Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

It’s hard not to love pufferfish. They have many great qualities that can make them an excellent candidate for a truly interactive pet fish. They also, unfortunately, have a “bite first, ask questions later” tendency that other fish and corals don’t really like. In this episode, we discuss a variety of saltwater puffer species that are available in the aquarium hobby, as well as care requirements, tank mates, reef-safeness, and more!

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Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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Species mentioned in this episode:

Sources referenced in this episode

1. Stump, E. Et al. Global conservation status of marine pufferfishes

2. Gladstone, W. The courtship and spawning behaviors ofCanthigaster

3. Zhu, H., Sonoyama, T., Yamada, M., Gao, W., Tatsuno, R., Takatani, T.,

4. Large Saltwater Pufferfish for Big Tanks. Hobbist Tropical Fish Magazine

5. Fishbase.se Web link: https://fishbase.se/Nomenclature/ScientificNameSearchList.php?crit1_fieldname=SYNONYMS.SynGenus&crit1_fieldtype=CHAR&crit1_operator=EQUAL&crit1_value=Canthigaster&crit2_fieldname=SYNONYMS.SynSpecies&crit2_fieldtype=CHAR&crit2_operator=CONTAINS&crit2_value=&typesearch=simple&group=summary&backstep=-2&sortby=sciname

6. National Aquarium. https://aqua.org/explore/animals/striped-burrfish

7. Palacios, M. M., Muñoz, C. G., & Zapata, F. A. (2014). Fish corallivory on

8. Moura, R. D., & Castro, R. M. (2002). Revision of Atlantic sharpnose

In this controversial episode, the Water Colors team is joined by invasive species specialist Dr. Alisha Davidson to discuss the very real consequences of goldfish in our waterways. Goldfish certainly are the aquarium hobby darling. Nearly every aquarist has kept them at some point, and unfortunately, the aquarium industry is at fault for their presence in Michigan’s water ways. With the help of Alisha, this discussion covers not only the impacts of invasive goldfish, but also some fascinating research going into the monitoring, prevention, and removal of invasive species in the Great Lakes and connected waterways.

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

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This is part 2 of our listener questions release, see the previous episode for the first half! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording sessions. You can submit your own questions for future episodes to [email protected]

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

We’re back with one of our favorite episode formats – answering listener submitted questions! These episodes are livestreamed at the time of recording on our YouTube channel – consider joining our YouTube membership for access to weekly livestreamed episodes! There is never a shortage of great questions and topics to kickstart some interesting conversations on these recording sessions. You can submit your own questions for future episodes to [email protected]

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Everyone loves pufferfish! They are well known for their boisterous behaviors, curious personalities, and silly googly eyes. They come in a wide range of sizes and temperaments, but are often tough to fit into many existing aquariums due to their “bite first, ask questions later” mentality. In this episode, we discuss a variety of species; including their size, care, and compatibility. From puny pea puffers to monstrous mbu, there’s bound to be a puffer you’ll fall in love with.

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Species mentioned in this episode:

This episode covers the genus centropyge, as well as some new taxonomic breakthroughs that have rewritten how we classify marine angelfish. Many of the species that we once knew as centropyge are now split into a handful of new genera, as well as some unclassified complexes. Join us as we struggle through the taxonomic nightmare that is marine angelfish. Isn’t taxonomy fun?

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Sources referenced in this episode:

Species mentioned in this episode:

This episode was recorded with a live audience, including members of the South West Michigan Aquarium Society (SWMAS)! The Water Colors Team is joined by some local club members to discuss their favorite types of aquarists that frequent club meeting and local fish stores. This discussion also aims to emphasize the importance of club participation, and how you can contribute! If you are looking for a club to join, contact us and we’ll help you find one.

South West Michigan Aquarium Society (SWMAS): https://www.swmas.club/

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this episode, the Water Colors team focuses on some fun, measurable achievements that aquarists can feel proud of. Whether you’re an experienced fishkeeper, or brand new to the game – here are some fun benchmarks to consider as you level up in the aquarium hobby. From the first time you see baby fish in your tank, to winning an award for your aquascapes or club accomplishments, these goals can be different for everyone! It’s important to celebrate your own wins!

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

In this brand new episode format, the Water Colors team is blindly reacting to aquarium stories told by the editor. The topics range from shocking aquarium horror stories, to tank disasters, and even fishy miracles. There is never a shortage of ridiculous posts in aquarium forums – so if you like this content, be sure to let your hosts know! All posts referenced in this episode will be linked below.

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Online stories referenced in this episode:

This episode is a deep dive into cephalopods and how they may (or may not) fit into aquariums. Charles and the Water Colors Team discuss a variety of species, including cuttlefish, octopods, and more! These organisms are often thought of for their remarkable intelligence and ability to problem solve. This same intelligence can also make them challenging to keep in captivity. Many cephalopods have extremely short lifespans, which adds to the challenge of keeping them as pets. Join us as we learn about some of the most fascinating organisms in our oceans!

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

Species mentioned in this episode: