Unique aquarium on Lake Baikal

A unique aquarium complex opened on Lake Baikal's shore 70 kilometers to the east of Irkutsk.

The complex comprises seven huge aquariums with a total volume of 70 tons of pure water, which is pumped from the depth of 450 meters.

Two Baikal seals settled in the largest 27-ton aquarium. The first visitors can also see Baikal sturgeons, herrings, omuls, graylings, etc.

According to experts, this is the world's third largest lake aquarium (its rivals are situated in Japan and North America).

A submarine imitator seating 16 people will take them to Baikal's bottom, said Vladimir Fialkov, head of the Baikal museum of the Irkutsk research center.

Special equipment is being installed now. An arboretum with rare plants will be open near the museum.

All in all, the reconstruction of the Baikal museum cost $1 million, Mr. Fialkov reported.

Baikal is world's deepest lake having 22% of freshwater resources. The lake is 1,641 meters deep. Its coastline is 2,100 kilometers long.