Mysuru: For those who take a keen interest in the endless delights that the fascinating life of marine and aquatic species offer – swim as they do underneath the not-always transparent surface of waterbodies – the Tunnel Aquarium at JK Grounds that was inaugurated for Matsya Mela , organised as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, promises to be nothing short of a Wonderland. Hundreds of people thronged the aquarium on the first day of the aquatic fare which is organised by the department of fisheries.The Tunnel Aquarium, built using iron and Teflon glass, houses more than 40 varieties of fresh water fish , and watching them scuttle behind the transparent screen is sure to leave visitors spellbound.Interestingly, citizens of the city have for long wanted a tunnel-like aquarium at the Mysuru Zoo. Although the aquarium has now come up at JK Grounds, Mysureans are only too pleased to have such a structure in the city, and its location appears not to have dampened their happiness.Among the major attractions at the aquarium include the alligator gar, the giant gourami, red tail catfish, etc. A whopping 12,000 litres of fresh water are being used for the aquarium.Syed Hamid of Mermaid Aquarium and Ponds, Bengaluru, which has built the tunnel aquarium at JK Grounds, told TOI, “It took us five days to construct the tunnel. The glass used for the structure was bent in Bengaluru. Maintaining the aquarium is not an easy job either. We want to shift the tunnel aquarium to the Karnataka Exhibition Authority grounds opposite Mysore Palace, where it is bound to attract a greater crowd.”Mysuru district in-charge minister GT Devegowda and tourism minister SR Mahesh inaugurated the ‘Matsya Mela’.Marine attractions*Black diamond stingray*Varenda gold*Chiclets*High-fin pengesius shark*Dawkinsia Rohani*Goonch Catfish*Blue Channa

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