Caribbean Reef

Dive into the depths of the tropics at Shedd Aquarium’s 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef, one of Shedd’s most popular exhibits. Check out the more than 70 species of animals that inhabit this reef, including butterflyfishes, stingrays and sharks. A unique reef within a reef allows several species of fishes to peacefully cohabit this reef environment — without little fishes becoming a big fish’s lunch! See colorful artificial corals and sponges, incredible animals and exciting interactive features that teach guests about the 200 individual inhabitants of the reef.

A ring of identification panels enables guests to identify pufferfish, tarpon, stingrays, lobsters, parrotfish, lookdowns, royal grammas and more incredible critters. Search out the elusive moray eel, with its long, green slimy body, bulging eyes and sharp teeth. This creature hides in the crevices of coral reef communities. Take a peek at the bonnethead sharks, which are one of 12 species of hammerhead sharks.

Five times daily, a diver plunges into the exhibit to hand-feed the diverse collection of animals and talk to guests through an underwater microphone about the different species and the fragile environment they inhabit. Video monitors and a high-tech sound system outside the reef allow every guest to see and hear the diver during these popular presentations.

Need a closer look? Underwater cameras allow guests to roam the reef and see the animals up close. Behind the scenes, the latest technology in life-support systems provides the reef residents with the best possible environment and gives guests a crystal-clear window into the underwater world of a Caribbean coral reef.

Be sure to see the aquatic décor of the walls, ceiling and doorways that was created more than 70 years ago. Terra cotta tiles depicting crabs, lobsters and fishes cover the rotunda walls. Bronze skates (relatives of stingrays) support nautilus-shaped lamps made of capiz shell from the Philippines, and white Vermont Cippolino marble mounted on the walls creates the impression of waves. The fixtures in the rotunda have been restored to their original finish, including the grand aquatic clock hanging in the rotunda doorway.