Georgia Aquarium Animals | All You Need to Know

Quick overview of Georgia Aquarium animals

Number of species: Over 500
Number of galleries: 8

Meet the residents

Sharks & Rays: 27 species, including the iconic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish species.
Reptiles: 15 species, such as alligators, snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises.
Mammals: 6 species, including the playful beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Invertebrates: 34 species, showcasing the intriguing world of jellyfish and octopuses.
Fish: 152 species, from tropical fish to deep-sea wonders.
Birds: 5 species, such as puffins and penguins.
Amphibians: Featuring poison dart frogs and wood frogs.

Let's dive deeper with the Georgia Aquarium animals

Georgia Aquarium is like an underwater paradise, home to thousands of fish in over 11 million gallons of water—about the same as 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Here are some of the most popular animal species to look out for at the aquarium:

Whale Shark

The whale shark is the largest fish in the sea. In fact, the largest ever whale shark measured at 61.7 feet (18.8 m) in length. They also migrate to find various different feeding grounds. However, they can take some time as they only move 3 miles per hour.

Size: Anywhere from 8 - 32.8 feet in length.
Diet: They primarily feed on Zooplankton, fish eggs, and sergestid shrimps. They also consume small fish, jellyfishes, and krill.
Habitat: They are found completely offshore in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.
Fun fact: They can live up to a whopping 150 years.

Manta Ray

Manta Rays or commonly known as the devil ray, are surprisingly gentle giants. Although they grow up to massive sizes and look extremely intimidating due to their fleshy horn-like appendages on either side of the mouth, they are filter feeders that consume plankton and small fishes. They, interestingly, swim in somersaults to move through a cluster of plankton.

Size: Manta Rays can grow up to 20 feet in length.
Diet: Manta Rays primarily feed on plankton and small fish.
Habitat: Manta Rays are usually found in Island groups, Reefs, and atolls in the Atlantic and the West Caribean Region.
Fun fact: The spots on their underbelly are like fingerprints and they can be individually identified.

Beluga Whale

Known as the "canaries of the sea" due to their wide range of vocalizations, beluga whales are highly social and intelligent marine mammals. Their distinctive white color and flexible necks make them one of the most recognizable whale species. They use echolocation to navigate icy Arctic waters and hunt prey.

Size: 13–20 feet long, weighing 2,000–3,500 pounds.
Diet: Eats fish, squid, and crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.
Habitat: Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, often near coastal areas and river estuaries.
Fun fact: Beluga whales can mimic human speech and have even been known to "talk" back to divers!

California Sea Lion

California Sea lions are commonly found in large groups and are known to be extremely social. They communicate using growls, barks, clicks, and honks. Their powerful flippers, sleek bodies, and vision help them effectively hunt a variety of prey. They have stiff thick whiskers around their muzzle, that help them detect vibrations & sounds.

Size: Adult California Sea Lions weigh 850 lbs and can get as tall as 7.8 feet.
Diet: Their diet consists of squid, anchovy, rockfish, whiting, and mackerel.
Habitat: Commonly found near shore in the Eastern Pacific region.
Fun fact: California sea lion males tend to live for at least 19 years, while females live up to 25 years.

African Penguins

These cute penguins are known to hunt exclusively on marine species. Most importantly, they venture out from the shore to hunt. Sometimes even as far as 9-10 miles. After giving birth, African Penguin parents will feed their child for almost 3 months.

Size: African Penguins are 18-25 inches in height and weigh 6 to 7 lbs.
Diet: They eat all kinds of Marine species. Most commonly, fish, crustaceans, squid, and polychaete (worms).
Habitat: African Penguins are found in Namibia and nearby 24 islands.
Fun fact: African penguins are monogamous and mate with the same partner till death.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphins are usually charcoal or slate grey in color. These animals are highly intelligent and social creatures. They are known to produce a wide range of vocalizations like squeaks, moans, whistles, and trills, which they use to hunt and communicate effectively.

Size: An adult Bottlenose Dolphin can weigh between 485 – 595 lbs. and can be 7.2 – 8.9 feet in length.
Diet: Dolphins do not chew. So, they usually eat only small fish, crustaceans, small rays, and sharks that they can swallow whole.
Habitat: They are commonly found in bays, inlets, rivers, marshes, tidal creeks, and along open ocean beaches throughout the Atlantic region.
Fun fact: They happen to be acrobats as they can flip (or “breach “) up to five meters out of the water!

American Alligator

American Alligators are quite different from their crocodile cousins. They have a broader snout and a top jaw that overlaps the lower jaw. American Alligators practice parental care. The females protect the hatchlings for up to a year.

Size: Adult male American alligators can reach up to 13-14.7 feet in length and females reach up to 9.8 feet. Their tail is about one-half the body length.
Diet: They consume almost all types of aquatic and terrestrial prey that come within their hunting range, be it small fish, reptiles like turtles, mammals, birds, and even smaller alligators.
Habitat: They are usually found in freshwater swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and even small bodies of water in Southeastern US states.
Fun fact: They are also known to consume fruit.

See Georgia Aquarium animals—live from anywhere!

Ever wondered what marine animals do when no one's watching? Georgia Aquarium’s live webcams let you check in on beluga whales, sharks, sea otters, and more, anytime. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break, a learning experience, or just some fun animal moments, these livestreams bring the underwater world right to your screen.

Ocean Voyager

Watch the aquarium’s largest exhibit, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish. See how these species navigate the massive habitat, interact with each other, and glide through the water.

Beluga Whales

Observe beluga whales as they communicate, swim, and explore their cold-water environment. Watch for social behaviors like playful interactions and belly rolls.

SHARKS! Predators of the Deep

Get an up-close view of powerful sharks, including sand tiger sharks and hammerheads, as they patrol their exhibit. Notice how they move, rest, and interact with their surroundings.

Jellies

See jellyfish drift and pulse through the water, moving with the currents in their specially designed habitat. Watch how their translucent bodies glow under changing lights.

Southern Sea Otters

Check in on sea otters as they dive, groom their fur, and play with floating enrichment toys. Watch them crack open shellfish and interact with their caretakers.

California Sea Lions

Watch California sea lions swim, bask, and engage in social behaviors. Listen closely—you might even hear them vocalizing with their distinctive barks.

Indo-Pacific Barrier Reef

Explore a vibrant reef ecosystem teeming with colorful fish and coral species. Notice how different species dart between corals, mimic their surroundings, and coexist in this bustling habitat.

African Penguins

See African penguins waddle, swim, and interact in their colony. Look for their social behaviors, like preening each other’s feathers and vocalizing.

Underwater Puffins

Watch puffins dive and swim beneath the surface, propelling themselves through the water using their wings. Catch their underwater movements and see how they fly in the air.

Frequently asked questions about Georgia Aquarium animals

What are some of the rare animals at Georgia Aquarium?

Some rare animals you can find inside the Georgia Aquarium include the Whale Shark, Beluga Whale, and Manta Ray. These species are part of the aquarium's unique and diverse collection.

What is the largest animal at Georgia Aquarium?

The Whale Shark is the largest animal at Georgia Aquarium. It can grow up to 61.7 feet in length, making it the largest fish in the sea.

How many species of dolphins are at Georgia Aquarium?

Georgia Aquarium primarily houses Bottlenose Dolphins. These intelligent and social creatures are known for their acrobatic abilities and wide range of vocalizations.

Are there any interactive experiences to see the animals up close?

The Georgia Aquarium offers experiences like Sea Lion, Dolphin, and Penguin encounters to get closer to the animals.

Are the animals at Georgia Aquarium native to Georgia?

Not all animals at Georgia Aquarium are native to Georgia. The aquarium features animals from various parts of the world, including the Arctic (Beluga Whales), the Pacific Ocean (Whale Sharks), and tropical regions (Jellyfish and Manta Rays).