Episodes
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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 marine communities respond to this changing world. Robbie’s and his colleague’s research has been highlighted by National Geographic and most recently PBS. Oh – and he used to be a professional basketball player in Ecuador. Join us, as Robbie shares his journey and insights.
EPISODE NOTES: Sea Changes: University of Florida Marine Ecologist Dr. Robbie Lamb Shares His Professional Journey and Underwater Insights -
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 back on the early days and forward to the future of fish medicine.
EPISODE NOTES: Going Back to the Future of Fish Medicine with Aquarium Fish Medicine Pioneer, Award-Winning Veterinarian, and Author, Dr. Greg Lewbart -
Episodes manquant?
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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 -
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 Travis shares his journey from jellyfish novice to expert and teaches us the basics of jellyfish biology and aquarium keeping.
EPISODE NOTES: Talking Jellies with Travis Brandwood, President and Founder of the Jellyfish Warehouse -
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 Approach to Reef Tank Diseases -
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 -
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 about the science of catfish nutrition from an expert on the subject!
EPISODE NOTES: Cat-ching up on Catfish Nutrition with Rebecca Bentley -
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 His Wet and Wild Path from SoCal to Pet Supplies Plus -
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 Meckley of ACI Aquaculture - Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 2, Aquascaping and Water Chemistry Overview -
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 and run ACI Aquaculture, a highly successful and well-known coral aquaculture and wholesale facility in Plant City, Florida. Join us, as Chris shares his story and begins Part 1 of our series, Reef and Coral Keeping 101.
EPISODE NOTES: Chris Meckley of ACI Aquaculture’s Reef and Coral Keeping 101: Part 1: Tanks, Equipment and Accessories -
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: From Marine Biology to Mobile Fish Practice -
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 hobbyists can help make a difference.
EPISODE NOTES: Chris Englezou: Leveraging Hobbyist Expertise with Science and Conservation through the Freshwater Life Project -
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 Joshua Pickett, Author of The Bichir Handbook -
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.
EPISODE NOTES: Aaron Pilnick Raises a Prickly Subject: Diadema Sea Urchin Aquaculture for Coral Reef Restoration -
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 invasive – for many years. Join us, as Noah explains just how they do it – and why!
EPISODE NOTES: Noah Bressman Describes His Work with Fishes that Walk On Land -
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 as Director of Husbandry. Join us, as Steve shares his journey from building systems in the Arizona desert to building Branson’s newest aquatic animal oasis.
EPISODE NOTES: Steve Bitter Promotes Education, Conservation, and Having Fun “Under” the Aquarium at the Boardwalk -
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 complexities, challenges, and future of the aquarium fish hobby.
EPISODE NOTES: The Aquarium Industry: A Global Look from Down Under with Ornamental Fish International President Shane Willis -
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 to share stories from his new book, “Fishes of the Orinoco in the Wild.” Join us, as Ivan guides us through the stories, photographs, concerns, and hopes for a better future for this treasured natural resource.
EPISODE NOTES: Naturalist and Explorer Ivan Mikolji, Part 2:Tales from His New Book “Fishes of the Orinoco in the Wild” -
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 spectacular species and biotopes, education, and conservation efforts.
EPISODE NOTES: How Ivan Mikolji Fuses Nature, Science, and Art to Foster Conservation of South American Waters -
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 solution to mitigate an ecological crisis.
EPISODE NOTES: Nuri Fisher of Piscine Energetics: How An Innovative Fish Food Mitigates An Ecological Crisis - Montre plus
