Chicago aquarium euthanizes lungfish

CHICAGO -- An Australian lungfish that entranced visitors to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium for more than 80 years has been euthanized due to old age, the popular tourist attraction announced Monday.

Granddad, who was 4 feet long and weighed 25 pounds, had stopped eating and started showing signs of organ failure. He was euthanized Sunday. A necropsy -- or animal autopsy -- found conditions consistent with old age, aquarium officials 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," said Bridget C. Coughlin, Shedd Aquarium's president and CEO.

Shedd estimates Granddad was more than 90 years old. The aquarium acquired him from the Sydney Aquarium in Australia during a 1933 collecting expedition.

Lungfish can live up to 100 years and are a protected species in Australia.