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 shares his passion and interest in bringing these beautiful, new species into the aquarium hobby.

EPISODE NOTES: Aquarium Fish Expert Sam Fernald Explains Why Hillstream Loaches are Worth the Hype!

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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 appreciation for, and expertise with discus. Join us, as Kapil shares his life story and explains why discus are worthy of their regal title!

EPISODE NOTES: Discussing Discus, The King of the Aquarium, with Kapil Mandrekar

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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