Aquariumania - Tropical Fish as Pets

Planted aquariums comprised of lush sculpted underwater gardens or evoking natural settings in nature are a thing of beauty, and experts in aquascaping are artists in their own right. My guest today, Chantz Cramer, a long-time hobbyist and award winner in competitive aquascaping has inspired many hobbyists with his beautiful aquaria. Join us, as Chantz shares his journey from hobbyist to aquascaping expert and educator.EPISODE NOTES: Uncovering The Secrets of Aquascaping with Plant Expert Chantz CramerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aquarium keeping, for many hobbyists, goes beyond the pet aspect and truly becomes a way to bring aquatic ecosystems into one’s home. But how do aquariums affect personal views on science and conservation? My guest today, Dr. Liz Marchio - long-time aquarist, ichthyologist, and social scientist - works for the National Park Service in New Orleans to educate youth in science and ecological restoration and to oversee citizen science programs. Join us, as Liz shares her own journey and thoughts on how aquarium keeping impacts the future of science and conservation.EPISODE NOTES: How Does Aquarium Keeping Affect ‘the Keepers'? Dr. Liz Marchio Shares Her Own Journey and Her Interests in Science and the PublicBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aquariumania-tropical-fish-as-pets--6666780/support.