Birch Aquarium Birch Aquarium

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

They've started posting new footage of the exhibits since there's less than a week left till opening, and it's cleared up a lot of things and they've shown a lot of species.

I'm not sure what could go in that circular tank

This circular tank in the "Pacific Northwest" Gallery will actually be for Sunflower Sea Stars as they mention in a video posted on their socials

The Mangrove exhibit will also feature Archerfish (probably Toxotes jaculatrix, the Banded Archerfish if I had to guess), but also Emerald Tree Skinks (Lamprolepis smaragdina)

In addition, they've also confirmed Epaulette Sharks (most likely Hemiscyllium ocellatum) will be in the Mangrove exhibit too, via their website
Other species that were shown via some of the videos they've posted between yesterday and today:

• Copper & Splitnose Rockfish (the PNW gallery)
• Grunt Sculpins (the PNW gallery)
• Armored Sea Cucumbers (Psolus chitonoides) (the PNW Gallery)
• Sanddab (the California gallery)
• Shiner Perches (the California Gallery)
• Topsmelts (the California gallery)
• California Sardines (the California gallery)
• Along with a few small in-wall Jelly Tanks

I've heard some people are going to be allowed early access sometime soon (possibly early next week) so hopefully we get some more species highlights through them

 

[Local_Shark]

The Living Seas is now open as of today! I intend on going down to visit as soon as possible within the next few weeks, and I’ll report back on my impressions once I can.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

The Living Seas is now open as of today! I intend on going down to visit as soon as possible within the next few weeks, and I’ll report back on my impressions once I can.

I was doing some scouting on Facebook and so far, the gallery looks super nice. Definitely worth the wait, I can't wait to see it in person next month.
Thanks to the scouting, here are some more notable species I found that are on exhibit:

• The Open Sea Tank species are essentially made up of Loggerhead Sea Turtle / California Sardines / California Yellowtail / Leather Bass (Dermatolepis dermatolepis, which are from SoCal which I didn't know)
• The Two smaller cube tanks in the wall from the earlier construction photo are called "Dangerous Reef" and "Gulf of California". Dangerous Reef houses some Red Lionfish, along with what looks like a Frimbriated Moray (Gymnothorax fimbriatus) However only a portion of the Eels body is visible and the pic is taken from a distance, though the pattern is closest to a Frimbriated that I can ID). (Edit: At least according to ZTL, Birch already housed a Frimbriated Moray prior to the renovation, so I think it's safe to say this is the old individual)
• (I couldn't tell what's in the Gulf of California Tank besides some anemones, but hopefully those Sycthe Butterflies are in there).
• There's a Spotted Garden Eel tank in the Tropical Pacific area
• Besides the Japanese Spider Crab tank, there appears to be another smaller "deep-sea style" tank with a few artificial whalebones in there. All I can see are some Plumose Anemones and Urchins, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was for Pacific Hagfish
• The big Coral Reef tank in addition to the species I mentioned above appear to also house Yellow-eye Kole Tangs, Yellow Tangs, Maroon Clownfish, and Leopard Wrasses.
• The Mangrove exhibit species seem to essentially be made up of Emerald Tree Skinks, Banded Archerfish, juvenile Silver Monos, Longhorn Cowfish, and Australian Epaulette Shark.

There are plenty of other tanks that haven't been shown yet, but it also looks like the big Kelp Forest Tank got a facelift, and possibly the big Indo-Pacific Tank they already too also got a facelift.

With this renovation now complete, you could argue that the Shark and Ray exhibit is now the weakest part of the campus. The species list is no slouch (Pacific Angelshark, Butterfly Ray, Diamond Stingrays, etc) but the exhibit itself is very outdated and definitely needs an upgrade. Hopefully this is the next target on their list, if they're able to overhaul that exhibit and upgrade it with a new, fresh look, this might solidify Birch as a top 3 Aquarium in Southern California next to Aquarium of the Pacific and Seaworld San Diego (in my opinion, but with how many losses Seaworld San Diego just went through with the Emperor Penguins and Shark Encounter going into a renovation stage, Birch might overtake them for me at the moment as #2).

 

[Westcoastperson]

I was doing some scouting on Facebook and so far, the gallery looks super nice. Definitely worth the wait, I can't wait to see it in person next month.
Thanks to the scouting, here are some more notable species I found that are on exhibit:

• The Open Sea Tank species are essentially made up of Loggerhead Sea Turtle / California Sardines / California Yellowtail / Leather Bass (Dermatolepis dermatolepis, which are from SoCal which I didn't know)
• The Two smaller cube tanks in the wall from the earlier construction photo are called "Dangerous Reef" and "Gulf of California". Dangerous Reef houses some Red Lionfish, along with what looks like a Frimbriated Moray (Gymnothorax fimbriatus) However only a portion of the Eels body is visible and the pic is taken from a distance, though the pattern is closest to a Frimbriated that I can ID). (Edit: At least according to ZTL, Birch already housed a Frimbriated Moray prior to the renovation, so I think it's safe to say this is the old individual)
• (I couldn't tell what's in the Gulf of California Tank besides some anemones, but hopefully those Sycthe Butterflies are in there).
• There's a Spotted Garden Eel tank in the Tropical Pacific area
• Besides the Japanese Spider Crab tank, there appears to be another smaller "deep-sea style" tank with a few artificial whalebones in there. All I can see are some Plumose Anemones and Urchins, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was for Pacific Hagfish
• The big Coral Reef tank in addition to the species I mentioned above appear to also house Yellow-eye Kole Tangs, Yellow Tangs, Maroon Clownfish, and Leopard Wrasses.
• The Mangrove exhibit species seem to essentially be made up of Emerald Tree Skinks, Banded Archerfish, juvenile Silver Monos, Longhorn Cowfish, and Australian Epaulette Shark.

There are plenty of other tanks that haven't been shown yet, but it also looks like the big Kelp Forest Tank got a facelift, and possibly the big Indo-Pacific Tank they already too also got a facelift.

With this renovation now complete, you could argue that the Shark and Ray exhibit is now the weakest part of the campus. The species list is no slouch (Pacific Angelshark, Butterfly Ray, Diamond Stingrays, etc) but the exhibit itself is very outdated and definitely needs an upgrade. Hopefully this is the next target on their list, if they're able to overhaul that exhibit and upgrade it with a new, fresh look, this might solidify Birch as a top 3 Aquarium in Southern California next to Aquarium of the Pacific and Seaworld San Diego (in my opinion, but with how many losses Seaworld San Diego just went through with the Emperor Penguins and Shark Encounter going into a renovation stage, Birch might overtake them for me at the moment as #2).

The new map has Scythe Butterflyfish on display:
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/system/files/2025-05/Map_May2025-FINALweb (1).pdf

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

The new map has Scythe Butterflyfish on display:
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/system/files/2025-05/Map_May2025-FINALweb (1).pdf

Sweet ! So happy to see they're proudly displaying them again (it was a given since the species is their logo) but glad there's still at least a pair for the public to see.
Also the Snipefish and Hagfish, nice to see those on exhibit. From what we know and people have been posting, the two Jellies should be housing Moon Jellies (at the entrance of the gallery) and the Crystal Jellies (in their own part about the GFP research down the hall)

There is also at least 1 California Spiny Lobster in the Scripp's Pier Tank as well

 

[Local_Shark]

With this renovation now complete, you could argue that the Shark and Ray exhibit is now the weakest part of the campus. The species list is no slouch (Pacific Angelshark, Butterfly Ray, Diamond Stingrays, etc) but the exhibit itself is very outdated and definitely needs an upgrade. Hopefully this is the next target on their list, if they're able to overhaul that exhibit and upgrade it with a new, fresh look, this might solidify Birch as a top 3 Aquarium in Southern California next to Aquarium of the Pacific and Seaworld San Diego (in my opinion, but with how many losses Seaworld San Diego just went through with the Emperor Penguins and Shark Encounter going into a renovation stage, Birch might overtake them for me at the moment as #2).

One thing I will say, I don't entirely know if the CA butterfly ray is still present. On my last visit (last year? I think?) it was completely invisible and none of the volunteers out and about had seen it in a while. If someone has more recent/less dated info on it I would love to hear it.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

One thing I will say, I don't entirely know if the CA butterfly ray is still present. On my last visit (last year? I think?) it was completely invisible and none of the volunteers out and about had seen it in a while. If someone has more recent/less dated info on it I would love to hear it.

Ah gotcha, they gave it a quick mention in a post from earlier this month so I was going off that. Hopefully its still there and they weren't just using an old photo. Would love to see it when I go down
Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Instagram: "Sometimes … the coolest creatures are hiding justtt under the surface Which sneaky sand-dweller is your fave? Drop the emoji in the comments! Butterfly Ray Shovelnose Guitarfish Angel Shark"

 

[Local_Shark]

Ah gotcha, they gave it a quick mention in a post from earlier this month so I was going off that. Hopefully it’s still there and they weren't just using an old photo. Would love to see it when I go down
Birch Aquarium at Scripps on Instagram: "Sometimes … the coolest creatures are hiding justtt under the surface Which sneaky sand-dweller is your fave? Drop the emoji in the comments! Butterfly Ray Shovelnose Guitarfish Angel Shark"

Oh cool!! That would totally seem to indicate that it’s still there as very few aquariums advertise animals that they don’t have without explicitly saying so (and those pictures look recent/new). That’s excellent to hear, I’ll try to find it on my next visit if so.

 

[Spixii]

I had the opportunity to visit The Living Seas gallery today and it was incredible!

The Scythe’s butterfly fish were my favorite, both because they’re beautiful and because folks on here have shared how rare they are! Thank you Northwest_fish_keeping. I also loved the Cortez Angelfish.

The giant Pacific octopus habitat was a show stopper, as the massive specimen was very active. Adults and children alike were mesmerized.

Signage and graphic design 10/10.

Local_Shark, I did not see the California butterfly ray today, though the species is still signed.

I uploaded some photos I took in the gallery. So happy that my hometown aquarium has had this transformation!!!

 

[Local_Shark]

I had the opportunity to visit The Living Seas gallery today and it was incredible!

Local_Shark, I did not see the California butterfly ray today, though the species is still signed.

Many thanks for checking on that for me! If you’re local, I’d really appreciate any other updates on that ray if you drop by more often, and I’m sure everyone here would be interesting in hearing about any changes to the new exhibit. I intend on going next week or so to see TLS, and I’ll see if I can find her as well.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

On March 7th, 2023, the aquarium announced that (0.0.70+) weedy seadragons were hatched.

Birch Aquarium Welcomes Baby Weedy Seadragons
The update you’ve all been waiting for … BABIES This #WorldWildlifeDay we are thrilled to announce that we’ve welcomed more than 70 baby #WeedySeadragons to the aquarium. These little ones started hatching on Feb. 26 and are only about 1-inch-long! This is a monumental milestone for our #BirchAquarium team and we’re so excited to continue to share this journey with you all. Please note, the babies will remain behind the scenes as they continue to grow. #BabySeadragons #WeedySeadragon | Birch Aquarium at Scripps |

Assuming these ones are from the same batch which I'd assume so since a little over 2 years seems like a decent amount of time for them to grow up, they just sent some over to the Waikiki Aquarium. So hopefully it sounds like these are ready to be transferred to other aquariums,
which is awesome. I'm not sure who could use some Weedy's but I would love if Aquarium of the Pacific got some since they used to have a really nice Weedy Sea Dragon exhibit from what I've seen online.

Here is also a somewhat good video I found that shows a good amount of the new tanks in "Living Seas", not all the species are on exhibit yet from what it looks like but personally I love the non-digital signage they use above each tank.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

I found this video that's basically a walkthrough of "Living Seas", I'll be visiting in 2 weeks so I'm very excited to get a species list, but this video gives a good look at what a big chunk of it looks like.
It also seems to confirm (correct me if I'm wrong) that they moved their Banded Guitarfish (Zapteryx exasperata) to the Kelp Forest Tank since there's a small clip that features it in that video. It used to be in the old Scripps Pier Tank, but it definitely outgrew it. Apparently Birch is the only aquarium with the species (ZTL as the source, so take it with some salt), I'll definitely have to try and get a picture of that guy. It isn't signed though.

Also interestingly, even though they were advertised a lot, it doesn't appear they have any Crystal Jellies at the moment, from what I could find. Maybe they're in one of the smaller display tanks, but I thought they were going to have a whole space dedicated to them and their GFP research. Maybe that'll come along later. It seems like they have Pacific Sea Nettles, juvenile Purple Striped Nettles, and Moon Jellies at the moment.

• The Open Sea Tank species are essentially made up of Loggerhead Sea Turtle / California Sardines / California Yellowtail / Leather Bass (Dermatolepis dermatolepis, which are from SoCal which I didn't know)

Also the Clipperton Grouper (Epinephelus clippertonensis), the California Yellowtail aren't signed though

Dangerous Reef houses some Red Lionfish, along with what looks like a Frimbriated Moray (Gymnothorax fimbriatus)

Also their Reef Stonefish from some videos I've seen

 

[Local_Shark]

It also seems to confirm (correct me if I'm wrong) that they moved their Banded Guitarfish (Zapteryx exasperata) to the Kelp Forest Tank since there's a small clip that features it in that video. It used to be in the old Scripps Pier Tank, but it definitely outgrew it. Apparently Birch is the only aquarium with the species (ZTL as the source, so take it with some salt), I'll definitely have to try and get a picture of that guy. It isn't signed though.

Birch actually shouldn't be the only one, as when I last visited (and every time I've gone, so far) the Living Coast Discovery Center about 40 miles to the south has had them present. They're native pretty much exclusively to the San Diego area as well as the Sea of Cortez and Baja peninsula, so it's not super surprising that they're exclusively in SD area holdings. Sidenote, LCDC is one of the most underrated aquaria/animal facilities in the nation imo, very much worth checking out if people here have the time!

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

Birch actually shouldn't be the only one, as when I last visited (and every time I've gone, so far) the Living Coast Discovery Center about 40 miles to the south has had them present. They're native pretty much exclusively to the San Diego area as well as the Sea of Cortez and Baja peninsula, so it's not super surprising that they're exclusively in SD area holdings. Sidenote, LCDC is one of the most underrated aquaria/animal facilities in the nation imo, very much worth checking out if people here have the time!

Oh interesting, I've never heard of that facility before. I am staying an extra 2 days longer than expected so I'll see if I have time to check it out

juvenile Purple Striped Nettles

Correction: They're actually juvenile Black Sea Nettles (Chrysaora achlyos) which is really exciting since they're not kept that often. They don't have the deep golden-red color like the ones at Monterey Bay do right now, but their gold oral tentacles were a dead giveaway after seeing a better photo. So their jellies right now should be Pacific Sea Nettles, Black Sea Nettles, and Moon Jellies (along with Moon Jelly polyps in one of the small circular tanks)

 

[Local_Shark]

Just finally had my visit to the Living Seas - it’s a truly world class exhibit that I am so very glad to have gotten to see. They did an incredible job with every tank, each one is detailed and the electronic signage is actually shockingly well detailed and accurate (@Northwest_FIsh_Keeping they did add signage to the Open Ocean tank for the yellowtail, for example). I may do a more detailed review, but it’ll honestly just be me gushing over how well put together the entire thing is and how great an improvement it is to a true CA institution.

Also, in excellent news, the California butterfly ray (Gymnura marmorata) is very much alive and well! I’ll have a photo of her in media soon - she’s gotten massive!

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

Just finally had my visit to the Living Seas - it’s a truly world class exhibit that I am so very glad to have gotten to see. They did an incredible job with every tank, each one is detailed and the electronic signage is actually shockingly well detailed and accurate (@Northwest_FIsh_Keeping they did add signage to the Open Ocean tank for the yellowtail, for example). I may do a more detailed review, but it’ll honestly just be me gushing over how well put together the entire thing is and how great an improvement it is to a true CA institution.

Also, in excellent news, the California butterfly ray (Gymnura marmorata) is very much alive and well! I’ll have a photo of her in media soon - she’s gotten massive!

Thats amazing! I should be visiting this Monday, I can say I've already started working on the species list and the beginning really is just giving them all the love lol. I think i called them the 2nd best aquarium in the SoCal region behind AOP now (passing SeaWorld IMO with how many (arguably) losses they've had recently).
Curious if you saw Snipefishes or Hagfish on exhibit? They're labeled on the map but I haven't seen any content of them online yet. Otherwise, im very excited

 

[Local_Shark]

Thats amazing! I should be visiting this Monday, I can say I've already started working on the species list and the beginning really is just giving them all the love lol. I think i called them the 2nd best aquarium in the SoCal region behind AOP now (passing SeaWorld IMO with how many (arguably) losses they've had recently).
Curious if you saw Snipefishes or Hagfish on exhibit? They're labeled on the map but I haven't seen any content of them online yet. Otherwise, im very excited

Snipefishes yes, I believe, but I definitely did not see any hagfish. One imagines that is coming if they’re announcing it through.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

Snipefishes yes, I believe, but I definitely did not see any hagfish. One imagines that is coming if they’re announcing it through.

Good to know, they would probably be hiding anyways so its not that big of a disappointment lol. Thanks for the update! I saw their Black Sea Nettles are also starting to gain a lot of color, so many things on my photography priority list for Monday.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

Just got back from my visit, and all I can say is the hype lived up to expectations. I feel like I've already talked about Living Seas so I'll talk about something else: The syngnathidae (Seahorses, Pipefish, and Sea Dragons) collection is INSANE. Probably the most diverse collection I've seen since Monterey Bay put on that one Seahorse and Pipefish exhibit many years ago. All they're missing is some Ribboned Pipefish, which I could see being added later on to replace the Alligator Pipefish in Living Seas.
A couple things about Living Seas:

• The Lighting is very dark, even for the shallow water displays, it's very shaded and low light. Some of the pictures were hard to get but viewing wise, it's not that bad.
• The Emerald Tree Skink exhibit is placed behind one of the artificial mangrove trees, which makes viewing a little difficult but the Skinks are very outgoing so you should still be able to see them.
• They're definitely still moving species in. For example, the Hagfish, although labeled on the map, is neither on exhibit nor signed yet. One species not mentioned yet are Giant Pink Isopods (Bathynomus doederleinii) that are signed in the "Twighlight Zone" Tank with the Spider Crabs and Snipefish, but they're not on exhibit yet. Honestly, those are on the smaller side so I could see them going in with the Hagfish instead in the other whalefall tank, but it seems like for now they'll go into the bigger tank.
• The signage is a mix of digital and non-digital which is really nice. Even more so, the digital signage is actually a smooth touchscreen, and not a slideshow (thankfully). So you can just click on a profile instead of having to wait for the profiles to refresh.

Overall, I really, really loved the place. 100% solidifies it as the 2nd best Aquarium in the SoCal region for me (behind the Aquarium of the Pacific). Will be posting a species list later tonight.

 

[Northwest_FIsh_Keeping]

Species list is up! Accurate as of today, 23/6/25
Birch Aquarium Species List - ZooChat