Where in the world are Sunda, Wallacea, and Sahul? My guest today, Sam Fernald - a life-long aquarist, taxonomist, and founder and co-owner of Hillstream Kingdom LLC, a specialty aquarium fish wholesaler based in Maine and Guangdong - has a great appreciation for, and expertise with the fishes from these areas around SE Asia and the South Pacific – including the unusual and beautiful hillstream loaches. Join us, as Sam explains the geologic and evolutionary importance of their native ranges and ...
Jul 13, 2025•46 min
Freshwater fish-keepers have thousands of fish to choose from – but for more experienced aquarists, among the prized gems are the discus. Known by many as ‘the King of the Aquarium,’ these denizens of the Amazon are calm, stately, and - in addition to a unique “disk” shape - are available in beautiful wild-type and aquacultured colors and patterns. My guest today, Kapil Mandrekar - a life-long aquarist, ichthyologist, and conservationist, currently working with Project Piaba - has a special appr...
Jan 14, 2025•54 min
Jacques Cousteau introduced many of us to a place both alien and beautiful – the underwater world. Decades later, our oceans and marine ecosystems have gone through significant changes – so what’s happening down there? My guest today, Dr. Robbie Lamb, faculty at the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences and the Nature Coast Biological Station is determined to answer that question. Robbie’s work in the Caribbean, South America, and the U.S. helps explain how ...
Oct 15, 2024•51 min
Fish medicine, now mainstream, became a recognized veterinary specialty through the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2023. But many decades ago, few vets treated pet fish and hobbyists were on their own. My guest today, Dr. Greg Lewbart was one of those vets. A foremost pioneer of aquarium fish medicine and both an award-winning veterinarian and author, Greg is a Professor at North Carolina State University and has been my mentor and good friend since the 1980s. Join us, as Greg looks ...
May 20, 2024•51 min
Most common freshwater tropical fish are farmed, but originated from Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. But what about the native fishes here in the U.S.? Join us as Brian Torreano ichthyologist and owner of BTDarters explains why US native fishes truly are another great option for aquarium hobbyists. EPISODE NOTES: Going Native with Brian Torreano of BTDarters Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support ....
Apr 24, 2024•29 min
Jellyfish exhibits in public aquaria have held a certain mystique and fascination for decades. Early jellyfish aquarium systems and hardy species became available to hobbyists with some success. As systems evolved further and more difficult species better understood, the interest in jellyfish keeping continues to expand. My guest today, Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse, has helped push jellyfish science and culture forward on many different fronts. Join us, as T...
Dec 20, 2023•45 min
Reef aquaria - from nano tanks to large, complex, high-tech systems - have exploded in popularity with increased knowledge and more advanced lighting and filtration. My guest today, Dr. Alex Hall, a recent vet school graduate with interest and growing expertise in reef diseases, has made a name for himself on social media as “thereefvet.” Join us, as we discuss Alex’s journey from child hobbyist to aquatic veterinarian and scientist. EPISODE NOTES: Dr. Alex Hall, The Reef Vet, Shares His Approac...
Oct 11, 2023•35 min
My guest today, Nick Mayer, is an award-winning artist whose science background and passions for aquatic life and fly-fishing both inform and inspire his beautiful, vibrant works. Join us, as Nick explains his metamorphosis from child naturalist to globe-trotting marine biologist to, finally, celebrated nature illustrator - specializing in fish and other marine life. EPISODE NOTES: The Science of Fish Art: Nick Mayer’s Journey from Marine Biologist to Award-Winning Artist Become a supporter of t...
Jul 18, 2023•49 min
The catfishes - members of the order Siluriformes - include over 3000 species that vary widely in size, appearance, biology, and ecology. So what do catfish eat? Fishkeepers are often confused and assume that a one-size-fits-all approach works. My guest today, Rebecca Bentley, has a lot to say on that subject! Rebecca is an ichthyologist with a broad understanding of catfishes but specializing in the feeding morphology of the loricariid, or “pleco” family of catfishes. Join us, as we learn more ...
Jun 26, 2023•37 min
Aquarium retail stores are the primary ‘gateway’ to the hobby for many beginners. How do large retail chains work to ensure quality animals and to provide good fishkeeping information? My guest today, Jay Springer, is Director of Pet Services and Live Animals for Pet Supplies Plus, one of the largest pet store chains in the U.S. Join us, as Jay discusses his professional journey, dedication to quality service, industry challenges, and the future of the hobby. EPISODE NOTES: Jay Springer Shares H...
May 24, 2023•36 min
Coral reef tanks continue to gain in popularity, and advances in technology and coral reef biology and ecology have made reef keeping much more accessible. My guest today is Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture, a well-known coral aquaculture and wholesale facility in Plant City, Florida. In Part 1 of our Reef and Coral Keeping 101 series we discussed tanks, equipment, and accessories. Join us, as Chris continues with Part 2: an Overview of Aquascaping and Water Chemistry. EPISODE NOTES: Chris Meckl...
Apr 18, 2023•33 min
Coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the sea – dense, hotbeds of biodiversity and beauty. Covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, they are believed to contain about 25% of all known marine species. It’s no wonder that interest in reef-keeping, as well advances in reef tank technology have increased exponentially over the past 10-15 years. y guest today, Chris Meckley is an aquarist with a passion for the aquarium hobby and a blue thumb for coral keeping. Chris and his wife Amanda own ...
Feb 17, 2023•42 min
Fish medicine has come a long way in the past 30 years, with more and more pet owners seeking veterinary care for their sick fish. My guest today, Dr. Jessie Sanders, owner and chief veterinarian of Aquatic Veterinary Services, is helping lead the charge of this next generation of wet pet vets. Join us, as Jessie shares her professional and personal journey from marine biology in the Northeast to her mobile fish practice on the West Coast. EPISODE NOTES: Fish Veterinarian Dr. Jessie Sanders: Fro...
Jan 30, 2023•38 min
The aquarium hobby has inspired many, myself included, to careers in public aquaria, science, aquaculture, and/or conservation. My guest today, Chris Englezou, has fused his love of the hobby and science with conservation efforts through his business C.E. Fish Essentials and the non-profit Freshwater Life Project which he co-founded and for which he is currently acting chairman of the board. Join us, as Chris shares his journey from fish keeper to conservationist, and how and why he thinks hobby...
Aug 17, 2022•45 min
Among the most fascinating of aquarium fishes, the bichirs - including the “ropefish” and “dinosaur or dragon eel” – share primeval features with their ancestors, some of the earliest fishes on earth. My guest today, Josh Pickett, author of The Bichir Handbook, is obsessed with, and an expert of this group. Join us, as Josh digs up some ancient dirt on these prehistoric, yet modern fishes – and explains why you’ll want to keep them, too! EPISODE NOTES: Rediscovering the Dragons of Gondwana with ...
Mar 17, 2022•44 min
Childhood aquarium keeping has been an introduction and gateway for many professionals working in public aquaria, aquaculture, fisheries, and natural resource conservation. My guest today, Aaron Pilnick, has done all of the above – and today is a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida studying Diadema antillarum- the long spined sea urchin. Join us, as we learn about Aaron’s journey from hobbyist to aquarist to scientist, and how his Diadema can help restore Caribbean coral reefs. EPISO...
Nov 03, 2021•42 min
We often use the term fish out of water to describe someone whose completely out of their element. But believe it or not, many fish have evolved with the biology, cues, and behaviors needed to move onto land and survive for long periods of time, when necessary. My guest today, Dr. Noah Bressman, is an avid fisherman, artist, blogger, and Assistant Professor of Physiology at Salisbury University in Maryland. Noah has studied a number of these so-called amphibious fishes – some of which are invasi...
Sep 28, 2021•54 min
Setting up an aquarium requires a lot of ‘homework.’ You need to learn a lot about your fish and what kind of environment it needs to be healthy and thrive. So what goes into opening a whole new public aquarium – with many different systems and hundreds of species? My guest today, Steve Bitter, has worked for years in the industry developing and opening public aquaria in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. In November of 2020, he opened the Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson, Missouri, where he serves...
Aug 19, 2021•40 min
The aquarium trade is a billion dollar industry with commerce of animals, plants, and goods supporting the livelihoods of people all over the world. National and international organizations play a key role in managing and improving this complex business. My guest today, Shane Willis, is Managing Director of the National Aquaculture Training Institute in Australia and President of Ornamental Fish International. Join us, as Shane discusses his journey and provides a global\ perspective on the comp...
May 11, 2021•41 min
The Orinoco River – one of the longest in S. America, has tributaries and wetlands that spread throughout Venezuela and Colombia for hundreds of thousands of square miles. Among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and the native range for many aquarium fish species, the stability of the Orinoco basin and surrounding forests is under threat from a variety of natural and man-made challenges. My guest today, Ivan Mikolji, world-renowned naturalist, audio/visual artist, and author, returns t...
Dec 22, 2020•39 min
South American river systems, the native range for many aquarium fish species, are beautiful, biodiverse, and rich in complexity. My guest today, Ivan Mikolji is a world-renowned naturalist, explorer, researcher, audio/visual artist, and author. Ivan has been sharing his river adventures through breath-taking films and photographs of S. American species for the past 15 years. Join us, as Ivan explains how an early love of science and nature in his native Venezuela drove him to documentation of s...
Oct 21, 2020•29 min
Good quality fish food is, of course, critical for the aquaculture and aquarium industries. Fresh and frozen options can supplement commercial pellets and flakes or may be important staples for some species. So how does one company’s fish food help save a land-locked salmon population which won’t eat it? My guest today is Nuri Fisher, President of Piscine Energetics, based in British Columbia, Canada. Join us, as Nuri shares his life story, and explains how his company uses an innovative solutio...
Sep 07, 2020•40 min
My guest today is 8-year-old Miles Fetherston-Resch, Founder and CEO of Kids Saving Oceans, a conservation lifestyle brand, and his mother Libby, who currently works for NOAA’s Marine Mammal Program. Join us, as Miles and Libby explain how Kids Saving Oceans is making a difference for ocean conservation. EPISODE NOTES: Kids Are The Future, But For Some Of Them, The Future Is Now! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/supp...
Jul 06, 2020•36 min
Aquarium keeping, for many hobbyists, goes beyond the pet aspect and truly becomes a way to bring aquatic ecosystems into one’s home. But how do aquariums affect personal views on science and conservation? My guest today, Dr. Liz Marchio - long-time aquarist, ichthyologist, and social scientist - works for the National Park Service in New Orleans to educate youth in science and ecological restoration and to oversee citizen science programs. Join us, as Liz shares her own journey and thoughts on ...
May 13, 2020•46 min
The lionfishes, known for their contrasting banded coloration and long, venomous fin rays, are beautiful and popular marine aquarium inhabitants. So what happens when they leave their native Indo-Pacific range and become established in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico? Join us, as my guest Alex Fogg - lionfish expert and Marine Resource Coordinator for Okaloosa County - describes the negative impacts of this non-native species and ongoing efforts to study and control this invader. EPISODE N...
Apr 14, 2020•35 min
Sustainability and conservation of the earth’s aquatic resources are critical to our planet’s health. In the aquarium hobby, there is constant debate over the pros and cons of wild collection vs. aquaculture. Aquarium trade leaders understand that both, when properly managed, can be sustainable and promote conservation, and that industry and public education are key. My guests today are Alan Luken and Shelby Stensrud, Associate Brand Managers at Segrest Farms based in Florida. Join us, as Alan a...
Nov 26, 2019•30 min
Travel and technology have made our world seems smaller- but the aquatic realm continues to be a source of mystery. My guest today, Joe Cutler, a scientist and National Geographic Explorer, has made it his mission to catalogue freshwater fishes in Central Africa. Join us, as Joe shares his journey from California to Cameroon - and his hopes to preserve biodiversity in the region. EPISODE NOTES: In and Out of Africa: Joe Cutler’s Quest to Catalogue and Preserve Cameroon’s Freshwater Fishes with D...
Sep 11, 2019•44 min
The Florida Keys, a famous destination for snorkelers and divers, are home to the continental U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef. Unfortunately, since about 2014, the Florida Reef Tract has been in crisis, with numerous species of corals dying from Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, the cause of which is currently unknown. My guest today, Keri O’Neil, Senior Coral Scientist at the Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach, has been studying captive and wild corals for many year...
Jul 31, 2019•37 min
How does a Swiss aquarium fish enthusiast go from molecular cancer research to leadership roles for both Amazonas Magazine, a must-read resource for aquarium hobbyists, AND Swiss Tropicals, a company specializing in aquarium filtration systems? Join us, as my guest Dr. Stephan Tanner, Senior Co-Editor and Co-Publisher of Amazonas Magazine AND head of Swiss Tropicals, describes his aquarium fish journey from Switzerland to Minnesota. EPISODE NOTES: From Switzerland to the Wilds of Minnesota: The ...
Jun 27, 2019•40 min
Aquatic gardening, whether in ponds or aquaria, is both a science and an art. Just the right mix and quantity of plants and an expert touch can mean the difference between a tank with plants and a aquascaped masterpiece! My guest today, Sam Rutka, is the freshwater manager, aquascaper, and plant specialist at Easy Aquariums, a specialty aquatics and reptile store in Gorham, Maine, as well as a master undewater gardener. Join us, as Sam leads us through the art and science of aquascapes! EPISODE ...
Jun 06, 2019•39 min
