Aquarium still reels in visitors after 25 years

With 12,000km of coastline to account for, it is no surprise that West Australians are fascinated by the amazing ocean life.

The Aquarium of WA, which features sea creatures from the tropical waters of the Kimberley through to the cold swells of the Great Australian Bight, celebrates its 25th year in business this year.

It is the dangerous creatures that draw the most attention at the Hillarys aquarium, which was formerly called Underwater World.

"Everybody loves it - these are creatures that would probably kill you if the glass wasn't there," community education manager Sasha Thompson said.

"But it's always been about creating wonder and excitement."

In the months before the aquarium opened in 1988 a team of experienced divers and fish catchers scoured the seabed for suitable specimens.

Inaugural curator Bruce Mackay said the need to fill what would become Australia's largest aquarium tank provided unique challenges. The sharks are a big hit.