Spend a night sitting on Southern California's sandy shore waiting for the “grunion run.” Grunion are small sardine-size fish of the silversides family, which are among the few species of fish that actually come ashore to lay their eggs on sandy beaches. They are found from Southern California south to Baja California and arrive at night after the high tide around the new moon and full moon. Cabrillo Beach is one of the better places to observe the fish.
Upcoming Grunion Runs
Grunion Fish-tival
During this special evening, you’ll be able to hatch grunion eggs, participate in grunion arts and crafts, watch a classic grunion video, touch tidepool animals and see the many fish and other marine animals in the Aquarium. After participating in fun grunion activities, everyone will head to the beach to observe these enchanting fish.
Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended. April, May and June are closed season, grunion may not be taken.
Meet the Grunion
Watch silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn! Learn about the interesting mating rituals and growth of this curious fish. The Aquarium opens at 9 pm followed by guided observation at the beach.
Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended. April, May and June are closed season, grunion may not be taken.
• Friday, April 7, 2023 • 9:00 PM - 11:55 PM
• Sunday, May 21, 2023 • 8:00 PM - 11:55 PM
• Monday, June 5, 2023, Monday, June 19, 2023 • 8:00 PM - 11:55 PM
At times the beach may look as if it is covered in a blanket of silver as the wriggling fish arrive to mate. The females burrow into the sand to lay eggs while the males wrap around them in order to fertilize the eggs. Then both males and females catch the next wave back out to sea. The fertilized eggs incubate for about nine days in the sand before the tumbling action of the waves from the next series of high tides cause them to hatch as they are carried back out to sea. To learn more about these fascinating creatures:
