Shedd Aquarium raises first warty frogfish in captivity

Shedd Aquarium raises first warty frogfish in captivity

Nestled within the vibrant Wild Reef exhibit on the lower level of Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, a small tank houses two warty frogfish, a species native to the Indo-Pacific waters. Each frogfish, approximately the size of a tennis ball, showcases a yellow exterior accented with red spots, and is adorned with wart-like protrusions that lend to its distinctive name.

Jenny Richards, a senior aquarist at Shedd, affectionately describes them as "comically round."
"I definitely think they look cute," she notes.

While they may appear endearing, these fish are also formidable hunters. The warty frogfish is an ambush predator, utilizing a part of its dorsal fin that mimics a small shrimp to attract unsuspecting prey.

Last year, the female in the aquarium began exhibiting signs of bloating, and in September, she released tens of thousands of translucent eggs that were subsequently fertilized by the male.
Richards explains, "Our wild reef aquarists noticed that this was happening in the habitat, and they quickly removed the eggs to the back for us to attempt to raise." Their efforts culminated in the successful rearing of a single warty frogfish, now a juvenile known as Domino, from that initial batch of eggs.

Although warty frogfish are not considered endangered in their natural habitat, they are threatened by factors such as climate change, habitat degradation, and collection by traders. According to Richards, the successful raising of Domino may yield valuable insights for the cultivation of marine species in the future, particularly in light of shifting oceanic conditions.

Tenderly caring for hundreds of larvae

In preparation for this endeavor, the Shedd Aquarium team leveraged their prior experience of raising various fish species; however, each species exhibits unique requirements that necessitate mimicking their natural open-ocean habitats within a smaller tank environment.

"Marine fish larvae are incredibly fragile," Richards articulates. "They possess completely different behaviors compared to the adults and typically drift amidst zooplankton in the open ocean. It is crucial that we provide the appropriate lighting, flow conditions, temperature, and diet tailored to their needs."

The team approached the warty frogfish eggs with patience. Within days, thousands of minuscule larvae emerged, resembling tiny tadpoles. The aquarium staff meticulously monitored the larvae, continually adjusting tank conditions to support their health and development.

After thorough care, out of roughly 500 larvae, only one — Domino — successfully transitioned into a juvenile by day 90. Domino bears a striking resemblance to a small, vibrant yellow adult frogfish, complete with its own miniature lure, earning it the affectionate nickname of a "little fishy Pokémon."

A long road to a fishy future

The Shedd Aquarium joins institutions such as the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida in their efforts to rear new marine species. This collaborative work highlights the critical role of their research in adapting to environmental changes and preserving marine biodiversity.