Merlin Entertainments' opened the first Sea Life Aquarium in the United States at Legoland California resort this month - and it includes 72 Lego models.

"What really sets this aquarium apart from any other is the fact that it's entirely geared towards children aged two to 12 and has more Lego elements throughout than any other aquarium in the world," said Legoland California Resort president and general manager John Jakobsen.

Chris Spaulding, senior curator of the aquarium added: "I'm really excited to see the reaction of sharks, sting rays, snappers and other creatures to this underwater world full of Lego models.

"You won't be able to see anything like this anywhere else in the United States."

The 36,000sq ft, two-storey aquarium includes 14 themed rooms and a 35ft-long acrylic tunnel through which guests can walk to experience the Lost City of Atlantis.

The aquarium is the 29th Sea Life centre to open, with others in a further 11 countries around the world.