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.
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.
Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
These sharks have a large first dorsal fin, large pectoral fins and a mid-dorsal ridge.
Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)
The ibis gets its bright pink color from pigments in its food.
Sea Stars (Asteroidea)
Sea stars are mostly carnivorous and prey on mollusks.
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
Arowana feed on fish found close to the surface.
South American Yellow-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulata)
These tortoises can live for more than 50 years.
Spiny-Tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus)
This animal uses its tail to wedge itself into tight crevices.
Spotfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ocellatus)
The black bar across this fish's eye confuses predators.