The Florida Aquarium – an inspiring and signature tourist destination in Tampa - highlights Florida native species and other aquatic animals from around the world. My guest today, Dr. Ari Fustukjian, oversees the health and welfare of this very diverse collection of organisms. Join us, as Dr. Ari shares his career path and discusses his role there as well as other amazing goings-on at the Florida Aquarium. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Dr. Ari Fustukjian: The Florida Aquarium’s Wet ...
Dec 07, 2018•37 min
Most people don’t equate Lansing, Michigan with the tropics…but nestled within this city is Preuss Pets, a Caribbean-themed tropical store paradise and major animal destination, filled with high quality finned, feathered, and furred pets. My guest today, Rick Preuss, owner and operator of Preuss Pets, is a leading fish expert in Michigan who devotes much of his time to education to foster good pet care. Join us, as we learn more about Rick and his landmark store! More details on this episode MP3...
Nov 15, 2018•35 min
African cichlids have been farmed in Florida for decades. But how did these popular, colorful fish find their way into Florida’s industry? My guest today is Rick Biro, well-known cichlid producer and head of Florida Exotic Fish Sales. Join us, as Rick describes his journeys from Florida to Malawi and back in his early quest to make these fascinating, colorful fishes a staple in the aquarium hobby. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Ancient Hobby History: How Florida Exotic Fish Sales’ Ri...
Jun 25, 2018•40 min
Barrett Christie, Director of Husbandry at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, has worked with most major groups of aquatic animals, from seals to sharks to corals- but ironically- he has a strong passion for the desert…Desert fishes, that is. Join us as Barrett explains why-- AND why some of these fishes are in trouble. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Barrett Christie: Building An Oasis for Endangered Desert Fishes with Dr. Roy Yanong Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www...
Apr 19, 2018•35 min
SciFi enthusiasts may remember that in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Captain Nemo’s submarine was the Nautilus. Named after one of the most beautiful creatures of the ocean - the chambered nautilus for many years was poorly understood. Today, more of its biology and ecology is known thanks to the work of dedicated marine scientists. My guest today, is nautilus expert, marine scientist and educator, Dr. Greg Barord. Join us, as Greg explains some of the mysteries of the nautilus. Mo...
Feb 12, 2018•36 min
YouTube has changed the way the world shares experiences and learns, and aquarium enthusiasts have taken advantage of this powerful tool. Big case in point- the incredibly popular aquarium channel, Dustin’s Fishtanks - with over 107,000 subscribers and millions of views - hosted by wild man Dustin Wunderlich. Join us, as Dustin shares his journey from European history major to YouTube sensation as well as his passions about the aquarium hobby and planted tanks. More details on this episode MP3 P...
Jan 06, 2018•41 min
The marine aquarium and reef hobby continue to gain interest, as marine conservation concerns also increase. My guest today is Alan Luken, head of corals and marine organisms at Segrest Farms, who leads efforts on both fronts. Join us, as Alan describes his journey on the high C’s- from Cincinnati and the Caribbean to Coastal Carolina and Corals at Segrest. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Segrest Farms’ Marine Guru Alan Luken discusses the Reef Aquarium Hobby and Conservation with Dr....
Dec 11, 2017•34 min
Most people think of aquaculture as farming fish for food. Some may even realize that many aquarium fish are cultured for the hobby. So what is ‘restoration aquaculture’ and what role does it play in conservation efforts? My guest today is Josh Patterson, Assistant Professor of Restoration Aquaculture at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, based at the Florida Aquarium’s Center for Conservation, in Apollo Beach. Josh studies the use of aquacultured species, r...
Sep 13, 2017•41 min
What do the Divebar in Sacramento, Amazon.com, Aqua Planet Ilsan in Korea, Cabela’s, and Bigelow Laboratory in Maine all have in common? They all have unique and intricately designed aquaria and systems designed by Tenji, Inc., an aquarium design and build company with offices in California and Maine. Mark Faulkner, one of the principals and co-founders of this inspired and talented team of experts, transformed a shared dream into a powerhouse aquarium reality. Join us, as Mark and I discuss the...
Jul 27, 2017•39 min
Most people think of shrimp as something you dip into cocktail sauce, or served in scampi-style. But over the past several years beautiful, ‘technicolored’ shrimp have burst upon the freshwater aquarium scene, adding to the diversity of species for aquarium keepers. My guest today is Grant Eder, owner and operator of ‘The Garden of Eder,’ an internet-based source of award-winning freshwater aquarium shrimp. Join us, as Grant describes his journey to the industry and educates us on shrimp varieti...
Jul 12, 2017•37 min
The summer of 2016 saw a major triumph for Rising Tide Conservation, with the successful spawning and rearing of Pacific Blue Tangs at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. "Breeding Dory" became the headlines and story for news outlets around the world. But commercialization is still in progress, and many other species are also in Rising Tide’s sights. Matt DiMaggio and Eric Cassiano, two UF scientists instrumental in the success of the Pacific Blue Tang project, continue...
Dec 27, 2016•39 min
Many decades ago, keeping marine aquariums was a logistical nightmare, a feat only for the most advanced hobbyists. Over time, technology and science overcame many of the original environmental challenges, and aquaculture offered a few alternatives to wild capture fisheries. And now, Biota Aquariums plans to take the marine aquarium hobby to a more sustainable next level. My guest today is Kevin Gaines, CEO and co-founders of Biota Aquariums. Kevin has strong roots in the aquarium hobby, and a p...
Sep 28, 2016•31 min
Central and South American cichlids include some of the most behaviorally complex and colorful adult species in the hobby displaying vibrant turquoise, fluorescent reds, oranges, and yellows, especially during breeding. These species are prized by intermediate and advanced fishkeepers, who know their species by scientific name, locale, and strain. My guest today is Dan Sharifi, owner of Cichlids of the Americas, an internet-based source of some of the most beautiful and difficult to find species...
Sep 08, 2016•34 min
Segrest Farms, one of the world's largest wholesale ornamental fish distributors, supplies over 1,000 pet shops, public aquariums, and research institutions each week with aquarium livestock, aquatic plants, herps and other small animals, and live food. Sandy Moore, President of Segrest Farms, has been a hobbyist her entire life and also has been at the forefront helping to keep the aquarium trade alive nationally and internationally. Join us for a fascinating conversation, as Sandy discusses Se...
May 09, 2016•26 min
Ever wonder if you should try a different fish food, or if that new aquarium gadget really is something you should look into? Perhaps, like many hobbyists, you haven’t keep up with the latest trends, but would like to expand your horizons. My guest today is Mike Haynes, self-proclaimed fish geek, YouTube educator, and co-founder of My Aquarium Box, an aquarium supply subscription service. Join us, as Mike explains how he and his three "fellow fish geeks" came up with this great idea, and how you...
Apr 17, 2016•32 min
Although most common freshwater aquarium fish are farm-raised, many others are collected by world-wide by artisanal fishermen. Good habitat and sustainable practices are key to the longevity of these species and the hobby. My guest today - Mike Tuccinardi, is an aquarium fish expert, sustainable fisheries advocate, and Senior Editor for Amazonas and Coral Magazines. He has explored fisheries all over Asia and South America to foster and improve sustainability and has documented his insights in r...
Dec 22, 2015•40 min
Jellyfish have mesmerized us for centuries. Their beauty, fragility, and grace, combined with a stinging defense, have made jellyfish keeping a major challenge and, for a time, only possible at public aquaria. My guests today - Jeff Turner, his son Joe Turner, and Jon-Michael Degidio - through their company Jellyfish Art, have changed all of that. This amazing group of innovators and life-long hobbyists has untangled the mysteries and brought jellyfish keeping into our homes, offices, restaurant...
Dec 02, 2015•36 min
Clownfish, the first marine aquarium fish in commercial production, have been a staple of the industry for decades. Soon, the thirst for 'designer' clownfish took hold, and, just like with koi, goldfish, and angelfish, an explosion of varieties has now occurred. My guest today is Matt Pedersen, hobbyist for over 30 years and Sr. Editor & Associate Publisher with Reef To Rainforest Media LLC, intimately involved with CORAL & AMAZONAS Magazines, as well as their online presence at Reef2Rai...
Aug 19, 2015•29 min
Clownfish, the first marine aquarium fish in commercial production, have been a staple of the industry for decades. Soon, the thirst for 'designer' clownfish took hold, and, just like with koi, goldfish, and angelfish, an explosion of varieties has now occurred. My guest today is Matt Pedersen, hobbyist for over 30 years and Sr. Editor & Associate Publisher with Reef To Rainforest Media LLC, intimately involved with CORAL & AMAZONAS Magazines, as well as their online presence at Reef2Rai...
Jul 23, 2015•24 min
Improvements in the science of fish-keeping have been only part of the hobby’s success. Advances in aquatic pet products, including aquarium systems, nutrition, water quality, and salts have been critical to driving both fresh and salt water fish interests. My guest today, Tim Plafcan, is Senior Product Manager at Spectrum Brands, which includes Marineland, Tetra, Instant Ocean, and Jungle products. Join us, as we discuss aquatic pet products: past, present, and future. Questions or Comments? Se...
Mar 28, 2015•28 min
Just Keep Swimming is not only the name of Andres’ Ryan’s fish farm, it is also his creed. Andres is an aquarium fish farmer in Florida who has bred and raised literally hundreds of species, but now concentrates on the more delicate and difficult-to-spawn aquarium fish, including clown loaches, cardinal tetras, Galaxy rasboras, fancy plecos, and freshwater ornamental shrimp. Join us, as Andres and I discuss fancy fish, the challenges of commercially raising new species, and the future of the hob...
Jan 20, 2015•30 min
Coral reefs are among the most beautiful and biologically diverse communities in the world. Yet corals are in decline globally. Although some disease syndromes have been identified and described by researchers over the past few decades, many factors contributing to coral health and disease- both in the field and in aquaria- are still poorly understood. Dr. Michael Sweet, the lead researcher in the Coral Health and Disease Laboratory at Derby University, UK, uses innovative techniques to better s...
Sep 12, 2014•47 min
When the first transgenic red zebra danio first lit up the U.S. aquarium hobby in 2004 amidst great controversy, naysayers thought this would be just a passing fancy. Ten years later, Yorktown Technologies’ highly successful "GloFish" line has expanded to ten lines, six colors, and three species. My guest today, Alan Blake, CEO of Yorktown Technologies, is the man who started it all. Join us, as Alan discusses the past, present, and fluorescent future of the GloFish! Questions or Comments? Send ...
Mar 01, 2014•32 min
What do upside down catfish, electric blue Jack Dempseys, and eartheaters all have in common? They are all bred and raised by my guest today, aquarium fish producer John Skidmore of Golden Pond Tropicals. For 15 years, John raised shrimp in the Caribbean and Hawaii, before moving to Florida to start aquarium fish farming. Join us, as we learn more about the fascinating species bred and raised at Golden Pond Tropicals! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on t...
Jan 06, 2014•25 min
Which fishes commonly court potential mates on land, can climb up mangrove trees, and dig deep burrows to lay eggs? The incredible mudskipper! Although mudskippers have made it big in some children’s cartoons, very few people really understand how unique and varied this group of fishes is. My guest today, Dr. Gianluca Polgar, is the world’s expert on mudskippers and an aquarium hobbyist at heart. Join us as Dr. Polgar shares his vast knowledge of the mighty mudskipper! Questions or Comments? Sen...
Dec 14, 2013•38 min
Among the most iconic of all marine species in the aquarium hobby are the seahorses. From tiny dwarf species to large majestically camouflaged seadragons, children and adults alike have been fascinated by their appearance and behaviors. My guest today, Beth Privett, owner of Seahorse Corral in Florida, is a highly-regarded seahorse breeder, who was inspired to breed them to reduce wild collection and to make them more accessible to home hobbyists worldwide. Join us as we "roundup" the latest inf...
Oct 25, 2013•34 min
Most common freshwater aquarium fish are aquacultured- born and raised on fish farms in Florida, other parts of the U.S., and abroad. Most marine aquarium species, by contrast, are collected from the wild, with only a small percentage farm-raised. Petco and Defenders of Wildlife have joined forces to reduce impacts on coral reef habitats and species by promoting aquacultured fish over wild caught species. How did this unique collaboration develop and what can it accomplish for both the aquarium ...
Sep 07, 2013•34 min
Florida’s aquarium fish producers comprise much of the heart and soul of U.S. production. They are a colorful, hard-working, and dedicated group, and many come from families who have been farming for generations. My guest today is Mike Drawdy, owner of Imperial Tropicals in Lakeland, FL. Mike, a third generation fish farmer, raises a variety of colorful species, including fancy swordtails, guppies, tetras, catfishes, and cichlids, and is always searching for the next big fish. Join us, as Mike d...
Jul 09, 2013•38 min
Many consider our planet’s oceans too vast to be in trouble. But numerous scientific studies are proving that water quality and the lives of many marine - and terrestrial species, including ourselves, are at risk from mankind’s waste and climatic influences. My guest today, Fabien Cousteau, grandson of aquatic pioneer Jacques Cousteau, is himself an ocean explorer, film-maker, renaissance man, and even an optimist. Join us, as Fabien describes life as a Cousteau, his hopes and efforts to jump st...
May 17, 2013•36 min
The beauty of the aquarium hobby is that there is a niche for everyone, including those who love tiny tanks. My guest, today, Rachel O’Leary, owner of Misjinkzd, is well-known for her collection of tiny freshwater fish and invertebrates, ideal occupants for now trendy 'nano tanks,' aquaria that, like bonsai trees, can brighten up small spaces. Join us, as we learn more about life on the nano-side from the girl with the apple snail tattoo. Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.c...
Apr 25, 2013•28 min
