Visitors to the Manhattan Beach Pier now have a rare opportunity to observe four juvenile giant Pacific seahorses up close, following their official unveiling at the Roundhouse Aquarium this week.

The young male seahorses (Hippocampus ingens) arrived earlier this month through a collaborative partnership with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. After a two-week acclimation period behind the scenes, during which husbandry staff carefully monitored water quality, feeding behavior, and stress indicators, the seahorses have been introduced to their new public exhibit.

Giant Pacific seahorses rank among the largest seahorse species in the world, distinguished by their curled tails, expressive movements, and vital role in kelp forest ecosystems. The new exhibit provides visitors with an intimate view of their biology and behavior, including their unusual reproductive strategy and specialized anatomy.

The transfer was made possible through support from The Windsong Trust, whose funding enables the Roundhouse Aquarium to expand its living collection and enhance marine science education across the Greater Los Angeles region.

Roundhouse Aquarium educators plan to incorporate the seahorses into field trips, summer programs, and conservation messaging throughout the coming year. The aquarium, operated by Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc., serves more than 15,000 students annually and welcomes visitors of all ages to explore Southern California's coastal ecosystems.