Chicago Aquarium Overcomes ‘One in a Million’ Odds and Raises Warty Frogfish from an Egg in Captivity for the First Time

A remarkable achievement in marine conservation has taken place at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where staff have successfully raised a baby warty frogfish from egg to healthy juvenile for the first time. This breakthrough is being hailed as an important milestone for the species, which is known for its unique appearance and behaviour.

The tiny frogfish, measuring no larger than a pea, was born from a gelatinous egg mass unexpectedly found in the aquarium’s Wild Reef exhibit in September 2025. Following this surprising discovery, the skilled aquarists at Shedd promptly moved the egg mass to a specially designed facility where it could be nurtured in a controlled environment.

Over a five-month period, the aquarists meticulously managed various factors including water temperature, lighting, flow rates, and diet to support the delicate larvae as they matured. As a result, they successfully hatched thousands of frogfish larvae, but only one has survived to reach this monumental developmental stage.

Senior aquarist Jenny Richards expressed her excitement regarding the development of the young frogfish, stating, “This little fish is truly one in a million. Warty frogfish have such a fascinating appearance and unique way of life. We’ve been thrilled to see this little frogfish develop day by day.” This sentiment echoes the pride felt by the entire care team, who have dedicated considerable time and resources to this project.

Currently, the fledgling frogfish is being fed a diet of brine shrimp, a crucial part of the aquarium’s live foods programme designed to ensure the well-being of its aquatic inhabitants. Richards highlighted the significance of this achievement, attributing it to the expertise and dedication of the Shedd team. “Our success in rearing this fish is a testament to the expertise, adaptability, and passion of the team at Shedd in caring for all aquatic animals,” she said.

Frogfish, particularly the warty variety, are fascinating creatures known for their ability to ‘walk’ along the sea floor using their modified fins. According to senior aquarist Kayla Melton Rogala, the baby has begun to exhibit behaviours reminiscent of its adult counterparts, such as ambushing prey and using its distinctive lure—behaviours that are both complex and charming for such a small creature.

This breakthrough in raising warty frogfish not only contributes to the knowledge surrounding this particular species but also serves a larger conservation purpose. By successfully breeding frogfish in captivity, the Shedd Aquarium aims to alleviate some of the pressures faced by wild populations, which are often threatened by environmental changes and overfishing.

As the Shedd Aquarium continues to monitor the tiny newcomer, guests have the opportunity to view adult warty frogfish in the Wild Reef exhibit, showcasing these remarkable animals whilst raising awareness about their conservation. With ongoing research and conservation efforts, the aquarium strives to gather insights that will benefit not only the warty frogfish but also other delicate marine species under human care.

In this way, the story of the warty frogfish at Shedd Aquarium serves as a reminder of the wonders of marine life and the ongoing efforts dedicated to its preservation.