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Animal Attraction
Explore some of the wildest courtship and mating strategies in the animal kingdom. From mate-munching mantises to leaping fish, learn how animals go to extremes to pass on their genes.
A pair of colorful filefish welcome visitors to the Animal Attraction gallery, where some of the animal kingdom's most outrageous (and successful) strategies for meeting and mating are on display.
Encounter hermaphroditic banana slugs, cannibalistic praying mantises, monogamous shrimp, and more than a dozen other live creatures, whose unique—and often bizarre—methods of passing on their genes add color and diversity to our planet.
This exhibit is no longer on view.
Interactive Labels
Tank-side iPads are packed with images, videos, and stories that enable you to learn even more about your favorite creatures.
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Biologist-Curated
Each creature in Animal Attractions was specially chosen by a Steinhart Aquarium biologist to illustrate a mating strategy sure to surprise.
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Sea of Love
Catch our Penguin Feedings and Coral Reef Dive Shows to find out who's mating, flirting, and spawning right here in some of our most-loved tanks.
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The Birds and the Bees
In this case, it's more like "the snails and the clownfish." Test your strange-love IQ with these unusual entries in the facts of life!
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Steinhart webcams
Be mesmerized by colorful coral reef fish, soaring stingrays, and adorable African penguins—streaming live to your device, 24/7.
Researchers have found that the dumpling squid will risk it all for a shot at reproduction.
When it comes to male beetles and their insecurities, size does matter.
As Director of Steinhart Aquarium, Bart Shepherd oversees the Academy’s nearly 60,000 live plants and animals.
Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
Journey through a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying butterflies and birds and giant Amazonian fish.