Countdown to 2014 | 10: The goosefish and her eggs veils

We're blazing toward the New Year, so it's about time that we look back on the amazing year that was 2013. The Aquarium celebrated some unbelievable moments—some much touted and others quieter. But they're all part of what makes the Aquarium so special.

Today we're starting a countdown of the 10 most exciting, cutest, noteworthy and/or memorable ways that 2013 is one year that we won't forget. 

10. The goosefish egg veils

The goosefish wowed everyone by laying several egg veils this year, and this year the camera (phones) were rolling! Her egg veil is a beautiful, gossamer sheet composed of thousands and thousands of eggs held together in a single layer.

Close up of the egg veil

The eggs aren't fertilized because there is only one goosefish in the exhibit. But they are quite beautiful. Each egg veil remained in the exhibit for a couple days so visitors could enjoy watching it billow and flow throughout the exhibit.

The goosefish rests after 

The goosefish spends most of her time laying flat on the bottom of her exhibit, impressing everyone with her huge size, enormous mouth and intricate fringe. Sometimes she raises her modified dorsal fin, her lure flitting about to entice a meal near her giant maw. You might even see her eyes tracking something on the other side of the glass—like a camera!

The goosefish spends most of her time laying flat on the ground, sometimes dangling her 

Here's a look back at some of the other egg veils that have graced this exhibit over the years:

• Aquarist Bill Murphy had his video camera to catch the goosefish laying the egg veil last May!
• This post explains that the egg veils are usually the same size, even if several are laid in one year.
• This video captures the grace and etherial beauty of the egg veil in the exhibit.
• See a close-up picture of the goosefish.
• Find a picture of the egg veil from above.

And here are a couple posts about the goosefish and other residents of the Northern Waters Gallery:

• Watch video of the goosefish herself snatching up a snack—in super slow motion!
• Our current octopus has some eggs of her own that's she's keeping watch over. Learn about octopus egg laying in this post.
• Did you know that an octopus enjoys playtime?
• Look beyond the dinner plate. Get to know New England's favorite crustacean—the lobster!
• Meet some of the lesser-known sharks and rays at the Aquarium.