Mexico's Secret Sea is devoted to the amazing array of sea life of the little-known Sea of Cortez.
More than 300 creatures representing some 60 species were featured in our first exhibit of tropical marine life.
Mexico's Secret Sea
November 1988
Our first special exhibition with live animal displays, Mexico's Secret Sea features tropical fishes from the Gulf of California. The exhibit recalls a 1940 scientific and collecting expedition conducted by John Steinbeck and Ed "Doc" Ricketts aboard the chartered vessel, the
Western Flyer. In 1989, it wins the first Excellence in Exhibition award presented by the National Association for Museum Exhibition, the highest exhibit award presented through the American Association of Museums.
Diversity
The Sea of Cortez, now known as the Gulf of California, is full of contrasts. Warm water in the south abounds with exotic tropical fishes. The northern gulf water turns colder in winter and is home to animals that prefer a more temperate climate—similar to that of Monterey Bay. Our collectors bring back seahorses, pufferfish, longnose butterflyfish, Moorish idols, fang-toothed moral eels, spiny lobsters, lacy sea fans and chocolate chip cookie stars for an exhibition full of colorful characters.
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