Océanographique fish relocated for major aquarium works

For the whole of September, the aquarists at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco are working through a precise and physically demanding operation: removing fish from multiple basins to allow large-scale works inside the aquarium's Méditerranée space. The process is far from a simple transfer, requiring detailed preparation, careful water management and close attention to each animal's condition before, during and after the move.

The team treats the exercise with the same rigour applied to high-performance athletes, monitoring stress indicators, adjusting water temperature and chemistry in holding tanks, and staging the relocations in sequences that minimise disruption to the fish. The Méditerranée zone, which houses species native to local coastal waters, is among the aquarium's most visited areas, and the works are intended to improve both the habitat quality and the visitor experience once the gallery reopens.

The Musée Océanographique, perched at the southern tip of the Rock above Port Hercule, remains open to the public during the works, though access to the affected section is temporarily suspended. Residents and visitors planning a trip this month should expect a partial experience in the aquarium level, with the main museum floors and rooftop terrace fully accessible.