The “AquaDom” - home to 1,500 tropical fish - is 14m high (45 ft) and was described as the largest free-standing cylindrical aquarium in the world when it opened at the Radisson Blu.

Images on social media showed huge amounts of damage in the hotel’s foyer.

The aquarium was modernised two years ago, and there is a clear-walled lift built inside for use by visitors. Some of the rooms in the hotel are advertised as having views of it.

Berlin’s fire brigade said more than 100 firefighters were in attendance and it was not clear what caused the break.

Berlin’s public transport authority said Karl-Liebknecht street outside the hotel had been closed off due to “an extreme amount of water on the road”, the BBC reports.

Police said “massive amounts” of water was flowing into nearby streets and people in the area should drive cautiously.

Videos posted to social media early on Friday showed extensive damage to the aquarium - with the tank appearing to be empty and water running out of pipes into the foyer.

The AquaDom is operated by SeaLife, which runs attractions at locations internationally.

The aquarium contained more than 100 different species of fish.

On its website on Friday, it said the attraction was temporarily closed and asked visitors to reschedule their tickets.

AquaDom was opened in December 2003 and was given the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium.