Texas State Aquarium: Home to the World's Largest Collection of Goliath Groupers

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi holds the distinction of housing the world's largest collection of goliath groupers (Epinephelus itajara)—and it's also the largest aquarium in Texas.

The Goliath Grouper Exhibit

• Signature habitat: The 1.5-million-gallon Caribbean Sea exhibit (formerly "Islands of Steel") replicates a Gulf of Mexico oil platform ecosystem.
• Residents: Multiple goliath groupers—some exceeding 400 lbs (180 kg) and 6+ feet (1.8 m) long—alongside nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks, tarpon, barracuda, and reef fish.
• Conservation role: Goliath groupers are critically endangered (IUCN) and protected in U.S. waters since 1990. The aquarium participates in research, education, and advocacy for their recovery.

Beyond the Groupers

• H-E-B Caribbean Sea: 400,000-gallon shark habitat with underwater tunnel
• Dolphin Bay: Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (presentations, not swim-with)
• Otters, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, coral reef exhibits
• Wildlife Rescue Center: Rehabilitation for sea turtles, raptors, marine mammals

Visit Info

• Location: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
• Hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM (extended summer); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas
• Tickets: Buy online for timed entry; discounts for seniors, military, children
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; sensory bags available

The Texas State Aquarium isn't just the biggest in the state—it's a Gulf Coast conservation anchor where the "giant of the reef" gets a second chance to inspire.