Object and species identification

The Australian Museum holds extensive knowledge of Australasian animal life, geology, and cultural objects from Australia and the Pacific. Connect with our expertise through three pathways:

Identification Key - Utilize our interactive key to identify* your specimen.
Ask an Expert - Submit questions about your personal discoveries and receive insights from our museum specialists
Common Object Inquiries - Browse our database of frequently asked questions

The Australian Museum serves as an authoritative resource for understanding the natural and cultural heritage of our region. Connect with us today.

Identification Key
Use an interactive Key to identify* your specimen.

Ask an Expert
Need help identifying an object or specimen? Ask our experts a question using our online form.

Common Enquiries
Have we already answered your question? Check our common enquiries and see.

Identification Key

Do you have a question about an animal? Found a creature at home that you can't identify?

We've developed this prototype interactive Key to help streamline the identification process. Use the Key to identify* your specimen. Each step will guide you through important physical features - from body structure to distinctive elements. This prototype will help you identify the order of your specimen, not the species.

For further information once you have identified your specimen, click 'Learn more' or submit an enquiry.

*Disclaimer: This Key is intended as a general guide to assist with preliminary specimen identification. Variations within species, regional differences, and developmental stages may not be fully represented.

Still haven't found what you're looking for?

Submit a question to the Ask an expert team for a more detailed identification.