(NECN) - If you want to see a spectacular coral reef, you don't have to go far. All you have to do is head to the Boston waterfront.
The New England Aquarium re-opened its Giant Ocean Tank on Monday morning. It just underwent a 10-month, $17-million re-design and renovation.
The new reef is home to more than 2,000 aquatic animals; that's more than twice the number the tank previously held.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino is impressed.
"There's much more... It's a wow.,” he said. "Myrtle the turtle is still my favorite.”
The reef is four stories tall, and the windows on the tank have been replaced with a super clear acrylic to give visitors an even better view.
The New England Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank has been given a top-to-bottom, 21st century transformation. The four story exhibit has a new coral reef, more than 2,000 animals and bigger windows made of a crystal clear acrylic. (Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
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The top of the New England Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank now features a reflective cieling dome and clear railings, giving visitors more views into the four story, 200,000 gallon exhibit than ever before. (Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
Myrtle the 550-pound green sea turtle is one of the most popular animals in the New England Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank. Visitors can experience the new four story Caribbean coral reef exhibit starting July 1. ( Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
A diver in the New England Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank passes by one of the loggerhead sea turtles on exhibit there. Visitors can experience the new four story Caribbean coral reef exhibit starting July 1. (Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
A blacknose shark glides above a passing cowfish in the New England Aquarium's Giant Ocean Tank. Visitors can experience the new exhibit starting July 1. (Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
The shark wall at the New England Aquarium presents various species of shark at actual size. It is just one of many new features created by a recent renovation. Visitors can experience all the new exhibits at the Aquarium starting July 1. (Photo Credit: W. Chappell)
