An aquarium that’s Texas-size

The latest twist on the aquarium craze makes its debut Monday in Houston: a $38-million complex with three giant marine tanks, a restaurant, rides and other family entertainment.

It’s a case of water, water everywhere.

The project, called the Downtown Aquarium, was developed by Landry’s Restaurants Inc. on 6 acres at Memorial Drive and Bagby Street. The centerpiece is a 500,000-gallon aquarium teeming with hundreds of species of marine life, from snapping turtles to electric eels. Various areas portray a Louisiana swamp, a South Seas shipwreck and other environments.

But wait -- there’s more. Visitors can watch sharks slither through a separate 200,000-gallon tank, dubbed Shark Voyage, by boarding a train through an acrylic tunnel. At the Aquarium Restaurant, which, of course, serves seafood, diners are seated around a 100,000-gallon tank. They can eat fish while watching marine biologists feed live fish.

Now, that’s food for thought.

Other amusements include a Ferris wheel with views of the city; a carousel featuring dolphins and other aquatic creatures; a 20-story observation tower; and a cafe and bar.

Admission to the main aquarium is $7.50 adults, $5.50 ages 2 to 12. Prices vary for the other attractions. (713) 223-3474, www.downtownaquarium.com.