The 10-metre-long (33 ft)[3] statue was constructed in 1999[3] and installed on Donegall Quay in Belfast, Northern Ireland, near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House.

The Big Fish's image appears on tourism material related to Belfast and Northern Ireland.

[5] The outer skin of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images relating to the history of Belfast.

Images were provided by Glenwood Primary School, St Comgalls and Everton Day Centres.

The Big Fish contains a time capsule storing information, images, and poetry on the city.