The aquarium in the lobby of the Mandalay Bay Casino sets the tone for the rest of the casino hotel. The 14 foot tall (just over 4.2m), 12,000 gallon (more than 45,000 Liters) saltwater tank is home to various types of fish, including Soldierfish, Angelfish, Puffers, Squarebacks, and Hawkfish.

The aquarium is set in a marble structure to match the surrounding architecture of the hotel and hints of more to come with the rest of the casino’s water-focused entertainment.

Part of that water-based entertainment involves the new Shark Reef. The Shark Reef brings visitors face-to-face with some of the world’s deadliest sea animals. This nearly 91,000 sq. foot (slightly larger than 8,400 sq. m) tank holds 1.6 million gallons (more than 6 million liters) of saltwater in 14 exhibits and supports predators of all kind, including sawfish, piranhas, moon jellyfish, rare golden crocodiles, and even the less-predator-like endangered green sea turtles and giant rays.

Date Completed: 1999 (aquarium), 2000 (Shark Reef)

Photos of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay from www.sharkreef.com