Shedd Aquarium celebrates hatching of a dozen weedy seadragon babies from a male

In a historic moment, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is celebrating the successful hatching of over a dozen weedy seadragon fry to a male seadragon. According to the announcement, this achievement marks the first time the aquarium has bred the unique species, joining a select but growing list of facilities capable of nurturing these rare aquatic creatures.

Behind-the-scenes rearing success

According to Erika Moss, senior aquarist at Shedd Aquarium, the birth of the weedy seadragon babies is a testament to years of dedicated care. “Over a dozen seadragon babies are decades of dedication to care and continued collaboration with accredited partners, which signifies a career highlight for me personally,” said Moss in the aquarium’s announcement. Unlike most species, male weedy seadragons take on the role of nurturing their young, the press release states, fertilizing and carrying eggs on their tails until they hatch.

The fry, though fully independent after hatching, benefit from the close supervision of aquarium staff, the aquarium says. Aquarists monitor their development and ensure a steady supply of food like brine shrimp, copepods, and mysis shrimp. Despite their tiny stature, the care team at the aquarium says that the fry are proving to be voracious eaters as they grow and adapt.

The importance of conservation

According to the press release, weedy seadragons—native to the shallow coastal waters of southern and western Australia—face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Their slow swimming and complex breeding habits make them particularly vulnerable. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, the aquarium says, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.

At Shedd Aquarium, these new arrivals symbolize hope and progress in marine conservation. “Already, I notice the babies growing, changing and developing,” Moss added in the announcement, highlighting the aquarium’s ongoing commitment to understanding and nurturing these fascinating creatures. Though the babies remain off-exhibit, visitors to Shedd can catch a glimpse of adult seadragons in the Oceans Gallery and look forward to potential future displays.

The aquarium invites the public to follow the growth and development of the fry through social media updates as work continues to ensure their healthy maturation.