Shedd Aquarium
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A rocky home life
This is one of several rocky areas along the Illinois shoreline that many fish species rely on to thrive. Some of the artificial structures were built to replace lost habitats, especially for fish critical to the overall health of the lake. Others are designed to attract popular fishing species. The most notable is an artificial reef located about 6 miles south of Museum Campus and a mile offshore. Since it was built in 1999, anglers and divers have seen smallmouth bass, yellow perch, alewife, and other key species living among the granite rubble.
The success of these habitats – whether natural or artificial – lies in their complexity. Rock reefs, fallen logs, aquatic plants, and other structures provide places for fish to hide from predators, escape the hot summer sun, and safely lay their eggs. These structures are also colonized by algae, bacteria, and insects, which other aquatic wildlife rely on for food. Without these nearshore habitats, Lake Michigan would not be able to sustain the large population of young and smaller fish that feed larger fish, birds, and even humans.
The success of these habitats – whether natural or artificial – lies in their complexity. Rock reefs, fallen logs, aquatic plants, and other structures provide places for fish to hide from predators, escape the hot summer sun, and safely lay their eggs. These structures are also colonized by algae, bacteria, and insects, which other aquatic wildlife rely on for food. Without these nearshore habitats, Lake Michigan would not be able to sustain the large population of young and smaller fish that feed larger fish, birds, and even humans.