The Monterey Bay Aquarium is amazing. Yesterday, I was able to go with a few members of the California State University, Sacramento Field Biology Group. If you live in California it is a must see. If you are visiting California it is a must see. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a diverse variety of marine creatures. They are well known for their otter, tuna, jellyfish, and seahorse exhibits. They’ve also had juvenile Great White Sharks in their exhibits. Sadly, on this trip they didn’t have one on display.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has some amazing displays that feature fish involved in the cannery history of the region. Some of these are anchovies and sardines.
Anchovy in a school
Anchovy stretching its large mouth which is used to filter feed plankton
Sardine School
The open sea exhibit is fascinating with lots of large fish. These include Bluefin Tuna, Turtles, Sharks, and Mola mola ocean sunfish.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Green Sea Turtle
Mahi mahi, also known as Dolphin Fish or Dorado
Mola mola, better known as the Ocean Sunfish. Easily a candidate for coolest fish on the planet.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a fantastic collection of Seahorses and Pipefish.
Pacific Seahorse
Pipefish
Dwarf Seahorse
Seahorse
Weedy Sea Dragon
Perhaps my favorite fish in the Seahorse exhibits are the elegant Leafy Sea Dragons.
Leafy Sea Dragon
Leafy Sea Dragon
A group of Leafy Sea Dragons
Leafy Sea Dragons
The Jellyfish display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is spectacular with some crazy looking jellyfish.
Lions Mane Jellyfish
Sea Nettle
Jellyfish
Otters always look like they are having fun.
This adult otter was being annoyed by a pup who wanted to play
Penguin
Here are some of the other critters from the trip.
Anthius
Batfish hiding along the substrate
A couple of tiny Yellow Coral Gobies lounging on their coral
Feeding time in one of the tanks.
Surf Perch
Surf Perch. They are cool. Females give live birth to their young after a gestation period of around 5 months.
Not sure what this fish is but it is pretty
Sanddab hiding. Can you find him.
Rainbow Surf Perch
Pyramid Butterfly Fish
Leopard Shark
Goatfish
Flat Fish
Damselfish
Cownose Ray
Convict Tang
Copper Banded Butterfly Fish and Shrimp
Next time you are in California, take some time to visit the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium.
