If you’ve ever wondered what aquarium heaven looks like, imagine walking into a building the size of an aircraft hangar filled with nothing but tanks — hundreds of them. That’s exactly what I experienced when I visited Zoo Zajac in Duisburg, Germany, and I brought my camera along so you could see it too.
? Zoo Zajac spans over 12,000 square meters (130,000 sq ft) — making it the largest pet store in the world. The aquarium department alone rivals many public aquariums in scope.
What Is Zoo Zajac?
Zoo Zajac isn’t your typical local fish store. Founded by Norbert Zajac in 1975, it started as a small pet shop and has grown into a destination for aquarists across Europe. The store houses over 200,000 animals at any given time, including fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. For aquarium hobbyists, the real draw is their aquatics department, which features everything from rare freshwater species to vibrant marine reef setups maintained at exhibition quality.
The displays aren’t just for selling fish — they serve as genuine inspiration for what’s possible in home aquariums. From [INTERNAL LINK: “nano aquascapes” -> nano tank setup guide] to massive planted Dutch-style tanks, you’ll find examples of nearly every approach to the hobby represented here.
Freshwater Display Highlights
The freshwater section at Zoo Zajac is where aquascaping dreams come to life. Walking through the aisles, I found stunning Dutch-style planted tanks with meticulously arranged stem plants, nature-style aquascapes featuring dramatic hardscape, and species-specific setups that showed fish in their ideal environments.
? Did You Know?
Bucephalandra, one of the plants featured prominently in Zoo Zajac’s displays, was virtually unknown in the aquarium hobby before 2010. Today it’s one of the most sought-after plant genera for aquascaping, prized for its slow growth and diverse leaf patterns.
Some of the freshwater species I photographed included:
- Mollies — Classic livebearers in various color morphs
- Discus — The “king of the aquarium” displayed in pristine setups
- Oscar fish — Impressive specimens showing their full personality
- Tiger barbs — Active schoolers demonstrating proper group sizes
- White cloud mountain minnows — Often underrated [INTERNAL LINK: “nano fish” -> best nano fish species] looking stunning in planted tanks
- Fahaka puffers (Tetraodon lineatus) — Large freshwater puffers that require expert care
?? Important
Fahaka puffers grow over 40 cm (16 inches) and require 500+ liters (125+ gallons) as adults. They’re also highly aggressive and must be kept alone. Stores like Zoo Zajac display these impressive fish, but they’re only suitable for experienced keepers with dedicated setups.
Planted Tank & Aquascaping Inspiration
For planted tank enthusiasts, Zoo Zajac is essentially a living catalog of possibilities. The store maintains numerous display aquascapes showcasing different techniques and plant combinations. I spotted lush carpets of foreground plants, dramatic arrangements of [INTERNAL LINK: “stem plants” -> stem plants guide], and elegant floating plant displays that created beautiful dappled lighting effects below.
What impressed me most was the variety of aquatic plants available — including Bucephalandra varieties, aquarium-safe hydroponic plants, and numerous rare species you won’t find at typical fish stores. The healthy condition of the plants speaks to the quality of their maintenance protocols.
Invertebrate Section
Shrimp and crayfish keepers will find plenty to admire here. I photographed beautiful Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata), various Neocaridina varieties, and even striking white crayfish. The invertebrate tanks were clean and well-maintained, with the animals actively foraging — always a good sign of healthy stock.
Ramshorn snails were also prominently featured, showcasing the bright color morphs that have become popular in planted tanks for their algae-eating abilities and visual appeal.
Marine & Reef Displays
The saltwater section at Zoo Zajac rivals many dedicated reef stores. Stunning coral displays featured both soft and hard corals in vibrant health, while the fish selection ranged from beginner-friendly clownfish to more demanding species.
| Marine Life Photographed | Category | Care Level |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner shrimp | Invertebrate | Moderate |
| Clownfish | Fish | Beginner |
| Various corals (soft & LPS) | Coral | Moderate to Advanced |
| Marine shrimp species | Invertebrate | Moderate |
The reef displays demonstrated that with proper equipment and dedication, home aquarists can achieve results that rival professional public aquarium installations.
Photo Gallery: Zoo Zajac Aquarium Department
Below you’ll find over 40 photos from my visit. Scroll through for inspiration — whether you’re planning your next aquascape, researching a new species, or simply enjoying the beauty of well-maintained aquariums.
? Pro Tip
When visiting large aquarium stores like Zoo Zajac, bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down species names, plant varieties, and equipment you see. It’s easy to forget details after seeing hundreds of tanks, and you’ll want to research compatibility before attempting to recreate setups at home.
Planning Your Visit to Zoo Zajac
Zoo Zajac is located in Duisburg, Germany, and is worth a trip if you’re anywhere in Europe. The store welcomes international visitors, and many hobbyists plan vacations specifically around a visit here. Plan to spend several hours exploring — there’s genuinely that much to see.
Keep in mind that while the displays are spectacular, many of the species require advanced care. Use the visit as inspiration, but research thoroughly before adding any new species to your own aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zoo Zajac located?
Zoo Zajac is located in Duisburg, Germany. The full address is Konrad-Adenauer-Ring 6, 47167 Duisburg. It’s easily accessible by car and public transportation from major German cities.
Is Zoo Zajac the biggest pet store in the world?
Yes, Zoo Zajac holds the Guinness World Record for the largest pet store. It spans over 12,000 square meters (approximately 130,000 square feet) and houses more than 200,000 animals including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Can you buy fish at Zoo Zajac?
Yes, Zoo Zajac is a fully operational pet store. You can purchase freshwater fish, marine fish, invertebrates, corals, aquatic plants, and all necessary equipment. They carry both common species and rare specimens that are difficult to find elsewhere.
How long should I plan to visit Zoo Zajac?
Most aquarium enthusiasts spend 3-5 hours exploring Zoo Zajac. The aquatics department alone can take 1-2 hours to fully appreciate. If you’re interested in other animals (reptiles, birds, small mammals), plan for a full day visit.
Do they ship fish internationally from Zoo Zajac?
Zoo Zajac primarily serves in-person customers. For livestock, you generally need to visit the store directly. However, they do ship some equipment and supplies within Europe. Contact them directly for specific shipping inquiries.
