From Pea to Quarter-Sized: Warty Frogfish Baby Now Has a Visible Nursery Habitat at Shedd Aquarium
The tiny fish gained national attention as the first known warty frogfish to be reared in an aquarium
July 14, 2026
Photo by: Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
The one-of-a-kind baby warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus) hatched and reared at Shedd Aquarium is now on exhibit.
Domino, a name chosen by Shedd animal caretakers because of the spotted pattern on the fish’s tail fin, recently moved from behind the scenes to a small nursery habitat in the Plankton Revealed exhibit. Guests now can come eye-to-eye with a tiny, unique animal that represents a historic moment for the aquarium. Less than a year ago, Shedd became the first known aquarium to successfully rear the species.
Video and photos of Domino shared by the aquarium quickly gained national attention due to the fish’s unusual appearance and remarkably small size. For one family from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the warty frogfish is particularly special, sharing the same uncommon name as their seven-year-old son Domino. During the family’s visit to Shedd, staff welcomed them behind the scenes for a personal meet-and-greet with the baby warty frogfish. The family dubbed the event “The Domino Summit” and donned their own custom t-shirts for the occasion.
“Moments like these reflect the heart of Shedd’s mission, bringing people closer to nature and helping them form personal connections that will last a lifetime. Now, we hope everyone can have this experience at the aquarium as you lean in and look for this yellow, red-spotted itty-bitty fish.”
Jenny Richards, senior aquarist
In Plankton Revealed, between the Oceans and Great Lakes galleries, guests may have to look closely to spot Domino. The fish is only the size of a quarter and is often hiding, mostly motionless, around the algae or rocks in their habitat.
Early in life, warty frogfish larvae go through several complex stages that each require precise conditions and a specific diet. Shedd Aquarium has a robust live foods program that grows in-house zooplankton, brine shrimp and algae, providing a constant and sustainable food source to care for a variety of marine fishes. In the bilingual Plankton Revealed display, guests have the opportunity to see this work up close, gaining appreciation for plankton and understanding the impact. Plus, visitors can peek in at a nursery for young animals – including the warty frogfish – who depend on this microscopic plankton to acquire energy and nutrition to grow in the early larval stages of development.
Guests visiting the aquarium can also spot adult warty frogfish in the Wild Reef exhibit. Much like Domino (but not quite as small), the adult fish are covered in wart-like bumps and have a small, modified fin on their head, which they use to lure in prey before striking.
VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e71658f5f6770aea16d&C=50
Photo/Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Name on folders