From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in Aquarium?
Sandtimer English rules

The player who can hold their breath the longest starts.
Rule details
Turns then proceed clockwise.
Source & edition
- Aquarium: English rulesSandtimer · Game Preparation, final bullet; Gameplay · Checked 2026-09-24
Image: © Sandtimer and the credited artists; retail image owner · bol retail listing
If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.
More starting rules
Browse available game rulesGames with a similar starting rule
OceansWhoever can hold their breath the longest goes first.
Bardwood GroveThe player who can hold a note the longest starts; players may determine the starter randomly instead.
Animal Upon AnimalThe person who can balance on one foot like a flamingo for the longest time starts.
DOG KidsWhoever can bark the loudest goes first.- Flingin’ FrogsThe player who can make the best frog sounds goes first.
Free game-night tools: score keeper · turn timer · dice roller · all tools
Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.