A Groundbreaking Seadragon and Seahorse Experience
Next summer Birch Aquarium at Scripps is launching a new permanent exhibition that brings seadragon conservation to the forefront. The exhibition, which has yet to be named, will be home to Weedy and Leafy Seadragons, as well as several species of seahorses and pipefish.
The centerpiece of the exhibition will be one of the most expansive seadragon habitats in the world. The 18-foot-wide, 9-foot-tall exhibit will hold 5,375 gallons of water — thats 70 bathtubs! More than being a stunning display, the habitat has been designed to create the ideal environment to breed Leafy Seadragons, something that has never been done in captivity before.
Leafy Seadragons
Known for their ornate camouflage and leaf-like appendages, these captivating fish are native to the shallow, seaweed-filled seas of Southwestern Australia.
Weedy Seadragons
These seahorse cousins use their bright coloration and seaweed-like appendages to hide among the kelp-covered rocky reefs of temperate Australian waters.
Seahorses and Pipefish
Captivating seahorses and pipefish, from local waters to exotic locations, will also be featured. Don't miss the seahorse babies born right here at Birch Aquarium.
The Exhibition Will Include
An immersive experience introducing guests to the dynamic lives of seahorses and seadragons
Expanded nursery habitats featuring seahorse life stages, from pinhead-sized babies to fully grown adults
Camouflage play experience and hands-on activity area for young learners
Behind-the-scenes views into our state-of-the-art Seadragon Lab that allows guests to see our world-class Husbandry Team's work
And more to be announced!
Why Seadragons and Seahorses?
The husbandry of seadragons is increasingly vital due to the impacts of climate change, warming oceans, and illegal collection of wild populations, whose numbers are still widely unknown.
Birch Aquarium has been successfully rearing seahorses in captivity for nearly 25 years, making us a leader in the field. We hope this new exhibit will result in our first successful seadragon breeding.
Press Kit
Please reach out to Beth Chee, Director of Marketing, at bchee@ucsd.edu or 858-534-8555 to set up expert interviews.
Images/Video Press Release
Giving Opportunities
Contact Katarina Trojnar at ktrojnar@ucsd.edu to learn more about how you can help these amazing creatures and support our new exhibition.
Thank You To Our Generous Donors
This exhibition is made possible by generous donations from our community. Additional opportunities to support this groundbreaking exhibition are still available.
Thank you also to our donors who have supported our Seadragon Breeding Program since 2012.