15 Instagrams From The Shedd Aquarium You Need To See
The Shedd Aquarium opened to the public in Chicago in 1930. Since the opening of the Shedd Aquarium it has grown to house over 32,000 animals from over 1,500 different species. With over 2,000,000 visitors a year the Shedd Aquarium is always educating and inspiring. Visitors have taken to social media to share their experience of coming face-to-face with marine animals. While we can’t show you all 1,500 species who call the Shedd Aquarium home, we can show you 15 photos of 15 difference species that guests have experienced.
1. Sea Anemones
These invertebrates can be found in coral reefs around the world, they thrive in warm and cold waters. Guests who visit accredited aquariums are learning about Rising Tide Conservation that is trying to end the sale of wild coral species like sea anemones.
2. Sea Snakes
Sea snakes are found in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. While they might look like eels, sea snakes breath air and have a paddle shaped tails. A number of sea snake species are considered to be endangered or threatened with extinction.
3. Sharks
Sharks can be found in every ocean around the world, and while they received a bad rap as man killers after movies like Jaws in the 1970’s, today sharks are in need of our help. With shark populations crashing, people who come face-to-face with them learn to not fear them. Instead, they learn ways they can help save various shark species from extinction.
4. Eels
Krabbe 0 – Steinbit 1. #wolffish #aquarium #grumpyfish #crab #sheddaquarium #fishbattle A photo posted by David (@monkeytorpedo) on
Eels are elongated fish that can be as small as a few inches or as long as 13 feet. Found in every ocean, eels are an important part of marine ecosystems.
5. Puffer Fish
There are over 120 different species of puffer fish in the ocean. These fish are known for being able to expand quickly to avoid being eaten as prey. These fish are normally found in tropical areas and are susceptible to environmental changes like coral bleaching, pollution and climate change.
6. Jellyfish
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago! #sheddaquarium #fish #water #jellyfish #dark #black #colorful #wavy #afternoon #ocean #winter #museum #chicago #city #cheers A photo posted by Noah Keating (@crazy_pilot21) on
Jellyfish have been roaming the oceans for over 500,000,000 years. They can be as small as 1 millimeter to as large as over 6 feet in diameter. Jellyfish have inspired and baffled researches for decades.
7. Starfish
There are 1,500 different starfish species on seabeds around the world. As a keystone species, starfish are essential to a healthy marine environment. The oldest recorded starfish was 34 years old when it died. Starfish are susceptible to climate change, ocean acidification and pollution.
8. Lionfish
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Lion fish are beautiful and appear delicate, but are venomous to the touch. With a natural range on coral reefs between the India and the Pacific Oceans, these fish have become the poster child for invasive species along the Florida coast and in the Caribbean. At aquariums, guests learn about this invasive species and what they can do to help protect the coral reefs along the US coastline.
9. Coral
While coral might look like a rock, or just a feature in the back of a habitat, it is a living species that is in desperate need of your help. Coral is incredibly delicate and provides a home to countless species. Around the world coral reefs are dying due to ocean acidification, climate change and pollution. Aquariums like the Shedd Aquarium is doing crucial research that is essential to helping save and protect the coral that is left in our oceans.
10. Japanese Spider Crabs
A Japanese spider crab. #crab #underwater A photo posted by Jon Ferrera (@jferrera87) on
The Japanese spider crab is the largest crab species. With a leg span of up to 12 feet, this crab is something exciting for visitors to come face-to-face with at the Shedd Aquarium. Found in waters around Japan. Over the past few years, populations have diminished but the Japanese government is working hard to preserve and conserve this species.
11. Leafy Sea Dragon
Leafy sea dragons are only found along the southwestern edge of Australia. With stunning natural camouflage, the leafy sea dragon looks like a floating piece of seaweed to the untrained eye. Today, they are a near-threatened species and are facing threats from pollution and industrial run-off in Australia.
12. Frogfish
Frogfish…words cannot describe. @shedd_aquarium #sheddaquarium #fish #ocean #Chicago A photo posted by Matthew (@matting1027) on
Frogfish are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. All frog fish use camouflage to evade predators and some species can even change their color. When frogfish spawn, they lay over 180,000 eggs.
13. Pacific White Sided Dolphins
Pacific white sided dolphins are called the acrobats of the sea by mariners who love to watch their incredible breaching and jumping. The pacific white sided dolphin is found across the pacific ocean from California to China. Guests to the Shedd Aquarium can see these incredible animals to learn more about them and to witness their incredible natural behaviors.
14. Beluga Whales
Good Morning! A photo posted by Nicholas Kaiser (@nicholasjkaiser) on
The beluga whale, lovingly nicknamed the Sea Canary is found in the arctic regions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. With beautiful fatty white bodies beluga whales are amazing animals that are helping to educate visitors about climate change’s effect on the the arctic and how invasive species, disease, pollution and boat traffic are now impacting this incredible species.
15. Trainers Who Dedicate Their Lives To Animals
The talented staff at the Shedd Aquarium provide world-class care to the 32,000 animals in their care 365 days a year. Chicago is known for it’s weather, and whether it is a 100 degree summer day or a day where it is below freezing and there are 3 feet of snow on the ground, the dedicated team at the Shedd Aquarium show up everyday ready to inspire guests who want to connect with our natural world.
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