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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 60,000 live animals, representing more than 1,000 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, 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 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.
Prepare to enter the Twilight Zone: Our award-winning exhibition on life in the mesophotic zone reopens Nov. 22!
Exhibits that inspire
From our Venom: Fangs, Stingers, and Spines exhibit with over a dozen species that bite, stun, and sting, to our charismatic colony of endangered African penguins, Steinhart Aquarium captivates visitors of all ages.
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It's o-fish-ial!
Methuselah, the Academy's beloved Australian lungfish, is officially the world's oldest aquarium fish! New DNA analysis estimates Methuselah's age to be 92 years old (± 9 years). We're thrilled to confirm this critical part of her life story—and proud to contribute vital data toward conservation efforts for her species.
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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 60,000 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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Animal or specimen donation
Please complete this form if you have an animal, plant, or specimen you'd like to donate to the Academy.
Celebrate World Turtle Day by tagging along on a swamp-side health checkup with our alligator snapping turtles.
Be mesmerized by stingrays, schools of tropical fish, and waddling penguins. Our webcams stream 24 hours a day.
You love them. But can you name them? Identify our African penguins with this field guide to our colony.
We’re giving tanks for a century of Steinhart by highlighting a few of our signature scientific breakthroughs.
Don’t tell Claude, but he’s not the only long-bodied, sharp-toothed, extremely chill species in the aquarium.
Researchers in the Coral Regeneration Lab are successfully breeding coral to regenerate reefs around the world.
Journey through a living 4-story rainforest, home to free-flying butterflies and birds and giant Amazonian fish.
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.
Get a glimpse of the richness right off our coast and gaze at rockfish, eels, anemones, sharks, and more.
Descend into the little-known mesophotic zone, where sunlight is scarce—and fascinating marine life abounds.
Watch reef fish dart through colorful forests of coral while giant rays sail gracefully under your feet.
African penguins establish strong pair bonds and use complex forms of communication in their social groups.