Denver Aquarium Adventures: How to Recreate the Experience at Home with Exotic Fish from Rob’s Aquatics

The Downtown Denver Aquarium — officially “Aquarium Restaurant – Denver” — is a one-of-a-kind destination blending marine exhibits with immersive storytelling. With more than 500 animal species and over 1 million gallons of water, it’s a dreamland for aquatic enthusiasts. But what if you could take that inspiration home?

At RobsAquatics.com, we help you do just that. Whether you're fascinated by Peacock Bass, Datnoids, Elephant Nose Fish, or Fly River Turtles, we supply the rare freshwater fish that make aquarium life feel like a world-class exhibit.

In this post, we’ll break down:

  • The magic behind the Denver Aquarium’s most popular exhibits

  • Fish from the aquarium you can responsibly own

  • Home tank setups inspired by the Denver Aquarium

  • The rarest species available from Rob’s Aquatics

  • Pro-level care and setup tips


Inside the Denver Aquarium: A Freshwater Lover’s Paradise

The Denver Aquarium, located downtown, spans 107,000 square feet and features exhibits designed to educate and entertain — with freshwater giants, native North American species, and tropical ecosystems on full display.

Popular zones include:

  • Rainforest Exhibit – Featuring Silver Arowanas, Pacu, Catfish, and Cichlids

  • Shipwreck Zone – Full of oddball predators, moray eels, and hidden surprises

  • Sunken Temple – An artistic mix of exotic fish and ancient ruins aesthetic

  • North America Exhibit – Home to large river dwellers and native species

While the Denver Aquarium features marine life too, it’s the freshwater sections that spark the curiosity of home aquarists.


Fish You’ll See at the Denver Aquarium (and Own from Rob’s Aquatics)

Many of the Denver Aquarium’s showstoppers are freshwater fish that hobbyists don’t realize they can own. At Rob’s Aquatics, we specialize in these rare species.

Species at Denver Aquarium Available at RobsAquatics.com
Silver Arowana ✅ Yes
Albino Pacu ✅ Yes
Temensis Peacock Bass ✅ Yes
NTT Datnoids ✅ Yes
Elephant Nose Fish ✅ Yes
Fly River Turtle ✅ Melanistic variation
Polypterus Endlicheri ✅ Yes
Tigrinus Catfish ✅ Yes
Vampire Shrimp ✅ Yes
Ropefish ✅ Yes

👉 Browse All Exotic Freshwater Fish


Build a Denver Aquarium-Inspired Setup at Home

With the right species, gear, and layout, you can bring the aesthetic and biodiversity of the Denver Aquarium into your own space.

Step 1: Pick Your Theme

Here are several home tank themes inspired by Denver Aquarium exhibits:

Exhibit Home Aquarium Concept
Rainforest Amazon-style predator tank
Shipwreck Oddball predator showcase
Sunken Temple Turtle + predator mix
North America Riverine native/oddball combo

Need help designing your setup?
📩 Contact Rob’s Aquatics for Custom Stocking Plans


Step 2: Choose Species to Match Your Theme


🌿 Amazon Predator Tank

  • Fish: Temensis Peacock Bass, Albino Pacu, Tigrinus Catfish

  • Tank Size: 240–400 gallons

  • Décor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, blackwater tint

  • 👉 Shop Peacock Bass


💡 Oddball Predator Tank

  • Fish: Ropefish, Vampire Shrimp, Elephant Nose, Polypterus

  • Tank Size: 180+ gallons

  • Décor: Caves, leaf litter, live or artificial plants

  • 👉 Shop Elephant Nose Fish


🐢 Turtle + Community Predator Setup

  • Fish: Melanistic Fly River Turtle, NTT Datnoids, Endlicheri Bichir

  • Tank Size: 300+ gallons with a wide footprint

  • Décor: Sand bottom, open layout, driftwood

  • 👉 Shop Fly River Turtle


Equipment Checklist for a Public-Aquarium-Style Home Tank

You can’t keep monster and exotic fish in basic tanks. Here’s what you need:

✅ Tank Size

  • Minimum 180–300 gallons for mixed predator setups

  • Wide base tanks preferred for turtles and bottom dwellers

✅ Filtration

  • Dual canister filters (like Fluval FX6) or a custom sump

  • Surface skimmer and prefilters to reduce waste load

✅ Heating & Lighting

  • 78–82°F for tropical species

  • Full-spectrum LED or dimmed lighting for nocturnal behavior

✅ Safety

  • Reinforced lids for jumpers like Arowanas and Peacock Bass

Need help picking gear?
📩 Ask Our Setup Team


Why Choose Rob’s Aquatics?

We’re more than a fish store — we’re your exotic fish supplier and aquarium coach.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Live Arrival Guarantee on all shipments

  • Video & photo previews of exact fish for sale

  • Weekly new stock updates via YouTube

  • High-end freshwater predators and oddballs only

  • Fast and secure nationwide delivery

👉 See What’s Available Now


Fishkeeping Ethically: Lessons from Public Aquariums

Like the Denver Aquarium, we advocate for ethical fishkeeping and education-first hobby growth.

Our Promise:

  • ❌ No wild-caught endangered species

  • ✅ Responsibly sourced from licensed farms and breeders

  • ✅ Support for quarantine and acclimation

  • ✅ Detailed growth expectations and compatibility notes

Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
We're here to help you enjoy rare species responsibly.


Real Customer Review

“After my trip to the Denver Aquarium, I was hooked on the idea of building a predator tank. I reached out to Rob’s Aquatics and ordered Peacock Bass, Tigrinus, and Datnoids. The fish arrived healthy, exactly as shown online. My home tank now rivals any exhibit I’ve seen!”
Marcus G., Fort Collins, CO


Final Thoughts: Bring the Denver Aquarium Home

Whether you're a lifelong aquarist or a beginner who just visited the Denver Aquarium, Rob’s Aquatics helps you bring the same wonder and biodiversity into your home.

From the powerful swim of a Peacock Bass to the eerie glide of a Ropefish or the charm of a Fly River Turtle, our species lineup lets you build an aquarium that rivals public exhibits.


🎯 Get Started Now

Bring the Denver Aquarium experience home — one exotic fish at a time.

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