What species are featured on the Birch Aquarium Seadragons Live Webcam?

The stream showcases leafy and weedy seadragons—two rare relatives of seahorses known for their ornate fins and delicate camouflage.

Where is the Birch Aquarium Seadragons exhibit located?

It’s part of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

What makes seadragons different from seahorses?

Unlike seahorses, seadragons have long, leaf-like appendages for camouflage and lack a prehensile tail, gliding gracefully through the water.

When is the best time to watch the seadragons?

Seadragons are active throughout the day, often seen floating among kelp and coral, with their colors best visible in the exhibit’s bright lighting.

Are these seadragons part of a conservation effort?

Yes, Birch Aquarium participates in seadragon breeding and research programs aimed at protecting these vulnerable species.

Do seadragons change color?

They can subtly shift shades to blend into their surroundings, a helpful adaptation for hiding among seaweed and kelp.

Where do seadragons live in the wild?

They inhabit the cool coastal waters of southern and western Australia, where seagrass meadows provide ideal cover.

How do male seadragons care for their young?

Males carry eggs under their tails until they hatch, a distinctive form of parental care shared with their seahorse cousins.

Why are seadragons considered difficult to keep in aquariums?

They require stable, pristine water conditions, gentle flow, and specialized diets of tiny crustaceans.

What do seadragons eat?

They feed on small shrimp-like creatures such as mysids, sucking them up with their long, tube-shaped snouts.

How can you tell the difference between leafy and weedy seadragons?

Leafy seadragons have elaborate leaf-like fins, while weedy seadragons have fewer, more spindly appendages.

How big do seadragons grow?

Adult leafy seadragons can reach about 12–14 inches long, while weedy seadragons can grow slightly larger.

Are seadragons endangered?

Both species are listed as “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss and pollution, making conservation breeding vital.

Do seadragons have predators?

Their main defense is camouflage, but larger fish may prey on them if they’re spotted.

How long do seadragons live?

In aquariums, they can live for 5 to 10 years under ideal conditions.

What’s special about the Birch Aquarium exhibit design?

It recreates the temperate Australian coastline with kelp, sand, and gentle currents for a natural environment.

What role does Scripps Institution of Oceanography play in marine conservation?

Scripps leads global research in ocean science, climate studies, and species protection, partnering with Birch Aquarium for education and outreach.

Is this the only seadragon cam available to the public?

Birch Aquarium’s stream is one of the few worldwide offering live views of both leafy and weedy seadragons.

What’s the difference between male and female seadragons?

Males have a smoother underside for carrying eggs, while females are usually rounder in the body.

Do seadragons swim alone or in groups?

They’re typically solitary but may be seen drifting near one another during breeding season.

Why are seadragons so well-camouflaged?

Their leafy fins mimic floating seaweed, allowing them to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

Can you visit the seadragon exhibit in person?

Yes, visitors to Birch Aquarium can view the live exhibit and learn more about the aquarium’s research efforts.

How does Birch Aquarium support ocean education?

It offers programs, exhibits, and live cams to inspire conservation and connect people to marine life.

Are there other live cams at Birch Aquarium?

Yes, HDOnTap also streams views of coral reefs, tide pools, and ocean overlooks from the same facility.

Can I save the seadragon cam as a favorite on HDOnTap?

Yes—HDOnTap users can create a free account to bookmark streams and receive updates on their favorites.

Birch Aquarium Seadragons Live Webcam

Animals Aquarium California Endangered Species Fish La Jolla Marine Life

LIVE

About the Birch Aquarium Seadragons Live Cam

Enjoy a live look inside the Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit at Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla, California. This PTZ camera moves between preset views, bringing you close to leafy and weedy seadragons, along with seahorses and pipefish. The stream also features TimeLapse for a quick view of daily activity and subtle changes in the habitat.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. The aquarium has played a leading role in seadragon conservation and breeding. In early 2020 the team successfully hatched rare weedy seadragons after a careful incubation period. The Seadragon Propagation Program, created with Scripps scientists in 2021, continues to advance husbandry, education and awareness. Learn more at Birch Aquarium.

Weather

La Jolla enjoys a mild coastal climate year round. Winters are cool with average highs in the 60s F and lows in the 50s. Spring brings sunny days and occasional marine layer known as May Gray and June Gloom. Summers are warm with average highs in the 70s, and ocean temperatures generally in the 60s. Fall is clear and pleasant, often with the best visibility for coastal views before sunset.

History

Birch Aquarium serves as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a pioneer in marine science for more than a century. The Seadragons and Seahorses exhibit showcases one of the largest seadragon habitats outside Australia. In 2020 the aquarium hatched weedy seadragons, a milestone that highlighted decades of expertise in caring for Syngnathid species. Ongoing work with the Seadragon Propagation Program supports research, captive breeding and public education to help relieve pressure on wild populations.

Activities

Explore Birch Aquarium galleries, including tide pool plazas, kelp forest displays and local Pacific habitats.
Walk the UC San Diego campus and Scripps Pier overlook for classic coastal scenery.
Visit La Jolla Shores for beach walks, kayaking and snorkeling. In summer, look for harmless leopard sharks near the shallows.
Head to La Jolla Cove for sea lion viewing and calm water swimming when conditions allow.
Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for ocean vistas and coastal sage scrub trails.

Interesting Facts

Seadragons and seahorses belong to the family Syngnathidae. Males carry the eggs during reproduction.
Male seadragons carry eggs on a brood patch under the tail. Male seahorses carry eggs inside a pouch.
There are three known seadragon species, leafy, weedy and ruby. Leafy seadragons have elaborate leaf like fins for camouflage.
Seadragons feed by creating suction through long, narrow snouts to capture tiny crustaceans.
The exhibit lighting and aquascape are designed to show natural colors and gentle movement, which you can see as the PTZ camera shifts between presets.

When To Watch

Feeding times are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 2 and 3 pm PST.
Use TimeLapse to scan a full day of subtle behavior in seconds.
For crisp views, watch early morning or later evening when reflections on the glass are lower.
Outside the aquarium, La Jolla coastal seasons bring gray whale migration in winter and spring, peak beach days in summer and excellent tide pooling during winter low tides.

Last Updated: October 17, 2025

Partners

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

We’re proud to partner with Birch Aquarium at Scripps, a world-class ocean discovery center located in La Jolla, California. As the public outreach arm of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium invites visitors on immersive journeys through vibrant marine ecosystems from California’s coastal waters to tropical reefs while highlighting critical research, conservation, and climate actions. Through its dynamic exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, educational programs, and live animal interactions, Birch Aquarium inspires ocean stewardship and public understanding of marine science.

2012 - The Seadragon Breeding Program Began
February 2020 - The First Seadragon eggs were hatched
September 2020 - Live Cam for the Seadragons Exhibit went live
February 2021 - The One Year Old Weedy Seadragons were added to the exhibit

Frequently Asked Questions

What species are featured on the Birch Aquarium Seadragons Live Webcam?: The stream showcases leafy and weedy seadragons—two rare relatives of seahorses known for their ornate fins and delicate camouflage.
Where is the Birch Aquarium Seadragons exhibit located?: It’s part of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
What makes seadragons different from seahorses?: Unlike seahorses, seadragons have long, leaf-like appendages for camouflage and lack a prehensile tail, gliding gracefully through the water.
When is the best time to watch the seadragons?: Seadragons are active throughout the day, often seen floating among kelp and coral, with their colors best visible in the exhibit’s bright lighting.
Are these seadragons part of a conservation effort?: Yes, Birch Aquarium participates in seadragon breeding and research programs aimed at protecting these vulnerable species.
Do seadragons change color?: They can subtly shift shades to blend into their surroundings, a helpful adaptation for hiding among seaweed and kelp.
Where do seadragons live in the wild?: They inhabit the cool coastal waters of southern and western Australia, where seagrass meadows provide ideal cover.
How do male seadragons care for their young?: Males carry eggs under their tails until they hatch, a distinctive form of parental care shared with their seahorse cousins.
Why are seadragons considered difficult to keep in aquariums?: They require stable, pristine water conditions, gentle flow, and specialized diets of tiny crustaceans.
What do seadragons eat?: They feed on small shrimp-like creatures such as mysids, sucking them up with their long, tube-shaped snouts.
How can you tell the difference between leafy and weedy seadragons?: Leafy seadragons have elaborate leaf-like fins, while weedy seadragons have fewer, more spindly appendages.
How big do seadragons grow?: Adult leafy seadragons can reach about 12–14 inches long, while weedy seadragons can grow slightly larger.
Are seadragons endangered?: Both species are listed as “Near Threatened” due to habitat loss and pollution, making conservation breeding vital.
Do seadragons have predators?: Their main defense is camouflage, but larger fish may prey on them if they’re spotted.
How long do seadragons live?: In aquariums, they can live for 5 to 10 years under ideal conditions.
What’s special about the Birch Aquarium exhibit design?: It recreates the temperate Australian coastline with kelp, sand, and gentle currents for a natural environment.
What role does Scripps Institution of Oceanography play in marine conservation?: Scripps leads global research in ocean science, climate studies, and species protection, partnering with Birch Aquarium for education and outreach.
Is this the only seadragon cam available to the public?: Birch Aquarium’s stream is one of the few worldwide offering live views of both leafy and weedy seadragons.
What’s the difference between male and female seadragons?: Males have a smoother underside for carrying eggs, while females are usually rounder in the body.
Do seadragons swim alone or in groups?: They’re typically solitary but may be seen drifting near one another during breeding season.
Why are seadragons so well-camouflaged?: Their leafy fins mimic floating seaweed, allowing them to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.
Can you visit the seadragon exhibit in person?: Yes, visitors to Birch Aquarium can view the live exhibit and learn more about the aquarium’s research efforts.
How does Birch Aquarium support ocean education?: It offers programs, exhibits, and live cams to inspire conservation and connect people to marine life.
Are there other live cams at Birch Aquarium?: Yes, HDOnTap also streams views of coral reefs, tide pools, and ocean overlooks from the same facility.
Can I save the seadragon cam as a favorite on HDOnTap?: Yes—HDOnTap users can create a free account to bookmark streams and receive updates on their favorites.

Birch Aquarium Seadragons Live Webcam Time-Lapse View

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