'Granddad' celebrates 83 years at Chicago's Shedd

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Did you know the world's oldest fish lives right in Chicago? He was a gift more than 80 years ago to the Shedd Aquarium.

In 1933, Chicago hosted its second world fair. In that same year came a gift from Australia to the Shedd Aquarium.

Meet ‘Granddad,’ the Australian lungfish. He’s now believed to be the world's oldest fish at an aquarium or zoo.

"He's kind of a great ambassador for the species,” said senior aquarist Michael Masellis.

Millions of people have seen him over the past 83 years. The Shedd believes he's at least 100 years old, and that's quite a shock to visitors.

"That's really crazy. I didn't know fish could live that long, to be honest with you,” said Tom Saia.

As you can see, ‘Granddad’ doesn't really move too much and maybe that's been the key to his longevity.

"That's their life and that's probably why live so long, they look like a log, it's a good strategy for avoiding predators,” Masellis said.

But there is something he will move for - dinner.

"He loves his earthworms, that's probably his favorite. But, he also loves his fruits and vegetables, he loves to nibble on lettuce, I think he likes to eat a little more vegetables than the other lungfish,” Masellis said.

Australian lungfish date back around 380 million years. They’re called ‘living fossils’ because they haven't changed much in 150-million years.

‘Granddad’ is a gem at the Shedd Aquarium. If you want to come and take a look at him, you can find him in the Rivers Gallery.

The Shedd Aquarium is celebrating ‘Granddad’ all month long for his 83rd anniversary in Chicago.