Caribbean Reef

The Caribbean Reef is a 90,000-gallon circular exhibit that has been a Shedd icon since its 1971 renovation. A diver enters the tank multiple times daily to hand-feed the fish and answer visitor questions via underwater microphone — one of the most beloved traditions at any aquarium in the world.

The exhibit features green sea turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays, and over 70 species of tropical reef fish in a recreation of a Caribbean coral reef. Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, with many Caribbean reefs having lost over 80% of their live coral cover in recent decades.