Sharks and rays move in to Legoland

Sharks, rays and tropical fish are sharing a tank with giant Lego models at a new underwater attraction in Berkshire, England

More than 2,500 aquatic animals have been arriving at Legoland Windsor this week for the Atlantis Submarine Voyage, which opens on May 20.

Eight custom-built yellow submarines will each transport up to 14 passengers at a time into the fascinating ocean world.

The largest species to have arrived is the zebra shark, which is often referred to as the leopard shark due to its change from stripes to spots.

Growing to an average of three metres long, the sharks are expected to live for 30 to 40 years.

Aquarium curator Iain Grieves said: “The fish and sharks are settling well into their new marine world and will get used to the submarines and lots of astonished faces looking at them in no time at all.

“But unnatural noises can startle them, so a lot of engineering has gone into achieving silent running.”

Other species include nurse sharks, cownose rays, a pair of cleaner shrimps, a beautifully coloured parrot fish and a nocturnal big eye soldier fish.