The World's Oldest Aquarium Fish, Granddad, Has Died

Graddad the lungfish first came to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium in 1933 from the Taronga Aquarium in Sydney. He was the oldest living fish in captivity and will be dearly missed.

Christopher Marlowe
Created by Christopher Marlowe
On Feb 8, 2017
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Granddad the lungfish had been at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium for over 83 years, amusing and bemusing guests and basically acting like a log for almost a century when he was humanely euthanized on Sunday, January 5, 2017 after the aquarium found that he was experiencing multiple organ failures.

Granddad in 1982

Granddad was best known for his eating habits. Guests watched him "love his leafy greens" and enjoy "Earthworm Wednesdays," so when he stopped showing interest in food, the Aquarium knew something was very wrong.

Considered a "living fossil," lungfish have existed for over 380 million years, and they haven't really changed much in the last hundred million. Granddad helped educate visitors not just about fish but about the earth's history as well.

[Guests] would hear his story and learn about the incredible biology that makes his species a living fossil and one of the oldest living vertebrate genera on the planet.

Dr. Bridget Coughlin, Shedd Aquarium President and CEO

Fox News, February 7, 2017

americanroadmagazine.com

Lungfish are also unique because of their ability to breathe air, hence the name "lungfish." So, while Granddad spent most of his time relaxing, it was often on land, which bewildered guests.

For a fish who spent much of his time imitating a fallen log, he sparked curiosity, excitement and wonder among guests of all ages.

Dr. Bridget Coughlin

Fox News, February 7, 2017

i2.cdn.cnn.com

Rest in peace, Granddad. You will be greatly missed. Did you ever encounter Granddad? Talk to us about him in the comments below, and share his amazing story with your friends.

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