A 90-year-old Australian lungfish acquired by a Chicago aquarium in 1933 has been euthanised after becoming the longest-living fish in a zoological setting.
The fish, known as Granddad, was euthanised because of failing health, officials from the Shedd Aquarium announced.
Granddad came to Shedd from Australia in anticipation of the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair and was seen by more than 104 million people during his time in Chicago, aquarium president Bridget Coughlin said.
"For a fish who spent much of his time imitating a fallen log, he sparked curiosity, excitement and wonder among guests of all ages who would hear his story and learn about the incredible biology that makes his species a living fossil and one of the oldest living vertebrate genera on the planet," Coughlin said.
According to the aquarium, lungfish, which can live to be more than 100 years old and are a protected species in Australia, have existed for nearly 400 million years and fossils show they have remained unchanged for over 100 million years.
A Shedd spokeswoman said Granddad's exact age was unknown but that he was believed to be in his mid-90s. The aquarium said Granddad was euthanized after losing interest in food and showing signs of organ failure.
Lungfish, which are native to the Mary and Burnett rivers in Queensland, Australia, have a single primitive lung and are among the few fish that can breathe air.
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