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 passion for aquaculture and conservation. Join us, as Kevin shares his hopes and dreams, and the story behind Biota Aquariums.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Plug and Play Sustainability: Biota Aquariums with Kevin Gaines with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 and strains of New World cichlids. Join us, as Dan explains how a former financial services manager became a premier source of New World Cichlids in the U.S. today!

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Cichlids of the Americas with Dan Sharifi with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 Segrest Farms, her career, and the many challenges the aquarium industry is currently facing.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - All in A Day’s Work: Industry Insights from Sandy Moore of Segrest Farms with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 can plug in!

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Open Up Your Aquatic Horizons with My Aquarium Box with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 reports, articles and travelogues. Join us, as Mike shares his fishy experiences from the field.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Following the Fish: Mike Tuccinardi’s Sustainability Stories from the Field with Dr. Roy Yanong

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, restaurants, and schools. Join us, as we discuss this hypnotic new wave and the secrets of jellyfish with Jeff, Joe, and Jon.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Hypnotic New Wave of Aquarium Keeping: Jellyfish Art with Dr. Roy Yanong

When you think of an aquarium, you don’t usually think of aquatic beetles. My guest today, Dr. Jiri Hulcr, Assistant Professor of Forest Entomology at the University of Florida, and long time aquatic beetle hobbyist, however, thinks people have things all wrong. He says that beetles are much more interesting than fish! So why is a forest insect expert such a big bug lover? Join us, as we learn more about keeping aquatic beetles from entomologist Jiri Hulcr.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Diving into Aquatic Beetles with Dr. Jiri Hulcr with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 Reef2Rainforest.com. Matt started the Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeder's Association, sits on the Marine Breeder’s Initiative Council, and was 2009 Aquarist of the Year by IMAC West and MASNA. Join us, as Matt continues our discussion of the past, present, and future of clownfish varieties.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Picasso, Snowflake, Black Ice, and Lightning: The Art and Science of Designer Clownfish - PART 2 with Dr. Roy Yanong

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 Reef2Rainforest.com. Matt started the Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeder's Association, sits on the Marine Breeder’s Initiative Council, and was 2009 Aquarist of the Year by IMAC West and MASNA. Join us, as Matt discussed the past, present, and future of clownfish varieties.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Picasso, Snowflake, Black Ice, and Lightning: The Art and Science of Designer Clownfish - PART 1 with Dr. Roy Yanong

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? Send them to: [email protected].

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Aquatic Pet Products: A Past, Present, and Future Look with Tim Plafcan of Spectrum with Dr. Roy Yanong