Marine Habitat Gallery

Kelp Forest Tank

The Kelp Forest tank represents a distinct southern California marine habitat. This tank shows us what it looks like to swim at the edge of the kelp forest, where rocks become scarcer and sand more plentiful. Many of the animals in the tank can live their life deep within the kelp forest or at the very edge. Those animals at the edges can even camouflage in the sand.

Rocky Reef Tank

The Rocky Reef shows us what reefs in the cold California waters look like. They are similar to coral reefs but are made up of rocks instead of corals. They are just as important of a habitat as coral reefs and often serve as a nursery for many types of juvenile fish. 

Pier Piling Tank

Have you ever wondered what is under the pier? This tank will give you a good idea! Pier pilings, while man made, do create a habitat for lots of animals ranging from mussels, to crabs, to fish and rays. The fish can either hide amongst the mussels or lay on the sand under the pier among the rays. 

Animals in the Marine Habitat Gallery

Other animals…Bluebanded goby Lythrypnus dalli, Blacksmith Chromis punctipinnis

Horn Shark

Horn Shark

Heterodontus francisci: Horn sharks can be identified by the two horns that they have on each dorsal fin. Those horns are used for protection against predators. Horn sharks lay spiral shaped eggs that the mother pushes into the sand or in between rocks to camouflage. 

Strawberry Anemones

Strawberry Anemones

Corynactus californica: These are not actually sea anemones, but rather a species of soft coral! They are often found growing on rocks in large clusters. Strawberry anemones can reproduce by cloning themselves, which means that all anemones on a rock cluster are...

Garibaldi

Garibaldi

Hypsypops rubicundus: No other fish is more iconic to Southern California than the garibaldi. Whether you are snorkeling in the rocky reef off the Palos Verdes Peninsula or stepping on the dock at Catalina, these fish are plentiful. The garibaldi's bright orange color...

Sheephead

Sheephead

Semicossyphus pulcher: Sheephead have a very interesting life history. When they are first born, all Sheephead are female. As they get older, the largest female in the group will become male and control that group of females. The Sheephead we have in the tank is a...

Leopard Shark

Leopard Shark

Traikis semifasciata: Leopard sharks are one of the more common sharks in Southern California waters. They generally live in or just beyond the surf zone or even venture into mudflats to feed on clams, crabs, and worms. Leopard sharks can be seen during the summer in...

Roundhouse Aquarium Exhibits

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