Animal Collection and Feed Choice

Through our Larval Fishes and Live Foods Program, we raise many of our fish and much of their food on site, and we help other aquariums do the same.

By the Numbers

• More than 70% of animals in the Giant Ocean Tank exhibit were raised at the Aquarium
• More than 4,200 fish shared with about 40 other accredited aquariums and zoos
• Raising fish on site since 2008

Recent Successes

• Raising Our Own Fish. Since 2008, our Larval Fishes and Live Foods Program has raised fish on site for the Giant Ocean Tank and other exhibits. A majority (more than 70%) of animals in our Giant Ocean Tank are aquacultured on site. We’ve also shared more than 4,200 of our aquacultured larval fish with about 40 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for their own exhibits, reducing their need for wild-caught animals.
• Sustainable Food. We evaluate our animals’ food for sustainability and choose the best option available. We grow many live foods ourselves at the Aquarium and at our Quincy Animal Care Center. We also participate in the Sustainable Feed Project, a joint effort between the Aquarium Conservation Partnership and AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction Sharks and Rays program.
• Teaching Other Aquariums About Aquaculture. We hosted our first aquaculture workshop in 2025 and a second in 2026, helping aquariums build similar programs.

What's Next

• Growing the Program. Building on our success rearing several species that had never been aquacultured before, we are looking to expand our Larval Fishes and Live Foods Program by increasing the number of species reared, total production, and number of partners.