Shedd Aquarium is home to well-known residents like beluga whales, Southern rockhopper penguins and Pacific white-sided dolphins. To most of us, their names are recognizable and typical. Yet, there are plenty of residents at Shedd with names that are, admittedly, a bit weird.
Most times, their names originate from appearance, behavior and personification. Standouts like the spotted unicorn tang, cabbage coral and the bat star are only a few examples where imaginations ran wild in the name department. However odd their names might be, these residents are extremely diverse and play important roles in their ecosystems.
Spotted Unicorn Tang
Found in coral reefs and rocky shores in the Indian and central Pacific Oceans, spotted unicorn tangs (Naso brevirostris) get their name from the elongated, unicorn-like horn on their heads. These peculiar horns grow as the fish ages, starting as a tiny lump when born and reaching its full length in adulthood. The spotted unicorn tang also has a bump near their tail that conceals a “blade” that they use to protect themselves from predators or a rival tang. See these not-so-mythical animals in Wild Reef!
Sexy Dancer Shrimp
Living up to their attention-grabbing name, sexy dancer shrimp (Thor amboinensis) are most well known for their signature moves to ward off predators. Holding their abdomen in their air and swaying side to side, these tiny sexy dancer shrimp make themselves appear bigger. They can also move at speeds of 8 inches per second, quickly jumping between the anemones they live in! In these anemones, they also eat the plankton and mucus that accumulates on the anemones’ tentacles. To see sexy dancer shrimp in action, visit Wild Reef!
Cabbage Coral
Meteor Shower Coral
Cabbage Coral and Meteor Shower Coral
Many diverse types of coral live at Shedd. Two unmistakable species are the cabbage coral (Merulina ampliata) and meteor shower coral (Cyphastrea sp.). Cabbage coral gets its name from appearing like a supple cabbage leaf, although a hard plate-like skeleton lies underneath its soft tissue! Native to the Indo-Pacific and areas in the Red Sea, this coral lives near the shore in shallow waters and can survive in highly turbid waters. Meteor shower coral is easily recognized for its splashy color and round polyps. It can be spotted in Wild Reef with red polyps and a bright yellow and teal base.
Coral and coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems; they support 25% of ocean life. These reefs help promote biodiversity and protect coastlines from storms and erosion. However, the survival of these coral reefs is hindered by our warming waters and the increasing amount of water pollution. To combat this, Shedd is part of an international research team delving into ways to boost coral thermal tolerance, accelerate adapted processes and restore reefs with climate-resistant corals.
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
Named for its shape and not its colorful spots, the pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) can be found in our own backyard, the Great Lakes! In their freshwater lake and river habitats, you can spot these pumpkinseed sunfishes in shallow waters at Chicago boat harbors south of Shedd. To lay their eggs, these fish build circular nests in the sand, meticulously cleaned of algae and guarded by a protective male. These sunfishes can grow from about 3.5 inches to over a foot long on a diet of other small fishes, fish eggs and snails.
Under the South Branch Initiative, artificial floating wetlands were built to provide shelter and food for fishes, like the pumpkinseed sunfish, while improving water quality in the Chicago River. Research Biologist Austin Happel, Ph.D., analyzes the effects of this restoration work and how it impacts fish behavior. Happel’s findings can help encourage and influence future conservation efforts and policies.
Bat Star
If you’re ever on a West coast beach, look among the rubble and sandy tide pools and you may see bat stars (Patiria miniata). With thick webbing between their arms, their limbs could appear like bat wings. The seafloor is the hunting ground of bat stars; they eat algae, animals and plants that live on the ocean bottom. Their algae feeding behavior helps keep their habitat clean! Get up close and feel the texture of a bat star in Sea Star Touch within Polar Play Zone.
Splitfin Flashlightfish
The splitfin flashlightfish (Anomalops katoptron) is a nocturnal species found in steep drop-offs around caves in the Pacific Ocean. As a nocturnal species, they are active at night and rest during the day. Flashlight fish are also bioluminescent; they have an organ under each eye that emits a bluish light. They are also able to open and close this glowing membrane, like an eyelid, for the purpose of confusing potential prey. To see their glow, visit Wild Reef and head for their unmistakable dark habitat.
At Shedd Aquarium, a diverse array of residents spans a wide spectrum of names. While some species have unconventional names, each plays a significant role in its ecosystem. Shedd acknowledges their importance and encourages visitors to do the same.