Appalachian Rivers Aquarium

Get Up Close and Personal

Explore this native species aquarium on the banks of the Tuckasegee River in downtown Bryson City. The aquarium is a great place to learn about the fish, salamanders, and other marine life that call the river home, many of which you can see up close! While the aquarium is small, it is one of the coolest; tucked back on a side street, in a park-like atmosphere. Both the Farmers Market (a seasonal experience on weekends with live music) and the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians are also located on this Aquarium Campus.

Though the outside may look unassuming, within its small frame there are over 4000 gallons of water, housing over 15 different species of freshwater fish and well over 30 individuals. Five tanks or terrariums house a mix of crustacean, amphibian, and reptile- including the state endangered Eastern Hellbender Salamander.

The mountain stream is a three-tank exhibit of the many trout species found in our area. A waterfall flows from our second floor down into the tank that contains both the northern and southern strains of brook trout, and at times tiger trout, which is a natural, sterile hybrid of brook and brown trout. This tank is viewable from the underside of the waterfall. The other two tanks contain both the Loch Leven and German strains of brown trout, as well as rainbow trout and at times, golden rainbow trout. All with the habitat readily available to also eventually exhibit dozens of the more than 140 species of small dace, minnows, shiners, darters, madtoms, sculpins, and other small game fish.

Aquarium Mountain Stream

Two Eastern Hellbenders

Two Eastern hellbenders, which are a species of protected salamander, are special guests at the Aquarium under federal and state permits. Eastern hellbenders are the largest salamander in North America and our two share the largest display tank in the southeast, providing a habitat conducive to their longevity and contentment. And what a tank it is! Designed with fascination in mind, it sits on a tall, strong, steel frame that is enclosed by beautiful barn wood except for a single entry point. At this point you can view the tank’s clear underside, which allows anyone willing to climb under it the chance to peek up at the bellies of the hellbenders as they rest under their nest rocks or move between stones. The below-tank viewing area is padded with carpet for the comfort of both those young and young-at-heart, and is roomy enough to fit several curious children (It’s been kid-tested and approved!).