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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.