Used for studying the behaviour of crustaceans and fish over the years and testing new conditions. With this the collection aimed to pioneer the captive breeding of these animals, and eventually succeeded.
The basins are supplied by seawater during high tide. There are six in total but only four are visible, the other two being buried underneath the visitor pathway.
The basins are no longer used, but still serve much historic value, and can be observed before entering the aquarium.
