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Steinhart Aquarium
From the canopy of our butterfly-filled, four-story rainforest to the bioluminescent depths of the little-known "twilight zone," explore the world's most vibrant, vital ecosystems from the heart of San Francisco.
Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats. From species displayed nowhere else in the world to exhibits about cutting-edge research in little-known ocean ecosystems, a visit to Steinhart Aquarium is full of discovery.
Since 1923, the Steinhart Aquarium has developed a colorful history of firsts. From becoming the first public aquarium to display flashlight fish and coconut octopuses to advancing exploration of the ocean’s mysterious “twilight zone,” innovation and scientific excellence are in our DNA.
Today, Steinhart Aquarium continues to shape the role that modern aquariums play in educating and inspiring the public about the biodiversity and sustainability of our oceans and rainforests.
Update! Enjoy a sneak "beak" at our two new penguin chicks, hatched on November 1 and 3 at the Academy.
Exhibits that inspire
From our new Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines exhibit with over a dozen species that bite, stun, and sting, to our charismatic colony of endangered African penguins, the Steinhart Aquarium captivates visitors of all ages.
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Hope for Reefs
The Academy’s bold initiative to research and restore critical coral reef ecosystems focuses on solutions to sustaining these “rainforests of the sea” for future generations.
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Animal care and well-being
Caring for nearly 40,000 live animals goes far beyond daily feedings and regular check-ups. Enrichment programs developed by aquarium biologists ensure that animal residents remain happy, healthy, and engaged.
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Species Survival Plan programs
Steinhart biologists participate in a variety of breeding programs aimed at conserving species and maintaining genetic diversity in zoo and aquarium populations, including African penguins, frogs, cuttlefish, and corals.
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Scientific diving
From performing daily dive shows and keeping aquarium tanks pristine to conducting underwater research in ocean depths around the world, the Academy’s scientific diving program is making waves.
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Sustaining our oceans
As part of the Academy’s commitment to sustainability, our aquarium biologists and marine scientists work to protect and conserve vital ocean habitats—from restoring coral reef ecosystems to reducing single-use plastics, sustainability is at the center of our science.
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146 new species in 2022!
44 lizards. 14 sea slugs. Seven fishes. Four beetles. Four sharks. And that's just half of them! See what Academy scientists added to the tree of life in 2022. Photo © Yi-Kai Tea
Discover how animals have evolved fascinating methods of living in and out of water.
Explore a Southeastern swamp habitat, home to snapping turtles and our beloved alligator with albinism, Claude.
Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
Descend into the twilight zone, where sunlight is scarce and every dive yields surprising discoveries.
Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, anemones, sharks, and more.
African penguins establish strong pair bonds and use complex forms of communication in their social groups.
Journey through a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying butterflies and birds and giant Amazonian fish.