Mississippi Aquarium

Mississippi Aquarium combines freshwater and saltwater habitats across an indoor and outdoor campus, with a strong emphasis on Gulf Coast ecosystems alongside marine environments from farther afield. The freshwater river is a central feature, with native species including paddlefish, alligator gar, catfish, and turtles, while nearby habitats feature North American river otters, American alligators, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The aquarium also includes an aviary with regional and exotic birds, adding terrestrial wildlife to the aquatic focus.

Aquatic Wonders provides the largest immersive marine setting, with touch pools, a three-story swirl habitat, and a 400,000-gallon ocean habitat viewed through a 360-degree tunnel and large viewing window. Changing Tides expands the experience into three distinct biomes: a cold-water kelp forest, rainforest, and tropical coral reef. Visitors can encounter species ranging from giant Pacific octopus and seahorses to reef fish and other tropical marine life. The combination of regional freshwater wildlife, Gulf marine habitats, and more distant ecosystems makes Mississippi Aquarium particularly appealing to travelers who want a varied aquarium experience with both local and global perspectives.