Aquarium euthanizes 90 odd-year-old lungfish

Australian lungfish Granddad arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for the opening of the 1933 World's Fair. Photo: sheddaquarium.org

Australian lungfish Granddad arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for the opening of the 1933 World's Fair. Photo: sheddaquarium.org

Published Feb 6, 2017

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Chicago - Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has euthanized an Australian lungfish that had been on display there for more than 80 years.

Aquarium officials say the 4-foot-long and 25-pound fish named Granddad was euthanized on Sunday due to "a rapid decline in quality of life associated with old age." 

A spokesman for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums said Monday that the nonprofit group is unaware of any older fish kept by a zoo or aquarium that it accredits in the US and eight other countries.

Aquarium officials estimate he was more than 90 years old. Lungfish can live up to 100 years and are a protected species in Australia.

Granddad arrived at the Shedd Aquarium for the opening of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

Associated Press

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