With more than 7,500 units, the zoological collection of fish and reptiles boasts a wide array of preparations: taxidermied specimens, skeletons, skins, items preserved in liquid, dry mummified forms, and paraffin-preserved examples. These serve dual purposes, with some dedicated to teaching (exhibition and demonstration) and others to scientific study.
The exhibition features about 500 exhibits. The most impressive include a coelacanth, Atlantic halibut, Baltic sturgeon, swordfish, and the only fish ever caught in Lithuanian waters and added to Lithuania’s fish list: the common sole, European hake, and red gurnard, among others.
The amphibian and reptile exhibition is arranged systematically, showcasing the most interesting and scientifically and historically valuable animals from Lithuania and other countries, such as the European pond turtle, anaconda, dark-phase tiger python, Nile crocodile, green sea turtle, and bullfrog.
Zoological specimens for the collections are prepared from deceased animals, most often those that perished in nature or died in captivity. Their primary suppliers include environmental protection and nature research institutions, the Lithuanian Zoo, the Lithuanian Sea Museum, other institutions with aquariums, and private zoos.
