Northwest_FIsh_Keeping
Well-Known Member
What I believe is the greatest Zoological facility in the city (compared to the Aquarium of the Bay and San Francisco Zoo), and one of the greatest in the state, the California Academy of Sciences has one of the richest histories among any Zoological facility in the world, and something they can proudly boast about. Between the Osher Rainforest Dome, Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Natural History Museum, and African Hall, there is something for everyone under this one roof (which is also a living roof, just to note). So much work goes on here that makes it a destination for scientists and visitors around the globe.
I also believe it's all around, the second-best Aquarium in all of California (right behind Monterey Bay, whose species list is coming shortly) whose history spans over 100 years, since most of their exhibits are aquatic. Between their Twilight Zone gallery, incredible Philippine Coral Reef, Claude the Albino Alligator, Methuselah the Australian Lungfish, who is the oldest living fish in captivity, and a variety of other small and large exhibits, it makes up for the lack of large Sharks and other things that you would imagine would be popular with visitors.
While I have been quite a few times, the last time I was here was almost 3 years ago, and since then, a lot of changes (most notably, the Twilight Zone Gallery was renovated and some extremely rare birds were added to the Rainforest Dome) have gone on, and if you know me, you know I praise this place every chance I get. And a species list is one of the best ways to do that. This is definitely the longest / most complex list I've made so far, which is to show how great the Academy is.
The first tanks I'll include are just past the entrance of the building, and don't have much signage for them. Though they're not to be skipped, since they're really well put together. They're technically not part of the Steinhart Aquarium; in fact, they don't exactly belong to any of the main areas, but I will list them off as their own exhibits.
'Shallow Lagoon' | Home to a diverse collection of Rays and other small fish. Historically, this lagoon has been home to juvenile Zebra Sharks, juvenile Bowmouth Guitarfish, and other elasmobranchs. Nowadays, it is most notable for housing the only Javanese Cownose Rays in the US, as well as a few other species of Rays and lagoon-type fish
Now with the smaller areas out of the way, we move on to the two areas that really put the Academy on the map globally (not to say that the other areas are bad, of course, but compared to the Rainforest Dome and Steinhart Aquarium, they're not as flashy).
'The Osher Rainforest Dome' | Claimed to be the largest Rainforest Dome in the world, it's heated between 75F to 78F degrees and humidity at 75%, and it instantly hits you the second you enter. The Rainforest Dome does open 30 minutes after the rest of the Academy opens, so I highly advise to anyone visiting that you immediately line up to enter the Dome as the first you do, since otherwise you'll be stuck in an even longer line if you decide to go later. I also personally think it's just the better way to experience the Academy as well, since the elevator goes straight down into the Steinhart Aquarium.
The Rainforest Dome is made up of 1 walkway that takes you up to the top through 4 various zones: 'The Flooded Forest', 'The Forest Floor', 'The Understory', and 'The Canopy'. Each with various small and medium-sized exhibits that highlight various creatures you would find on these levels of the forest. However, technically, the 'Flooded Forest' is the portion where you exit the elevator; you only get a look-down view into the main tank from inside the Dome, so I'll cover that in a bit.
Not only is the Dome made up of thousands of live plants, it's also a free-flying Aviary to many Tropical Rainforest Birds and Butterflies. While it definitely isn’t the most immersive Rainforest exhibit, it has so many other amazing qualities that you can look over the immersion with ease. I'll split this portion of the list up into the various categories of where you'll find the species within the Dome.
'Free Flying Species'
'The Understory'
'The Steinhart Aquarium' | What I personally think is the second best Aquarium in the state, behind Monterey Bay, the Steinhart Aquarium needs no introduction. Over 100 years of excellence, innovation, and ground-breaking achievements. This space has seen many notable species being exhibited over its time, and continues to. Instead, I think each gallery needs its own little introduction instead.
'The Amazon Flooded Forest' | If you're coming from the Rainforest Dome, this is where you enter next after getting off the elevator. This is essentially a continuation from the Rainforest Dome, as it's the main Freshwater Gallery of the Aquarium, containing mostly South American species, as the name suggests. The main attraction is the underwater tunnel, which takes you underneath the 100,000-gallon aquarium filled with various South American river giants. This is the same tank that you see from the top-down inside the Rainforest Dome, so it makes for a seamless transition if you're coming from the dome. The smaller exhibits in the gallery do not disappoint either, with species such as Caimen Lizard, Mata Mata, Electric Eels, and Four-eye Fish being found here as well, along with others, of course.
'The Flooded Forest'
'Farallones National Marine Sanctuary' Tank
HERE WE GO! If you're familiar with me, you already know this is my absolute favorite part of the Academy, as an Aquarium nerd. The Academy is one of the few places in the world is spearheading the movement of exploring and exhibiting Mesophotic / Twilight Zone ecosystems and species. And their collection is reflective of it. The exhibit opened back up in 2016, but it just got a major refresh this past November. Introducing some major new species, adding more educational signage, and giving the exhibits a facelift. Overall, they have the best collection of Twilight Zone species outside of Japan, even excelling over Japan in some areas, as most Japanese Aquariums only exhibit local Twilight Zone species, while the Academy, due to their work and collaborations, has species from Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, and more countries.
Many species in this gallery are either the only of their species in the US (really the only ones outside of Japan), or the only ones of their species in captivity. I will make sure to label which as such. While they don't have some of their extreme rarities anymore, such as their Sacura speciosa pair (passed due to old age, but they were the only ones in captivity), the collection is arguably at one of its peaks currently, thanks to the new additions they've been making.
'The Swamp' Main Tank
I also believe it's all around, the second-best Aquarium in all of California (right behind Monterey Bay, whose species list is coming shortly) whose history spans over 100 years, since most of their exhibits are aquatic. Between their Twilight Zone gallery, incredible Philippine Coral Reef, Claude the Albino Alligator, Methuselah the Australian Lungfish, who is the oldest living fish in captivity, and a variety of other small and large exhibits, it makes up for the lack of large Sharks and other things that you would imagine would be popular with visitors.
While I have been quite a few times, the last time I was here was almost 3 years ago, and since then, a lot of changes (most notably, the Twilight Zone Gallery was renovated and some extremely rare birds were added to the Rainforest Dome) have gone on, and if you know me, you know I praise this place every chance I get. And a species list is one of the best ways to do that. This is definitely the longest / most complex list I've made so far, which is to show how great the Academy is.
- Species in Green are those that are on exhibit, but not signed
- Species in Red are those that are signed, but are not exhibit / did not see
The first tanks I'll include are just past the entrance of the building, and don't have much signage for them. Though they're not to be skipped, since they're really well put together. They're technically not part of the Steinhart Aquarium; in fact, they don't exactly belong to any of the main areas, but I will list them off as their own exhibits.
'Shallow Lagoon' | Home to a diverse collection of Rays and other small fish. Historically, this lagoon has been home to juvenile Zebra Sharks, juvenile Bowmouth Guitarfish, and other elasmobranchs. Nowadays, it is most notable for housing the only Javanese Cownose Rays in the US, as well as a few other species of Rays and lagoon-type fish
- Javanese Cownose / Flapnose Rays (Rhinoptera javanica) (The only US holder for now)
- Fine-spotted Leopard Whipray (Himantura tutul) (It is signed as a "Honeycomb Whipray (Himantura urunak)" but is definitely an H. tutul)
- Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray (Taeniura lymma)
- Mahogany Maskray (Neotrygon varidens) (These 2 individuals have recently been the subject of a lot of speculation amongst us on here. They're signed as "Bluespotted Maskray (Neotrygon kuhlii)" but they have 0 blue spots and their colors are off. In fact, chatting with the Aquarium project curator, he's also doubtful they're N. khulii. Thanks to his information, saying they came from Taiwan, this should likely confirm them as N. varidens. Though that is not confirmed and they are looking at getting a DNA test done to confirm, the evie
- Silver Monos (Monodactylus argenteus)
- Striped Scats (Selenotoca multifasciata)
- Indian Pompanos (Trachinotus mookalee) (The only US holder allegedly)
- Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus)
- Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
- Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)
- Oriental Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus vittatus)
- Red Mangrove Trees (Rhizophora mangle)
- Rose Bubble-tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)
- Magnificent Anemones (Radianthus magnifica)
- Haddoni Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla haddoni)
- Giant Clams (Tridacna sp, though I'd guess either S. squammosa or S. gigas based on their size and because they're on the sand)
- Spotwing Flying Gurnard (Dactyloptena macracantha) (There is a juvenile in here)
- Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
- Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
- Yellow Coris Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)
- Blue-green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
- Axilspot Hogfish (Bodianus axillaris)
- Azure Damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea)
- Springeri Damselfishes (Chrysiptera springeri)
- Saddleback Clownfishes (Amphiprion polymnus)
- Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
- Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula)
- Squaretail Mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis)
- Orbiculate Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularis)
- Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus)
- Ornate Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus)
- Chocolate Chip Sea Stars (Protoreaster nodosus)
- Purple Long Tentacle Anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis)
- Chinook Salmon (juveniles) (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
- Purple Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
- Giant Plumose Anemones (Metridium farcimen)
- Asian Arowanas (Scleropages formosus) (Gold variety)
- Clown Loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus) (The biggest ones you'll ever see, they're so huge)
- Lambchop Rasboras (Trigonostigma espei)
- Buffalo Head Cichlids (Steatocranus casuarius)
- Siamese Algae Eaters (Crossocheilus oblongus)
- Gouldian Finches (Chloebia gouldiae)
- Beautiful Fruit Doves (Ptilinopus pulchellus)
- California Newts (Taricha torosa)
- Dwarf Cuttlefishes (Ascarosepion bandense)
- various Soft Corals such as Leathers and Mushrooms
- Strawberry Poison Dart Frogs (Oophaga pumilio)
- Lovely Poison Dart Frogs (Phyllobates lugubris)
- Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)
- Giant Malaysian Leaf Insects (Phyllium gianteum)
- (Former House Mouse exhibit is covered up)
- African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
- Pyjama Catsharks (Poroderma africanum)
- Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara baenschi)
- Electic Blue Hap Peacock Cichlids (Sciaenochromis fryeri)
Now with the smaller areas out of the way, we move on to the two areas that really put the Academy on the map globally (not to say that the other areas are bad, of course, but compared to the Rainforest Dome and Steinhart Aquarium, they're not as flashy).
'The Osher Rainforest Dome' | Claimed to be the largest Rainforest Dome in the world, it's heated between 75F to 78F degrees and humidity at 75%, and it instantly hits you the second you enter. The Rainforest Dome does open 30 minutes after the rest of the Academy opens, so I highly advise to anyone visiting that you immediately line up to enter the Dome as the first you do, since otherwise you'll be stuck in an even longer line if you decide to go later. I also personally think it's just the better way to experience the Academy as well, since the elevator goes straight down into the Steinhart Aquarium.
The Rainforest Dome is made up of 1 walkway that takes you up to the top through 4 various zones: 'The Flooded Forest', 'The Forest Floor', 'The Understory', and 'The Canopy'. Each with various small and medium-sized exhibits that highlight various creatures you would find on these levels of the forest. However, technically, the 'Flooded Forest' is the portion where you exit the elevator; you only get a look-down view into the main tank from inside the Dome, so I'll cover that in a bit.
Not only is the Dome made up of thousands of live plants, it's also a free-flying Aviary to many Tropical Rainforest Birds and Butterflies. While it definitely isn’t the most immersive Rainforest exhibit, it has so many other amazing qualities that you can look over the immersion with ease. I'll split this portion of the list up into the various categories of where you'll find the species within the Dome.
'Free Flying Species'
- Blue and Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) (They mainly sit on this perch near the visitor route, to be honest, I'm not even sure if they can fly since I believe they're rescues and I've never seen them fly before)
- Beautiful Fruit Doves (Ptilinopus pulchellus)
- Blue-Winged Leafbirds (Chloropsis moluccensis) (The only US holder allegedly, the rarest birds in the Dome)
- Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana)
- Bay-Headed Tanagers (Tangara gyrola)
- Burnished-Buff Tanagers (Stilpnia cayana)
- Paradise Tanagers (Tangara chilensis)
- Silver-Beaked Tanagers (Ramphocelus carbo)
- Red-Crested Turacos (Tauraco erythrolophus) (The only African bird species in the Dome)
- Violaceous Euphonias (Euphonia violacea)
- Golden-headed Manakins (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) (These are the other rarest birds in the Dome, and there are 5 males afaik. The Academy is just 1 of 2 institutions in the US to exhibit them, the other being Dallas World Aquarium)
- Sapho Longwing Butterflies (Heliconius sapho)
- Red Postman Butterflies (Heliconius erato)
- Tiger Longwing Butterflies (Heliconius hecale)
- Isabella’s Longwing Butterflies (Eueides isabella)
- Julia's Butterflies (Dryas iulia)
- Postman Butterflies (Heliconius melpomene)
- Harmonia Tiger Butterflies (Tithorea harmonia)
- Magnificent Owl Butterflies (Caligo atreus)
- Iphidamas Cattleheart Butterflies (Parides iphidamas)
- Blue Morpho Butterflies (Morpho menelaus)
- Numata Longwing Butterflies (Heliconius numata)
- Blue Clipper Butterflies (Parthenos sylvia)
- Great Mormon Butterflies (Papilio memnon)
- White Morpho Butterflies (Morpho polyphemus)
- Emerald Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilio palinurus)
- Pink Rose Butterflies (Pachliopta kotzebuea)
- Tailed Jay Butterflies (Graphium agamemnon)
- Redtail Sharks (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
- Snakeskin Barbs (Desmopuntius rhomboocellatus)
- Cherry Barbs (Puntius titteya)
- Dwarf Chain Loaches (Ambastaia sidthimunki)
- Panda Garras (Garra flavatra)
- Pearl Gouramis (Trichopodus leerii)
- Clown Barbs (Barbodes everetti)
- Panamanian Golden Frogs (Atelopus zeteki)
- Blue Poison Dart Frogs (Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus')
- Granular Glass Frogs (Cochranella granulosa)
- Sungei Tawan Toad (Phrynoidis juxtasper)
- Red-tailed Green Ratsnake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum)
- African Giant Black Millipedes (Archispirostreptus gigas)
'The Understory'
- Pacific Giant Centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes)
- Turquoise Dwarf Geckos (Lygodactylus williamsi)
- Striped Love Beetles (Eudicella sp.)
- Giant Flower Beetles (Mecynorhina torquata)
- Sun Beetles (Pachnoda marginata)
- Oriental Knight Anole (Anolis equestris)
- Aquatic Caecilians (Typhlonectes natans)
- Endler’s Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)
- Strawberry Poison Frogs (Oophaga pumilio)
- Lovely Poison Frogs (Phyllobates lugubris)
- Green and Black Poison Frogs (Dendrobates auratus)
- Garden Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus)
- Kaup's Caecilians (Potomotyphlus kaupii)
- Marbled Hatchetfishes (Carnegiella strigata)
- Bumblebee Catfishes (Microglanis iheringi)
- Southeastern Girdled Lizard (Zonosaurus maximus)
- Golden Orb Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes)
- Henkel’s Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus henkeli)
- Madagascar Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis)
- Sambava Tomato Frog (Dyscophus guineti)
- Common Flat-tail Gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus)
- Black-breasted Leaf Turtle (Geoemyda spengleri)
- Rentap’s Asian Tree Toad (Rentapia hosii)
- Emerald Tree Skinks (Lamprolepis smaragdina)
- Hairy-headed Leafcutter Ants (Atta cephalotes)
- Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)
- Vampire Crabs (Geosesarma sp. "iron fist" according to @/ralph)
- Jungle Nymphs (Heteropteryx dilatata)
- Atlas Beetles (Chalcosoma atlas)
- Paradise Tree Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi)
- Atlas Moths (Attacus atlas) (in a medium sized enclosure next to the Butterfly metamophosis exhibit)
'The Steinhart Aquarium' | What I personally think is the second best Aquarium in the state, behind Monterey Bay, the Steinhart Aquarium needs no introduction. Over 100 years of excellence, innovation, and ground-breaking achievements. This space has seen many notable species being exhibited over its time, and continues to. Instead, I think each gallery needs its own little introduction instead.
'The Amazon Flooded Forest' | If you're coming from the Rainforest Dome, this is where you enter next after getting off the elevator. This is essentially a continuation from the Rainforest Dome, as it's the main Freshwater Gallery of the Aquarium, containing mostly South American species, as the name suggests. The main attraction is the underwater tunnel, which takes you underneath the 100,000-gallon aquarium filled with various South American river giants. This is the same tank that you see from the top-down inside the Rainforest Dome, so it makes for a seamless transition if you're coming from the dome. The smaller exhibits in the gallery do not disappoint either, with species such as Caimen Lizard, Mata Mata, Electric Eels, and Four-eye Fish being found here as well, along with others, of course.
'The Flooded Forest'
- Arapaimas (Arapaima gigas)
- Arrau River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)
- Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
- Black Pacus (Colossoma macropomum)
- Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)
- Armored / Ripsaw Catfishes (Oxydoras niger)
- Atlantic Tarpons (Megalops atlanticus)
- Chocolate Cichlids (Hypselecara temporalis)
- Pinktail Chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus)
- Redmouth Headstanders (Anostomus ternetzi)
- Silver Dollars (Metynnis argenteus)
- True Parrot Cichlids (Hoplarchus psittacus)
- Turquoise Severums (Heros severus)
- Catalina Tetras (Triportheus rotundatus)
- Slender Hemiodus (Hemiodus gracilis)
- Banded Leporinus (Leporinus fasciatus)
- Flagtail Prochilodus (Semaprochilodus taeniurus)
- Magdalena River Red-tailed Brycons (Brycon rubricauda) (Only global holder allegedly)
- Largescale Four-eye Fishes (Anableps anableps)
- Amazon Milk Frogs (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)
- Scalare Angelfishes (Pterophyllum scalare)
- Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai)
- Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus)
- Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons)
- Mata mata (Chelus fimbriata)
- Northern Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis)
- Glowlight Tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus)
- Bloodfin Tetras (Aphyocharax anisitsi)
- Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) (been off exhibit for a while it sounds like)
- Suriname Toads (Pipa pipa)
- Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus)
- Spotted Leporinus (Leporinus nijsseni)
- Red Hook Silver Dollars (Myloplus rubripinnis)
- Black Bar Silver Dollars (Myleus schomburgkii)
- Pink Tail Chalceus (Chalceus macrolepidotus)
- Amazon Puffers (Colomesus asellus)
- Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma eunotus)
- Pearl Cichlids (Geophagus brasiliensis)
- Silver Tetras (Ctenobrycon spilurus)
- Triangle Cichlids (Uaru amphiacanthoides)
- Bleeding Heart Tetras (Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma)
- Emperor Tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri)
- Red Discus (Symphysodon discus)
- Platnium Hatchetfishes (Thoracocharax stellatus)
- Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
- Dwarf Pencilfishes (Nannostomus marginatus)
- Rummynose Tetras (Hemigrammus bleheri)
- Zebra Pleco (Hypancistrus zebra)
- Zebra Otocinclus (Otocinclus cocama)
- Emperor Tetras (Nematobrycon palmeri
'Farallones National Marine Sanctuary' Tank
- Wolf Eels (Anarrhichthys ocellatus)
- Ocean Whitefishes (Caulolatilus princeps)
- Olive Rockfishes (Sebastes serranoides)
- Blue Rockfishes (Sebastes mystinus)
- Bocaccio Rockfish (Sebastes paucispinis)
- Canary Rockfishes (Sebastes pinniger)
- China Rockfishes (Sebastes nebulosus)
- Green Spotted Rockfish (Sebastes chlorostictus)
- Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
- Kelp Greenlings (Hexagrammos decagrammus)
- Rainbow Surfperches (Hypsurus caryi)
- Red Irish Lord (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus)
- Striped Surfperches (Embiotoca lateralis)
- Vermilion Rockfishes (Sebastes miniatus)
- Walleye Surfperches (Hyperprosopon argenteum)
- Yellowtail Rockfishes (Sebastes flavidus)
- Copper Rockfishes (Sebastes caurinus)
- Flag Rockfish (Sebastes rubrivinctus)
- White-Spotted Rose Anemones (Urticina eques)
- Strawberry Anemones (Corynactis californica)
- Fish-Eating Anemones (Urticina piscivora)
- Giant Green Anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica)
- Giant Plumose Anemones (Metridium farcimen)
- Bat Stars (Patiria miniata)
- Purple Sea Urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)
- Red Sea Urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)
- Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini)
- Sunflower Stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
- Giant Spined Stars (Pisaster giganteus)
- Swell Shark (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum)
- California Moray Eel (Gymnothorax mordax)
- California Salemas (Sarpa salpa)
- California Scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata)
- Large-scale Blackfish (Girella punctata)
- Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus)
- Pacific Halfmoons (Medialuna californiensis)
- Kelp Bass (Paralabrax clathratus)
- Tiger Rockfishes (Sebastes nigrocinctus)
- Aggregating Anemones (Anthopleura elegantissima)
- Dwarf Surf Perches (Micrometrus minimus)
- Northern Kelp Crab (Pugettia producta)
- Tube Anemones (Pachycerianthus fimbriatus)
- Speckled Sanddabs (Citharichthys stigmaeus)
- Bay Pipefishes (Syngnathus californiensis)
- Penpoint Gunnel (Apodichthys flavidus)
- Threespine Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
- California Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus californicus)
- Pacific Sand Dollars (Dendraster excentricus)
- Spiny Scallops (Chlamys hastata)
- Tidepool Sculpin (Oligocottus maculosus)
- Pacific Sea Nettles (Chrysaora fuscescens)
- California Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus interruptus)
- Senoritas (Oxyjulis californica)
- Shiner Perches (Cymatogaster aggregata)
- Lion's Mane Nudibranchs (Melibe leonina)
- Lyretail Anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) (Males and Females)
- Squarespot Anthias (Pseudanthias pleurotaenia) (Males and Females)
- Purple Queen Anthias (Pseudanthias tuka) (Males and Females)
- Stocky Anthias (Pseudanthias hypselosoma) (Males and Females)
- Sailfin Tangs (Zebrasoma veliferum)
- Red Sea Sailfin Tangs (Zebrasoma desjardinii)
- Achilles Tangs (Acanthurus achilles)
- Convict Tangs (Acanthurus triostegus)
- Tomini Tangs (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
- Eyestripe Surgeonfishes (Acanthurus dussumieri)
- Chocolate / Mimic Tangs (Acanthurus pyroferus)
- Bluespine Unicorn Tangs (Naso unicornis)
- Vlamingi Tangs (Naso vlamingii)
- Whitemargian Unicorn Tangs (Naso annulatus)
- Orange-shoulder Tangs (Acanthurus olivaceus)
- Blue Hippo Tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus)
- Powder Brown Tangs (Acanthurus japonicus)
- Red Belly Yellowtail Fusiliers (Caesio teres) (the biggest ones you'll ever see)
- Double-lined Fusiliers (Pterocaesio digramma)
- Four Stripe Damselfishes (Dascyllus melanurus)
- Flame Angelfishes (Centropyge loricula)
- Axilspot Hogfish (Bodianus axillaris)
- Yellow Coris Wrasses (Halichoeres chrysus)
- Sunset Wrasses (Thalassoma grammaticum)
- Blotched Foxface Rabbitfishes (Siganus unimaculatus)
- Ocellaris Clownfishes (Amphiprion ocellaris)
- Purple Threadfin Breams (Pentapodus emeryii)
- Quoyi Parrotfish (Scarus quoyi)
- Harlequin Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides)
- Pennant Coralfishes (Heniochus acuminatus)
- Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses (Labroides dimidiatus)
- Beaugregory Damselfishes (Stegastes leucostictus)
- Coral Rabbitfishes (Siganus corallinus)
- Blue Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
- Copperband Butterflyfishes (Chelmon rostratus)
- Striped Large-eye Bream (Gnathodentex aureolineatus)
- Golden Damselfishes (Amblyglyphidodon aureus)
- Arnaz's Damselfishes (Chrysiptera arnazae)
- Bicolor Chromis (Chromis margaritifer)
- Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)
- Spotted Garden Eels (Heteroconger hassi) (Only viewable from the bubble window in the "Coral Reefs of the World" gallery, they have their own signage here as well. One of the only places I can think of that keeps Garden Eels in such a big tank like this)
- Magnificent Anemones (Radianthus magnifica)
- Tons and tons of various Stony Corals and Gorgonians
- Wide-band Clownfishes (Amphiprion latezonatus) (Also known as the "Blue Lip Clownfish" due to its light blue mouth) (Fun fact: Steinhart was one of the first facilities to exhibit and breed the species in captivity back in the day)
- Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)
- Bluestripe Pygmy Gobies (Trimma hollenmani)
- Red Spot Cardinalfishes (Ostorhinchus parvulus)
- Radiated Filefish (Acreichthys radiatus)
- (various soft corals)
- Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta)
- various soft corals such as Green Star Polyps, Zoanthids, and Pulsing Xenia
- Warty Frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) (Orange form)
- Razor Shrimpfishes (Aeoliscus strigatus)
- Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)
- also some Rumphella gorgonians and other various soft corals
- Hybrid Dwarf Angelfish (Centropyge cross, I didn't catch what hybrid it was)
- also some Leather Corals
- Green Mandarin Dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
- Scribbled Pipefish (Corythoichthys intestinalis)
- Short Dragonfish (Eurypegasus draconis)
- also some leather corals, flowerpot corals, and Trachyphyllia corals
- Peppermint Shrimps (Lysmata boggessi)
- Pom Pom Crab (Lybia sp.)
- Mini-Maxi Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla tapetum)
HERE WE GO! If you're familiar with me, you already know this is my absolute favorite part of the Academy, as an Aquarium nerd. The Academy is one of the few places in the world is spearheading the movement of exploring and exhibiting Mesophotic / Twilight Zone ecosystems and species. And their collection is reflective of it. The exhibit opened back up in 2016, but it just got a major refresh this past November. Introducing some major new species, adding more educational signage, and giving the exhibits a facelift. Overall, they have the best collection of Twilight Zone species outside of Japan, even excelling over Japan in some areas, as most Japanese Aquariums only exhibit local Twilight Zone species, while the Academy, due to their work and collaborations, has species from Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, and more countries.
Many species in this gallery are either the only of their species in the US (really the only ones outside of Japan), or the only ones of their species in captivity. I will make sure to label which as such. While they don't have some of their extreme rarities anymore, such as their Sacura speciosa pair (passed due to old age, but they were the only ones in captivity), the collection is arguably at one of its peaks currently, thanks to the new additions they've been making.
- Splitfin Flashlight Fishes (Anomalops katoptron) (you're able to walk into the tank a bit and be surrounded by the bioluminescent scenes of the fish. They added new signage that blocks most of the pre-existing glare, thankfully)
- Red-saddled Anthias (Pyronotanthias flavoguttatus)
- Pintail Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus isosceles)
- Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata)
- Undescribed Chromis species (Chromis sp. nov) (used to be in its own, small tank but was moved to this tank after the renovation. Collected from Tahiti, it's still to be described)
- Masuda's Hogfish (Bodianus masudai) (Another incredibly rare species, though some do make their way into the Aquarium trade. Should be just 1 of 2 on public display in the world afaik, the other being Okinawa-Churami)
- Reef Lobster (Enoplometopus sp.)
- Orange Sun Corals (Tubastraea coccinea)
- Trunk Corals (Truncatoflabellum veroni)
- Rhizo Corals (Rhizotrochus sp.)
- Peppermint Angelfish (Paracentropyge boylei) (dubbed as the "Holy Grail" of all Marine Fishes, this is the only one on public display in the world. What's even crazier is that Steinhart has 3, 2 of which are allegedly behind the scenes in a special tank where they're trying to breed them, from what I understand. I'm not sure how many Peppermint Angelfish are left in captivity, as no one has collected them in years due to their depth and limited range in the Cook Islands. I do know one in Japan recently passed away a couple of months ago, so if I had to guess, probably 2 or 3 are left in private aquariums. In fact, I believe Steinhart's trio were the last Peppermints to be collected; none have been collected since. Thankfully, they did a really great job with the tank, so the fish is usually out and about, though it is fast so photos are hard to get).
- Bennett's Perchlet (Plectranthias bennetti) (Just when I thought this tank couldn't get even more insane, they went ahead and added a Bennett's Perchlet. Should be the only one on public display in the world as well, afaik. Described in 2015 and named after the famous Australian diver, Tim Bennett, who does a lot of collaboration work with the Academy, some have entered the Aquarium trade, including a recent batch collected by Tim himself just a few months ago. I wouldn't be surprised if Tim himself caught this one. An incredible looking Anthias relative, it's streaks of pinkish-red match the Peppermint Angelfish, making this one incredible tank to see in person).
- Pink and White Coco Worms (Protula bispiralis) (matches the color scheme theme they have going on for this tank)
- Abe's Angelfish (Centropyge abei) (One of the groundbreaking new additions brought in for the renovation, this fish is on the same level of rarity as the Peppermint. This should be just 1 of 2 individuals on public display in the world, the other being at the Waikiki Aquarium in Oahu, Hawaii. But that individual is over 20 years old, so it's definitely reaching its end years, unfortunately. There are 6 or 7 other individuals in private aquariums, so not as scarce as the Peppermint. However, this species does hold the title of "Deepest Living Angelfish", being found at over 140+ meters depth. So incredible you can see 2 of the rarest Angelfish species in the world, side by side here now).
- Christmas Tree Coral (Studeriotes longiramosa)
- Pugnose Basses (Bullisichthys caribbaeus) (Less than 5 institutions exhibit the species)
- Bicolor Basslet (Lipogramma klayi) (Less than 5 institutions exhibit the species)
- Candy Basslet (Liopropoma carmabi) (Less than 5 institutions exhibit the species)
- Reef Butterflyfish (Chaetodon sedentarius)
- French Butterflyfish (Prognathodes guyanensis) (Less than 5 institutions exhibit the species)
- Yellow Finger Gorgonians (Diodogorgia nodulifera)
- Red Finger Gorgonians (Diodogorgia nodulifera)
- Hawaiian Yellow Anthias (Odontanthias fuscipinnis) (Definitely the only ones on public display outside of Hawaii, though there are definitely some in private aquariums since they were being captive bred for a while)
- Bandit Angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) (Less than 10 institutions exhibit the species, though there is some breeding success so we may see more soon)
- Tinker's Butterflyfish (Chaetodon tinkeri) (Less than 5 institutions exhibit the species)
- Hawaiian Wire Corals (Stichopathes sp.)
- Hourglass Basslet (Lipogramma levinsoni) (Another incredible species brought in for the renovation, this species was officially described in 2016, but it was split from the very similar-looking L. evides. This is most likely the only one on public display in the world; however, they've trickled into the Aquarium trade over the years, so there are probably some that are still in private aquariums. Such as the pair at De Jong Marinelife in the Netherlands, who are hoping to breed the species).
- Scarlet Feather Star (Himerometra robustipinna)
- Yellow Wire Corals (Cirrhipathes anguina)
- Blueberry Gorgonians (Acanthogorgia sp.)
- Green Japanese Anemone (Halcurias sp., not on exhibit)
- other corals such as Green Star Polyps, Mushrooms, and Candy Canes
- Neptune Grouper / Garish Hind (Cephalopholis igarashiensis) (Incredibly rare, 1 of 2 on public display in the world, the other being Okinawa-churami. Though some juveniles have been trickling into the aquarium trade over the last couple of years, so there are some in private aquariums).
- Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
- Fat Head Sun Corals (Tubastraea megacorallita)
- Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi) (Pretty likely the only one on public display in North America, though they do enter the Aquarium trade on rare occasions)
- Bimaculatus Anthias (Pseudanthias bimaculatus) (Males and Females)
- Charlene's Anthias (Pseudanthias charleneae) (Pretty likely the only ones on public display in the world. Though some specimens have entered the Aquarium trade previously)
- Red-striped Anthias (Pseudanthias fasciatus) (Males and Females, including a gorgeous dominant male that seemingly runs the tank)
- Katayama's Swallowtail Anthias (Odontanthias katayamai) (1 of 2 on public display in the world, the other being at Okinawa-churami. However, Surge Marinelife in Florida just announced breeding success last week which no one saw coming, so we may see more soon. One of the prettiest species in the genus)
- Brown Banded Butterflyfish (Roa modesta) (1 of 5 institutions to exhibit the species, though they do appear in the Aquarium trade time to time)
- White-spined Butterflyfish (Roa haraguchiae) (Incredibly rare, the species was just described back in 2020. Apparently just 1 of 2 specimens in captivity, though I'm not sure where the other is being kept. Looks somewhat similar to the Roa modesta in the tank, but it's smaller and has darker colors. An incredible sight to see in person)
- Marqesian Butterflyfish (Chaetodon declivis) (Potentially the only one on public display in the world, but they do appear in the Aquarium trade on rare occasions)
- Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor) (Male and Female)
- Bellus Angelfish (Genicanthus bellus) (Male and Female)
- Shortsnout Chromis (Azurina brevirostris) (Pretty likely the only one on public display in the world. An incredibly beautiful species that is mostly light blue with the top of its head and back being a very yellow-gold like color, and it has a shimmer too. You can't see it in person due to the blue lighting, but if you look up wild pictures, it's an extremely stunning fish).
- Menella Gorgonians (Menella sp.) (Red with yellow polyps, Dark purple with light purple polyps)
- Sunburst Anthias (Serranocirrhitus latus) (A pretty large harem, which you don't see at all)
- Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata)
- Yellow Candy Hogfish (Bodianus bimaculatus)
- Rose-veiled Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa) (Only formally described in 2022 by Academy scientists in collaboration with the Maldivian government, the Academy is 1 of 5 institutions to exhibit the species. However, there are a couple floating around in private aquariums as the species was previously mixed up with C. rubrisquamis, but multiple differences between the true C. rubrisquamis and the "Maldivian rubrisquamis" called for a re-description, which is how we got C. finifenmaa)
- Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
- Spiral Wire Corals (Cirrhipathes spiralis) (various color morphs)
- Sea Whips (Ellisella sp.)
- Menella Gorgonians (Menella sp.)
- Fat Head Sun Corals (Tubastraea megacorallita)
- Orange Sun Corals (Tubastraea coccinea)
- Black Sun Corals (Tubastraea micrantha)
- Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
- French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)
- Blue Hamlet (Hypoplectrus gemma)
- Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
- Blackcap Basslet (Gramma melacara)
- Spanish Flag Grouper (Gonioplectrus hispanus) (A mesophotic species, it's really neat to see 2 species of mesophotic grouper just a few steps away from each other)
- French Butterflyfish (Prognathodes guyanensis)
- Longsnout Butterflyfish (Prognathodes aculeatus)
- Un-ID'd Damsel (working on ID)
- Boulder Brain Corals (Colpophyllia natans) (One of the few Caribbean stony coral species in captivity, thanks to the Florida Reef Tract Rescue project)
- Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus) (The only one on public display in a North American institution)
- California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata ssp.)
- Tentacled Snake (Erpeton tentaculatum)
- European Medicinal Leech (Hirudo medicinalis)
- Canary Fang Blenny (Meiacanthus oualanensis)
- Disco Fang Blennies (Meiacanthus smithi)
- Reticulated Boxfish (Ostracion solorensis) (allegedly 1 of 2 on public display in North America, the other being at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo)
- White Spot Assassin Bugs (Platymeris biguttatus)
- Iberian Ribbed Newt (Pleurodeles waltl)
- Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)
- Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochirus brachypterus)
- Rainbow Scorpionfish (Scorpaenodes xyris)
- Pygmy Rooster Waspfish (Paracentropogon zonatus)
- Western Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus hesperus)
- (Jelly Tank is empty)
- Moon Jellies (Aurelia aurita)
- Burmese Vine Snake (Ahaetulla fronticincta)
- Burmese Clouded Archerfish (Toxotes blythii)
- Rummynose Tetras (Hemigrammus bleheri)
- Weedy Seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus)
- Golden Cuban Basslet (Gramma dejongi)
- Pederson Cleaner Shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni)
- Also some Duncan Corals
- Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon striatus)
- Glassy Sweepers (Pempheris schomburgkii)
- Two-spot Cardinalfish (Apogon pseudomaculatus)
- Jackknife Drum (Equetus lanceolatus)
- Striped Burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfii)
- Rigid Slipper Lobster (Scyllarides nodifer)
- Upside Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris)
- Blind Cave Tetras (Astyanax mexicanus)
- Brown Banded Pipefishes (Doryichthys martensii)
- Green Neon Rasboras (Microdevario kubotai)
- Catalina Gobies (Lythrypnus dalli)
- Red Abalones (Haliotis rufescens)
- Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri)
- Australian Rainbowfishes (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)
- Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) (this is Methusula)
- Eastern Rainbowfishes (Melanotaenia splendida splendida)
- Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum)
- Vietnamese Mossy Frogs (Theloderma corticale)
- Sailfin Sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus)
- Grunt Sculpins (Rhamphocottus richardsonii)
- Mosshead Warbonnet (Chirolophis nugator)
- California Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus californicus)
- Luristan Newts (Neurergus kaiseri)
- Woma Python (Aspidites ramsayi)
- Centralian Carpet Python (Morelia bredli)
- Dwarf Seahorses (Hippocampus zosterae)
- Butterfly Splitfins (Ameca splendens)
- Elephant Nose Fish (Gnathonemus petersii)
- Norman's Lampeye Killifish (Poropanchax normani
- Dusky Pipefish (Syngnathus floridae)
- Celestial Pearl Danios (Danio margaritatus)
- Pea Puffers (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
- Common Emperor Scorpion (Pandinus imperator)
- Pacific Spiny Lumpsuckers (Eumicrotremus orbis)
- Bat Stars (Patiria miniata)
- Congo Puffer (Tetradon miurus)
- Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
- various Leather Corals
- Springeri Damselfish (Chrysiptera springeri)
- Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)
- Court Jester Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi)
- Yellow Banded Possume Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata)
- Randall's Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli)
- Spiny Brittle Stars (Ophiocomella spiculata)
- Sunflower Stars (juveniles) (Pycnopodia helianthoides)
- Endler's Livebearers (Poecilia wingei)
- Crystal Red Shrimps (Caridina cantonensis)
- Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes sp.)
- Butterworts (Pinguicula sp.)
- Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula)
- Blue-eye Rainbowfishes (Pseudomugil gertrudae)
'The Swamp' Main Tank
- American Alligator (albino) (Alligator mississippiensis)
- Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii)
- Black Crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
- Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus)
- Red-ear Sunfishes (Lepomis microlophus)
- Green Sunfishes (Lepomis cyanellus)
- Greenfin Shiners (Cyprinella chloristia)
- Spotted Gars (Lepisosteus oculatus)
- Bluehead Chubs (Nocomis leptocephalus)
- Golden Shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
- Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata)
- Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
- Canebrake Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
- Yellow Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
- Alligator Gars (Atractosteus spatula)
- Texas Cichlids (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)
