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birchaquarium.bsky.social
Birch Aquarium
@birchaquarium.bsky.social
410 followers 17 following 260 posts
🐟 The o-fish-ial account of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
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birchaquarium.bsky.social
🌅 Sunset: 5:34 p.m.
🐟 Birch Aquarium: Open till 7 p.m.
🎉 Your Sunday evenings just got even better!

Birch After Hours kicks off tonight! That means every Sunday, we’re open until 7 p.m. with discounted admission, music and chill coastal vibes. It’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend!
A scenic view of a coastal sunset over La Jolla, CA. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the water. Scripps Pier extends into the ocean, surrounded by buildings and trees in the foreground. Silhouetted figures stand on a balcony, drinking beverages and gazing at a vibrant sunset over the ocean. A tree is visible on the left, and the sky transitions from orange at the horizon to deep blue above. A group of five people stand silhouetted against a vibrant sunset over the ocean. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, and the sun is partially visible near the horizon. Trees frame the scene on one side.
February 15, 2026 at 5:01 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
You’re unbe-reef-vable 🪸

Tag or share a #Valentine with your sole-mate
A small horn shark swims near a rocky surface in an aquarium. The background features aquatic plants, and the text "jaws the two of us" is creatively displayed with musical notes and hearts. At the bottom, "horn shark - birch aquarium at scripps" is noted. A bright yellow fish is in focus against a dark background. The text says, "tangs for the memories" with hearts around it. At the bottom, it reads, "yellow tang • Birch Aquarium at Scripps." A loggerhead sea turtle swims underwater against a blue backdrop. Text in a playful font says, "I like you more than I like turtles." In smaller text, it reads, "loggerhead sea turtle - Birch Aquarium at Scripps." Colorful hearts decorate the image. A wolf eel in an aquarium setting with the text "I r-eel-y like you" above. Hearts are drawn around the text. The bottom text reads "wolf eel - birch aquarium at scripps."
February 13, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Birch Aquarium
scrippsocean.bsky.social
🚀 Preparing for liftoff in T-minus 12 hours!

Jessica Meir, a #NASA astronaut and @ucsandiego.bsky.social / Scripps alumna, is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station at approx. 2:15 a.m. PT on Feb. 13. Watch the NASA livestream here: bit.ly/461RI2G
Jessica Meir near Scripps Pier
February 12, 2026 at 10:46 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Out of all the fish in the sea… you’re the one for me 😉

Tag or share a #Valentine with someone who makes your heart swim.
Close-up of a dwarf cuttlefish with the text "let's cuttle" above it. The background is a soft blue, and there are heart illustrations. The bottom text reads "dwarf cuttlefish • birch aquarium at scripps." A mountain yellow-legged frog is on a mossy surface with the text "Don't you frog-et about me" and small heart designs. Below, it reads "Birch Aquarium at Scripps." Image of Japanese spider crabs underwater, with text saying "be mine? crab-solutely" in playful fonts. Hearts are drawn near the text. At the bottom, "Japanese spider crab - Birch Aquarium at Scripps" is written. A colorful underwater scene features a brain coral surrounded by vibrant orange fish. Text on the image reads, "Beauty and brains." At the bottom, it says, "Brain coral - Birch Aquarium at Scripps." The background includes various shades of blue and green aquatic plants.
February 6, 2026 at 5:05 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Come “Chill” with Polar Scientists! Join us for our next Pop-Up Science event on Feb. 6, from 1-3 p.m.

Explore the fascinating world of polar science and meet @scrippsocean.bsky.social scientists conducting research in and about Antarctica.

aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/pop-s...
Pop-Up Science
Spend an afternoon exploring polar science and meet researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography conducting research in and about Antarctica.
aquarium.ucsd.edu
February 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🎉 Chick it out! 🐧 For the first time, a Little Blue Penguin chick was raised by its penguin parents on habitat in Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins at #BirchAquarium. This marks another exciting milestone in our ongoing penguin breeding program!

Full story: aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/fir...
Two adult Little Blue Penguins snuggle closely with their chick in a breeding nest box. A Penguin Care Team member at Birch Aquarium weighs a penguin chick during a brief health check before returning it to its parents. An adult Little Blue Penguin snuggles closely with its chick in a breeding nest box. A fluffy Little Blue Penguin chick is weighed during a routine checkup.
February 3, 2026 at 5:19 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🐟 Our version of “boy aquarium” 🐟

Still stuck at the cottage? We have a f-eel-ing a trip to #BirchAquarium might help 🐠 Send this to that special someone you’d want to visit the aquarium with 💙
January 29, 2026 at 11:33 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
📣 UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS 🎉 Birch Aquarium is thrilled to host a stop on this year’s Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour, in partnership with Nintendo of America — our stop takes place Feb. 16 to March 26, 2026!

Learn more details in the latest update below ⬇️

aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/ani...
Colorful illustration from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game showing characters on a sunny island beach during an aquarium-themed event. A wooden sign reads ‘Animal Crossing × Birch Aquarium – Aquarium Tour.’ Characters are fishing, exploring the shore, and swimming in the ocean, with buildings, palm trees and a lighthouse in the background.
January 28, 2026 at 6:16 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour is coming to Birch Aquarium! This exciting partnership with Nintendo of America takes place from February 16 to March 26, 2026.

Learn more about this exciting partnership at the link below ⬇️
Nintendo Events - Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour
The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game is expanding to a national level.
www.nintendo.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:03 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🐧 Ever seen a penguin lay an egg? This #PenguinAwarenessDay, enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes moment as one of our Little Blue Penguins lays an egg!

We’ll keep sharing updates throughout the breeding season, so be sure to check back for more penguin moments!
January 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🔎 It’s all in the details …

🪸 Coral
⭐ Sea Star
🧡 Ornate Boxfish
🍯 Honeycomb Moray Eel

From vibrant patterns to dazzling details, next time you visit #BirchAquarium, take a moment to notice the little things.
Close-up image of the "mouth" of a coral polyp, showcasing a radial pattern in bright green and purple colors. Close-up view of a sea star arm against a deep blue background, highlighting its textured surface and tube feet. A detailed close-up showing the vibrant orange and purple tail of an Ornate Boxfish. Close-up of a honeycomb moray eel, showing detailed patterns on its skin.
January 15, 2026 at 5:28 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🌊 Cool Lecture Alert 🎉 Join Dr. Octavio Aburto as he shares exciting insight on a new, holistic approach to ocean conservation, Marine Prosperity Areas!

🐠 Feb. 9 | 6:30–8 p.m.
🎟 Free for members | $12 public

https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/perspectives-lecture-series-february
Perspectives Lecture Series: February
Marine Prosperity Areas: A New Hope in Conservation
aquarium.ucsd.edu
January 13, 2026 at 10:01 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Tidepooling is an amazing way to explore the outdoors, but it’s important to do so responsibly to protect the incredible creatures that call these habitats home. Here are a few key tips for tidepooling with care. Take a moment to review, share and help spread the word! 💙
January 9, 2026 at 5:53 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🎉 New Year, New Nighttime Fun 🐟

🍹 Oceans at Night – 21+ event with drinks, music & ocean science. First event: Jan. 29. More dates coming soon!

🌅 Birch After Hours – All-ages evenings with discounted tickets, music & food. Every Sunday from 5  to 7 p.m. starting Feb. 16.
New Year, New Nighttime Offerings at Birch Aquarium
La Jolla, CA (Jan. 8, 2026) —As the New Year begins, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is inviting guests to experience the aquarium after dark in two exciting new ...
aquarium.ucsd.edu
January 8, 2026 at 5:24 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🧡 Stunning from every angle 🐟 Garibaldi stand out in the kelp forest thanks to their bright orange coloration, heart-shaped tails and territorial nature.
Front-facing view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background. Side view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background. Side view of a bright orange Garibaldi fish against a blue underwater background.
January 7, 2026 at 4:39 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Looking for the perfect place to pause and reflect as this New Year begins? Step into Meditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base, an immersive underwater escape inspired by the world’s only undersea research habitat. Blending meditation with marine science, experience a tranquil journey beneath the waves.
Person standing in an immersive digital aquarium exhibit, featuring vibrant images of fish and underwater scenery. Two people sitting in white chairs wearing headphones and experiencing a virtual reality simulation of an underwater scene. A person and a child watching a large projection of an underwater scene featuring a scuba diver exploring an underwater research station.
January 5, 2026 at 7:24 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
If Birch Aquarium isn’t on your New Year’s list, you’re doing it wrong 🐙
Start the year with a splash! Become a member and enjoy unlimited visits, exclusive discounts, special perks and more.

Become a member: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/membership

📸 @UCSanDiego photographer Erik Jepsen
A guest stands at the Giant Pacific Octopus habitat at Birch Aquarium, closely observing the octopus pressed against the glass, showing the impressive size of the animal. Guests photographing a Loggerhead Sea Turtle swimming in its habitat at Birch Aquarium. A child looks in awe at the vibrant Weedy Seadragon habitat at Birch Aquarium.
January 3, 2026 at 4:52 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🐡 Fish we think resemble the New Year’s Eve ball drop … a series 🪩

🎊 Porcupine Pufferfish
🎊 Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker
🎊 Longhorn Cowfish

Friendly reminder that #BirchAquarium will close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 and will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year's Day.
A vibrant Porcupine Pufferfish swimming in a dark blue aquatic environment. A small, Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker swimming in a dark aquatic environment. Close-up of a yellow Longhorn Cowfish against a dark background.
December 31, 2025 at 4:20 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🩵 From exciting new exhibitions and groundbreaking conservation efforts to countless moments of ocean joy, 2025 has been a truly landmark year for #BirchAquarium! 🎉

A look back at this year’s highlights below ⬇️
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/newsroom/living-seas-living-dreams-birch-aquariums-2025-story
December 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
But would you still love me if I was a #GardenEel?

Did you know Garden Eels live in sandy burrows they dig tail-first? They then coat the walls with mucus from their bodies, cementing the sand grains together to keep their homes from collapsing. Talk about nature’s tiny engineer at work!
A garden eel peeks out of its sandy burrow on the ocean floor.
December 29, 2025 at 6:29 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Happy Holi-rays! 🎁 Birch Aquarium is open today (Dec. 24) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas.
Close-up of the underside of a Round Ray swimming near a Pier Piling habitatat an aquarium.
December 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
Is it just us or is this basically the #HomeAlone poster … but with a pufferfish? 🐡
December 22, 2025 at 7:13 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
come sail away ⛵🐟

Named for their tall, elongated fins, the #SailfinTang glides through the reef like a ship in full sail. Those bold stripes aren’t just for looks … they help confuse predators as this speedy swimmer weaves through the colorful coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.
A vibrant Sailfin Tang with bold stripes and a bright yellow tail swims in a colorful coral reef.
December 19, 2025 at 5:28 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
The new Monopoly: San Diego Edition is o-fish-ally here and #BirchAquarium is featured on the board alongside some other iconic places!

Want to play? #Monopoly is now available in the aquarium's Gift Shop!
Person holding up a "Monopoly: San Diego Edition" game box in front of a scenic coastal backdrop. San Diego Edition Monopoly board game displayed among other some festive holiday decorations. A close-up of the Monopoly: San Diego Edition board, highlighting Birch Aquarium’s space.
December 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
birchaquarium.bsky.social
🦀 Join a Tidepooling Adventure with Birch Aquarium! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to tidepool responsibly, discover fascinating marine creatures and even contribute to community science through @inaturalist.bsky.social!

Book Now: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/tidepooling-adventure
December 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM