ALTON TOWERS aquarium has been forced to hire a reproductive expert following a "mating overdrive" by its fish.

The Sea Life aquarium at Alton Towers in Staffordshire has seen 60 seahorses and two bamboo sharks hatched since opening in March.

Many are cavorting in front of visitors on a daily basis, prompting a barrage of embarrassing questions from youngsters.

Tony Barlow, head curator at Sea Life's Sharkbait Reef, said it was unusual for a new aquarium to produce such a large number of offspring in a short period of time.

He said: "There is definitely something in the water.

"While children understand that we've got new shark and seahorse babies, a number of the animals have been seen doing it during public visiting hours.

"We recognise that children are curious and will ask about this behaviour and we want to be prepared for that so that we can be on hand to help parents out if necessary."

The aquatic reproductive expert will be available over the Bank Holiday to answer questions from curious children.