Dive below the surface with a trip to Chicago’s own Shedd Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums! Explore the other-worldly beauty of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species who make their homes in waters around the world. See through the eyes of a stingray in the Caribbean Reef or wave to a dolphin below the oceanarium. You can explore the stunning diversity of aquatic life by visiting these must-see exhibits within Shedd Aquarium.
Caribbean Reef
As you enter the aquarium, a vast array of colorful marine species greets you. A giant circular tank in the center of the room contains a variety of corals, jellyfish, sharks, stingrays, and other fish. Walk around the entire circumference of the tank to grasp the enormous variance between the species which inhabit a Caribbean reef.
Abbott Oceanarium
This exhibit highlights the spectacular coastal ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. Giant tanks filled with energetic beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters create an interactive element as you may get splashed by a playful friend! Other parts of the exhibit feature relaxed sea lions and penguins waddling among rocks.
Underwater Beauty
Underwater Beauty is the aquarium’s newest exhibit. With over 100 species to observe, the display prompts its guests to ask, “What is beauty?” Gaze upon fish representing the colors of the rainbow or see how many different patterns you can find (the spotted lagoon jellyfish is a favorite). Not able to make it to the aquarium? Catch a live stream of the Underwater Beauty exhibit on the aquarium’s website.
Wild Reef
With over 400,000 gallons of water and 540 species, the Wild Reef tank is filled with color and motion everywhere you look. Sharks, stingrays, and eels peacefully wade through the vibrant waters. The largest public display of live corals in the Midwest, the Wild Reef exhibit also gives a peek into Shedd’s work in restoring coral reefs worldwide.
Amazon Rising
When the Amazon experiences flooding each year, the whole forest transforms into a new kind of ecosystem. Learn how tiger rays and catfish swim amongst the trees and how emerald tree boas track down their next meal. Explore the ever-changing world of anacondas, spiders, poisonous dart frogs, and crocodiles in the wild forests of the Amazon.
Waters of the World
The Waters of the World exhibit features the unique ecosystems of islands, rivers, the Great Lakes, and oceans. Discover the immense variety of aquatic life and the waters that sustain them. From alligators and turtles to seahorses and bass, in this exhibit, the fish native to the Great Lakes have just stepped away from an octopus native to the Pacific ocean.
Featured Image: Shedd Aquarium
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