Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium

Welcome, marine biology scholars and curious minds, to the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium. Our geographic coordinates place us precisely at the terminus of the Manhattan Beach Pier, suspended directly over the rolling…

Our biological survey commences with a fascinating examination of advanced invertebrate intelligence. Housed in this specialized enclosure is the California two-spot octopus, affectionately referred to by the resident educators…

We now direct our attention to the hypnotic, undulating displays containing the moon jellies. These organisms belong to the phylum Cnidaria and provide a remarkable opportunity to study complex, multi-stage biological life cycles…

Moving laterally through the facility, we arrive at a comparative habitat display that juxtaposes a natural rocky reef with an artificial, human-engineered environment. This exhibit is crucial for understanding how marine…

Descending to the lower level of the Roundhouse, we encounter the highly interactive tide pool touch tank. This shallow, open-air enclosure simulates the harsh, dynamic environment of the intertidal zone—the rocky coastal margins…

We now stand before the largest aquatic enclosure in the facility: The Kelp Forest Tank. This towering vertical display attempts to capture a fraction of the majesty of the Macrocystis pyrifera—the giant Pacific kelp. …

Our final module of instruction at the Roundhouse shifts away from the macroscopic animals to the microscopic, chemical processes that sustain terrestrial life. The educators here utilize a highly effective, visceral…

As we exit the cool, dimly lit interior of the Roundhouse and step back out into the bright Southern California sun, we are armed with a renewed, academic appreciation for the Pacific Ocean. This facility, despite its modest…