Bubba (fish)

Bubba (circa 1982 – August 22, 2006) was a giant grouper (Queensland grouper) that resided at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. Bubba is believed to be the first fish to undergo chemotherapy.[1] He was often nicknamed "The Super Grouper".

History

The 69.3-kg[1] Bubba was donated to the aquarium in 1987 by an anonymous donor; at the time, he was a female about 10 in (25 cm) long. Bubba changed sex to male (being a protogynous hermaphrodite) in the mid-1990s[2] and eventually grew to 154 lb while living in the aquarium's "Wild Reef" shark exhibit. In 2001, Bubba developed an unusual growth on his forehead, which was eventually diagnosed to be malignant; the aquarium called in veterinarians to remove the growth surgically and treat Bubba with chemotherapy that year, and again in 2003, when it regrew.

Shedd officials stated that Bubba was popular with cancer survivors, especially children, and was a favorite of visitors. The oncology department of Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois, recognized Bubba with a tile in the ward.[3]

Bubba died in August 2006, presumably due to problems with his health that were related to his old age and medical history.[3]

References
  1. "'Bubba,' Famed Cancer-surviving Grouper, R.I.P.; 'Overcame Some Incredible Odds'". Underwatertimes.com News Service. Underwatertimes.com. 2006-08-24. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  2. "Bubba, Chicago Aquarium's 'Super Grouper,' Dies After Inspirational Life". Associated Press. Fox News.com. 2006-08-24. Archived from the original on 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2006-08-29.
  3. "Bubba: Super Grouper". John G. Shedd Aquarium. Archived from the original on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2006-08-29.


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