Please note: Osher Rainforest is closed through November 17 for infrastructure maintenance. Learn more
Water Planet
Explore the dramatic connections between water and life in a luminous gallery of jellies, pythons, pipefish, seahorses, lumpsuckers, and other remarkably adapted animals.
Water Planet features an ever-changing cast of fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more—all organized by adaptations to water. Seven clusters of tanks highlight animals that have evolved fascinating methods of feeding, movement, reproduction, defense, sensing their surroundings, surviving in deserts, and living both in and out of water.
Dining in
Methuselah, the Academy's beloved Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), is the oldest living fish in human care on Earth. Special receptors around her mouth help her find hidden prey—but she prefers to be hand-fed figs.
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Getting around
In the movement cluster, Pacific spiny lumpsuckers (Eumictrotremus orbis) use a suction-cup-like structure to stick to underwater surfaces.
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Going to extremes
The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is a water conservation expert, remaining as inactive as possible during Iran's dry season. The brief rainy season prompts these amphibians to rush to the nearest stream to mate.
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Salty seas
Columns of ethereally drifting moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) reveal surprising ideas about how salinity affects movement.
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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.
Methuselah is the Academy's beloved Australian lungfish—and the oldest living fish in human care on Earth.
Get to know some of the more than 1,000 species on exhibit—or behind the scenes—at the Academy.
Find detailed educator guides that will help you link our exhibits to your curriculum.