Get to know some of the more than 1,000 species on exhibit—or behind the scenes—at the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium.
Spotted garden eels spend the majority of their lives partially embedded in the sea floor.
Gouldian finches are polymorphic, with three possible head color variations—black, yellow, or red.
Pacific spiny lumpsuckers have tiny fins and no swim bladder, yet are able to travel as deep as 480 feet.
African penguins establish strong pair bonds and use complex forms of communication in their social groups.
Beautiful and social, these birds are even known to feed chicks belonging to other members of their flock.
You’ll need sharp eyes to spot the leafy seadragon in the wild—it's virtually indistinguishable from kelp.
These tiny orange frogs secrete highly toxic chemicals for defense—toxins they amass by eating poisonous ants.
This impressive shrimp packs a 50-mph punch that can inflict up to 160 pounds of instantaneous force.
Grainy cochran frogs, known as "glass frogs," have translucent bellies that reveal bones and organs.
Bluespotted ribbontail rays boast beautiful, iridescent spots and a long tail armed with venomous spines.
Academy scientists added 213 new species to the tree of life this year. Meet some of the standouts, from dazzling nudibranchs to a "slingshot predator" preserved in amber.
This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched 5x, up to $200,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.
Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.
This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched, up to $100,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.
Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.
...but our penguins are still counting on you. Make a matched Giving Tuesday gift to support the care and conservation of the Academy’s animal residents.
All gifts up to $50,000 will be doubled to make twice the impact for our penguin colony — but only until midnight on December 1.
The Academy is open to the public. All guests must reserve tickets in advance.
Please do your part to keep our community safe. Failure to follow any health and safety rules, posted signage, or staff instructions may result in your removal from the museum:
Click the link below to view complete safety information and reserve timed-entry tickets. We hope to see you soon!
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. As of November 29, the Academy is closed to the public until further notice in accordance with local and state public health guidelines. We hope to welcome you back soon.
