, but we would like to show some of the many beautiful and interesting fish to be found in the rivers, streams and lakes of the world. Why are some tank displays are more interesting than others? We want the fish to feel at home and be happy. The tanks are made to be as much like the fishes natural home as possible. Some fish like to hide amongst rocks; others like plenty of plants and others prefer clear water. Where do you get the fish for the aquarium? We get our fish from a variety of places. Fish are bought from reputable dealers known to the aquarium staff. We regularly exchange fish with Zoos and other public aquariums for breeding or display purposes. Some private aquarists who understand our work will also give us some fish that they have bred. Avery few fish are given to us by members of the public who, having bought fish find that they cannot look after them properly, and so are looking for a new home for them. What do you feed the piranhas? We feed them on a wide range of food. They get pieces of fish, prawns, cockles, mussels, and flaked fish food. Despite what many people think they do not need and so do not get fresh meat. In fact too much meat is actually bad for them. To help their digestion and provide extra vitamins they are given small amounts of fruit.
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