A new nightclub is drawing fire from an animal rights group upset that the dance floor is a giant aquarium filled with sharks and other marine life.

Qua Lounge opened last week, and one of its main attractions is a 19,000 gallon underground aquarium. That's exactly what PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and other animal rights group want changed.

"It's almost euphoric, watching people come in and see the tank, it's just incredible, it's been great," said Benny Siegert, Qua designer, coordinator.

The aquarium has 12 coral reef sharks and at least three different kinds of stingrays. Animal rights groups say confining the wild animals is cruel and could put them in danger.

"A big shark that's meant to be free in the wild, is just trying to make money off something -- that's pointless," said Celeste Landrum, who is against the tank.

"Using sharks and rays as bar decorations is cruel and sure to turn off compassionate patrons," said PETA Director Debbie Leahy in a news release. "People go to nightclubs to have fun, not to torment animals. What could be more exciting than having mermaids swimming-of their own free will-beneath the dancers?"

KVUE News

The group says music at the club could disturb the sharks, which have extremely sensitive sensory systems.

In a letter to the company on Thursday, PETA asked Qua owner Mike Yassine and Yassine Enterprises to change what's inside its aquarium.

"There are many cruelty-free ways to use the tank, such as by having beautiful swimming "mermaids" titillate and entertain guests. Will you please make the compassionate decision to move the sharks and rays to an environment where they can better express their natural behaviors? We would be more than happy to help you brainstorm other ideas that would suit your nightclub's atmosphere and clientele and to aid in publicizing your humane decision to relocate the sharks and rays."

Officials with Austin Zoo say they agree with PETA's argument.

"It's just so inappropriate. This magnificent animal, this shark and they combine it with the stingray and then they bring them into this artificial environment," said Jim Carraccio, Austin Zoo.

But not everyone agrees that idea. Some say when they come to a club downtown they're looking for something a little unique, maybe even unusual.

"It's just for visual stimulation…I think it's pretty cool," said Jessica Ancira.

PETA also voiced concern over allegations that several sharks have died since the aquarium opened. Qua Lounge representatives say that's not true but admit one did die in transportation.

Austin's animal cruelty unit visited the lounge Thursday, spoke with Qua representatives and left.

There's no word on any further investigation.