Explore the dramatic connections between water and life in a luminous gallery of jellies, pythons, pipefish, seahorses, lumpsuckers, and other remarkably adapted animals.

Water Planet features an ever-changing cast of fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more—all organized by adaptations to water. Seven clusters of tanks highlight animals that have evolved fascinating methods of feeding, movement, reproduction, defense, sensing their surroundings, surviving in deserts, and living both in and out of water.

 

 

Methuselah the Australian lungfish on exhibit at the Academy

Dining in

Methuselah, the Academy's beloved Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), is the oldest living fish in human care on Earth. Special receptors around her mouth help her find hidden prey—but she prefers to be hand-fed figs. 

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Two Pacific spiny lumpsuckers on exhibit at the Academy

Getting around

In the movement cluster, Pacific spiny lumpsuckers (Eumictrotremus orbis) use a suction-cup-like structure to stick to underwater surfaces.

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Black and white Luristan newt on exhibit at the Academy

Going to extremes

The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is a water conservation expert, remaining as inactive as possible during Iran's dry season. The brief rainy season prompts these amphibians to rush to the nearest stream to mate.

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Tank of moon jellyfish on exhibit at the Academy

Salty seas

Columns of ethereally drifting moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) reveal surprising ideas about how salinity affects movement. 

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