Large fish are rarely moved. Many of the Aquarium’s staff turned out to observe the event.

Divers get ready to jump into the 50 degree Isle Royale tank.

Divers consult with senior aquarists pre-dive on the plan to remove the sturgeon from the tank.

Divers wrap the fish in a wet towel to get a better grip. It takes six people to lift a writhing 50 lbs. fish out of the water.

Staff gently ease her from a net into a hauling tank. The water in this tank was treated with a mild sedative to minimize stress on the fish.

The fish is transported on wheels two stories down to holding/animal care center.

Husbandry staff examine the sturgeon once in holding.

A second lift moves the fish from the transport tank to a holding tank.

The sturgeon will remain in this tank for two weeks while husbandry staff treat and monitor her.this is 

It was a big job that took nearly half our staff and much care.  Yesterday, Great Lakes Aquarium divers and aquarists moved one of our big lake sturgeon from Isle Royale Tank 1 to holding*. Staff members were concerned about signs of infection in the fish.  She was under observation all night and is now being treated, with medicated food, for a common parasite. Moving a fish of this size is a monumental and unusual undertaking at the Aquarium.  We photographed the journey to give you an insider’s look at this rare event.

(*holding is another term for our animal care center, which is not on exhibit)