Shedd Aquarium’s New Exhibit is All About Beauty


If, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the beholder is given a lot to admire at the Shedd Aquarium’s newest exhibit. It’s called “Underwater Beauty” and the aquarium says it’s the most diverse special exhibit it has ever created.

The exhibit offers a wide spectrum of beauty that includes bold colors, camouflage, rhythmic movements, and even something that’s in short supply these days: complete transparency.

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  • The black phantom tetra can be seen in the special exhibit “Underwater Beauty,” in the “Patterns” room. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    The black phantom tetra can be seen in the special exhibit “Underwater Beauty,” in the “Patterns” room. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Patterned in shades of green, red, brown and blue, discus fish are quite colorful and can be seen at “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Patterned in shades of green, red, brown and blue, discus fish are quite colorful and can be seen at “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • In “Shimmer,” guests discover the mesmerizing and intriguing light that these fish reflect underwater. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    In “Shimmer,” guests discover the mesmerizing and intriguing light that these fish reflect underwater. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • In “Rhythms,” guests become part of the exhibit as they mimic and control the motions of animated animals. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    In “Rhythms,” guests become part of the exhibit as they mimic and control the motions of animated animals. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Multicolored lights drench guests while displays interpret how colors benefit aquatic life in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Multicolored lights drench guests while displays interpret how colors benefit aquatic life in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • The ribbon eel is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    The ribbon eel is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Ribbon eel (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Ribbon eel (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Rugose clam. There are no two giant clams that have the exact same coloration. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Rugose clam. There are no two giant clams that have the exact same coloration. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • The saddled puffer is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    The saddled puffer is one of 100 species that can be seen in “Underwater Beauty.” (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • The spotted trunkfish. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    The spotted trunkfish. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • The spotted trunkfish. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    The spotted trunkfish. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Typically found on weedy bottoms or in kelp forests, weedy sea dragons use their weed-like appendages to conceal from predators. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Typically found on weedy bottoms or in kelp forests, weedy sea dragons use their weed-like appendages to conceal from predators. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • A weedy seadragon (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    A weedy seadragon (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Yellow tang fish are found in coral-rich areas. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Yellow tang fish are found in coral-rich areas. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

  • Guests embark on their “Underwater Beauty” journey in this first room. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

    Guests embark on their “Underwater Beauty” journey in this first room. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium)

“Underwater Beauty” is now on display at the Shedd Aquarium. For more information, visit Shedd’s website.

Note: This story originally aired on “Chicago Tonight” on May 21, 2018.


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Shedd’s New Exhibit to Showcase ‘Underwater Beauty’ With 100 Species

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