Hello!
I just got back home from being in Santa Barbara, and while I was there, I visited the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. There, I learned a lot about the
Channel Islands in California, and the wildlife that lives there.
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| Garibaldi Fish |
The Channel Islands are an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Southern California. The islands are an interesting mix of hot and cool currents and are located at the border of two tectonic plates. Thirty-five years ago, five of the Channel Islands were named National Marine Sanctuaries, in hopes of protecting the thousands of marine creatures that live there. A unique environment, the Channel Islands are home to over 100 species living only in that area. You can find all sizes of animals and plants there, ranging from huge whales to bioluminescent jellies to tiny plankton. One of the really fascinating fish I saw at the aquarium was the state fish of California- the Garibaldi. Native to the kelp forests around the Channel Islands, the Garibaldi lives nowhere else. This brightly colored fish is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a figure in Italian military and politics, whose followers, and supporters wore bright red and orange shirts.
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| Kelp and kelpfish |
One thing that I really enjoyed seeing - or rather, not seeing - was the camouflage. Many of the species can blend into the rocks, ocean or even the kelp! One fish- called the kelpfish - is the exact shape of a kelp leaf and can change colors to blend in perfectly. Some other fish were the exact color of the rocks and were totally hidden. Even the needlefish was easily mistaken for a piece of grass-like algae.
Something that the aquarium did that was really impressive was replicate the conditions of the kelp forests. Whether it was the water temperature or cloning the waves surging in their "Surge Tank", it was especially enjoyable to be able to see the fish in an environment so similar to their own.
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| Needlefish |
Finally, after hanging out with some jellyfish, nudibranchs, and even an octopus, it was time to leave. The aquarium was very educational, and the exhibit made me want to visit one of the eight islands, both above and below the water, on my next trip to Southern California!
The Channel Islands are an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of Southern California. The islands are an interesting mix of hot and cool currents and are located at the border of two tectonic plates. Thirty-five years ago, five of the Channel Islands were named National Marine Sanctuaries, in hopes of protecting the thousands of marine creatures that live there. A unique environment, the Channel Islands are home to over 100 species living only in that area. You can find all sizes of animals and plants there, ranging from huge whales to bioluminescent jellies to tiny plankton. One of the really fascinating fish I saw at the aquarium was the state fish of California- the Garibaldi. Native to the kelp forests around the Channel Islands, the Garibaldi lives nowhere else. This brightly colored fish is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a figure in Italian military and politics, whose followers, and supporters wore bright red and orange shirts.
This makes me want to visit Santa Barbara! I loved learning about the kelp fish. Great post! -Mrs. L.
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