Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium has recreated a miniature section of the Amazon riverbed as part of a new feature.
The mini display incorporates a selection of living plants alongside natural theming to mimic part of the enormous South American river.
It features a total of 10 different types of smaller Amazonian fish species to create a living microcosm of the freshwater ecosystem.
Among the species on display are a variety of different iridescent coloured tetras, hatchetfish and five different types of catfish.
Blue Reef Aquarium’s Leanna Lawson said: “Although the display is only relatively small our aquarists have worked really hard to provide a realistic representation of a part of the Amazon.
“The use of living plants and natural theming help create a fascinating environment populated by dozens of brightly coloured fish.
“Alongside the display we have also incorporated interpretation panels to give visitors a better insight into this unique and fragile habitat and why it is so important to protect it,” she added.
Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium takes visitors on an undersea voyage from the drama of the British coastline to the spectacular ‘underwater gardens’ of the Mediterranean and the dazzling beauty of exotic tropical reefs.
Highlights include the open top ray tanks showcasing local species and the spectacular ocean reef display, complete with its own 15-metre-long underwater walkthrough tunnel.
More than 50 other naturally themed displays are home to a variety of marine and freshwater species from around the world including giant octopus, seahorses, stingrays, archer fish, lobsters and crabs.