Animals
Whether they’re finned or scaled, deep-sea swimmers or treetop dwellers, each one of the thousands of animals at the National Aquarium has a unique story to tell.
Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
The nurse shark is light yellowish-brown to dark brown, and some have small dark spots.
Pacific Sea Nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens)
Learn about Pacific sea nettle, including their habitat, diet, range and population status, and where you can find them at the National Aquarium.
Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)
The shrimp’s own hard-shelled body is bursting with color—hues of bright red, green, orange and blue, and its forearms are covered in spots.
Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
Learn about percula clownfish, including their habitat, diet, range and population status, and where you can find them at the National Aquarium.
Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
The only freshwater turtle that has flippers like a sea turtle.
Porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix)
Porcupinefish range in color from olive to brown with a pale underside.
Razorbill (Alca torda)
Razorbills are closely related to the extinct great auk.
Roughtail Stingray (Dasyatis centroura)
Roughtail stingrays are named for the thorny plates, or tubercles, that run along the outer part of their body and base of their tail.
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
This shark is easily recognized by its pointed snout and mouthful of narrow, pointed teeth, which are always visible.