Aquariumania - Tropical Fish as Pets - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 33 AMAZONAS’ Hans-George Evers and the Amazing L-Cats

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 00:40:46 -0400

Most hobbyists are familiar with the common pleco, the catfish that feeds on algae and detritus and is a staple of any community tank. But most do not know that there are currently well over 600 different species of catfishes in the pleco family, the Loricariidae, many with incredible color and patterns, like the zebra pleco and the gold dust pleco, and many of which have not yet been properly identified by scientists.

My guest today is Hans-George Evers, long time aquarium hobbyist, lecturer, author, and Editor-in-Chief of AMAZONAS magazine. Join us, as we learn more about Hans, AMAZONAS, and the amazing L-Cats!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - AMAZONAS’ Hans-George Evers and the Amazing L-Catswith Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 32 Growing Up Fish: Life at 5-D Tropical, Inc. with Jason Diaz

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 16:48:43 -0500

The U.S. aquarium fish industry is centered in Florida, and has a rich tradition of fish farming families. My guest today, Jason Diaz, has been working in his family’s business since age 12. Jason is President of 5-D Tropical, Inc., an aquarium fish production and import facility, based in Plant City. 5-D produces 100s of thousands of aquarium fish weekly, comprised of over 60 species and varieties of fish, with the spectacularly colored GloFish among their most popular. 5-D also imports fish from all over the globe. So what’s it like growing up in an aquaculture industry when your parents were also your bosses? And where your brother and sister work, too? Join us, as Jason gives us his unique perspective on the aquarium industry.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Growing Up Fish: Life at 5-D Tropical, Inc. with Jason Diaz with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 31 Water Garden Wizardry with Ken Jones, the Prince of Ponds

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:33:13 -0500

Ken Jones, my guest today, is a well-known and highly respected water feature and water garden designer, who has been in the aquatic landscape business for over 30 years. Ken has been involved in many aspects of the aquarium hobby throughout his career and his projects have won Designer Showcase awards from the national trade magazine, Watergarden News. Ken also writes for many of the hobby and trade publications and produces and hosts his own television show. Most recently Ken began hosting the Prince of Ponds podcast and founded the Ornamental Water Feature Academy. Join us, as we discuss the ins and outs of water gardens with Ken Jones!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Water Garden Wizardry with Ken Jones, the Prince of Ponds with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 30 Aquariums in the Classroom: Riverview High School’s Aquascience Program

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:41:24 -0500

Aquarium keeping is more than just a great hobby. It also teaches valuable lessons about science, nature, and even careers in aquatics! A perfect example of this can be seen at Riverview High School, in Sarasota, FL, where innovators Katrin Rudge and her colleagues use aquarium systems to teach aquaculture, natural resources, engineering, and business. Riverview High School’s Aquascience Program currently enrolls approximately 250-300 students, and their "Stars to Starfish" program is gearing up to educate not only these high schoolers, but hundreds of visiting grade school students as well.

My guests today are Katrin Rudge and her students Matt LaVigna, Wes Robertson, Tyler Fushikoshi. Join us, as we discuss aquariums in the classroom at Riverview High School!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Aquariums in the Classroom: Riverview High School’s Aquascience Program with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 29 Using Science to Develop Marine Fish Culture Methods: The Rising Tide Conservation Initiative

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:30:41 -0400

Many hobbyists know that clownfish and a few other marine species are now bred by fish farms for the industry. However, most other marine aquarium fish are even more difficult to breed and are available only as wild caught specimens. How can we ever crack their breeding and culture codes?

Rising Tide Conservation, an initiative spearheaded by the Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, is a collaborative effort designed to advance methods and disseminate information regarding captive breeding of marine fishes and to provide alternatives to collection.

Eric Cassiano and Matt Wittenrich, two scientists based at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, and members of the initiative have been concentrating their efforts on culture methods of a variety of species including anthias, tangs, dragonets, and porkfish. Join us, as we discuss the opportunities and challenges in their work with Rising Tide Conservation.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Using Science to Develop Marine Fish Culture Methods: The Rising Tide Conservation Initiative with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 28 Cancer and Old Age in Fish: Dr. Todd Cecil Gives Us the Facts

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:53:11 -0400

Cancer and old age are difficult to handle when they happen to our pets. Although most people are familiar with these issues in dogs and cats, not many aquarium hobbyists have the same level of understanding for their fish.

Our guest today is Dr. Todd Cecil, owner and operator of Western Aquatic Animal Veterinary Service, and primary exotic animal veterinarian at Pet Emergency and Specialty Center based in San Diego. Dr. Todd is well known for his fish medicine expertise and has been working with fish and other exotic animals for the past seventeen years. Join us, as Dr. Todd teaches us all we need to know about cancer and old age in pet fish.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Cancer and Old Age in Fish: Dr. Todd Cecil Gives Us the Facts with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 27 Getting "TANKED" with Wayde King and Brett Raymer

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:05:49 -0400

Do you want to have the fish tank of your dreams? Ask Wayde King and Brett Raymer, brothers-in-law, best friends, and the highly successful brains behind their company, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM). Housed in a 13,000 sq ft. facility located in the center of Las Vegas, ATM has created thousands of conceptual aquariums for high-profile clients. Animal Planet’s newest hit show "TANKED," follows the professional "antics" of these creative geniuses and puts a colorful, Vegas-style spin on state-of-the-art aquarium design and construction. Join us, as we get "TANKED" with Wayde and Brett! If you can dream it, ATM can build it. . . .

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Getting "TANKED" with Wayde King and Brett Raymer with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 26 Myth Breakers: Common Misconceptions of Aquarium Fish-Keeping and Fish Health

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:18:02 -0400

There are many common "myths" and misconceptions out there in the aquarium hobby that continue to live on. More experienced fish-keepers know fact from fiction, but those new to aquarium keeping often must learn the truth the hard way!

Dr. Denise Petty is an aquaculture extension veterinarian at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. An avid fish-keeper herself, Dr. Petty works closely with the aquarium fish industry, veterinary students, and veterinarians as a clinician and an educator. Join us, as Dr. Petty answers common hobbyist questions and teaches us the truth behind these myths!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Myth Breakers: Common Misconceptions of Aquarium Fish-Keeping and Fish Health with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 25 - Matt Wittenrich’s Psychedelic Approaches to Mandarin Goby Breeding

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:33:53 -0400

For many years, marine aquarium fish were only available from the wild. Then, in the 1970s, pioneering scientists developed methods for commercial production of clownfish. Over the years, other species including neon gobies, dottybacks, and seahorses also became available from fish farms. Most recently Dr. Matt Wittenrich "cracked the breeding code" for the mandarin goby, one of the more popular marine fish species. Dr. Matt is a well-known marine biologist, a highly sought after speaker, a nature photographer, and the author of The Complete Illustrated Breeder’s Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes. Matt recently earned his PhD at Florida Institute of Technology studying how larval reef fish feed. Join us, as Matt shares his psychedelic approach to breeding mandarin gobies.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Matt Wittenrich’s Psychedelic Approaches to Mandarin Goby Breeding with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 24 If Electric Fish Could Talk, What Would They Say? Ask the Gymnocom!

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:51:16 -0400

The aquarium hobby is filled with beautiful and unusual species with secret lives. The black ghost knife and elephantnose are two popular and fascinating fish, which communicate and sense their surroundings by means of weak electrical signals. If we could hear these, what would they say?

My guest today, Benjamin Grelie, is a member of the French company Gymnokidi which has worked with scientists to build a machine to answer that question. Their product, the Gymnocom, translates the electrical impulses into words! Join us, as Benjamin explains the magic behind their Gymnocom!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - If Electric Fish Could Talk, What Would They Say? Ask the Gymnocom! with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 23 Keeping Fish and Other Aquatics Healthy-- the PetSmart Way!

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:04:03 -0500

PetSmart is the largest North American pet and pet supply company, with a total of almost 1200 retail stores. Have you ever wondered who manages the health of PetSmart’s millions of fish and other aquatic animals? Dr. Nick St. Erne, who has been working in the field of exotic and aquatic veterinary medicine for decades, is more than up to the challenge! Dr. Nick is PetSmart’s Technical Services Veterinarian in charge of aquatic animal health. Dr. Nick is an author of two fish health books and a favorite invited speaker, having lectured for numerous koi club events. Dr. Nick is also actively involved in the advancement of aquatic animal medicine through his work with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.

Join us, as Dr. Nick teaches us the art and science of aquatic animal health-- the PetSmart Way!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Keeping Fish and Other Aquatics Healthy-- the PetSmart Way! with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 22 The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly Truths about Aquarium Bacteria

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:03:18 -0500

Most people think of bacteria as something that will make you and your pets sick. In reality, bacteria play a critical role in healthy fish, ecosystems, and well-balanced aquarium systems. Dr. Tim Hovanec, the founder of Dr. Tim's Aquatics, has been working in the aquarium and aquaculture field for decades. His graduate research revolutionized our understanding of biofilter bacteria, and over the years, he has designed numerous bacteria-based products that solve many common aquarium problems. Join us, as we discuss the good, the bad, and the not-so-ugly truths about aquarium bacteria with Dr. Tim.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly Truths about Aquarium Bacteria with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 21 Scrubbers, Sumps and Such: An Introduction to Coral Reef Systems

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:41:03 -0500

For a long time, the only way to be near a coral reef was by scuba diving or visits to the local public aquarium. However, over the past 20-30 years, reef-keeping has evolved and become much more accessible. Today, although many people have a piece of the ocean in their homes and businesses, there is still debate over which reef systems work best.

My guest today is Bill Hoffman, the Manager of the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit in Fort Pierce, Florida. Bill has spent the past 17 years managing marine aquarium exhibits for the Smithsonian Institution, and worked closely with Walter Adey, who invented Algal Turf Scrubbers. Join us, as we discuss coral reef systems with Bill.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Scrubbers, Sumps and Such: An Introduction to Coral Reef Systems with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 20 Aquarium Fish Sex: How Craig Watson’s Obsession Helps Stimulate Florida’s Ornamental Fish Industry

Mon, 3 Jan 2011 18:20:22 -0500

Florida has been the center of aquarium fish and plant production in the U.S. since the 1930s. The state’s fish farmers currently raise hundreds of species of ornamental fish. But how do they breed all these different species? Most people know guppies give birth to fairly developed young fish, but do they know how guppies actually breed? And what about all the other species?

My guest today is a good friend and colleague, Craig Watson, Director of the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. Although Craig has worked in many different areas of aquaculture, he has always had an obsession for aquarium fish sex-- figuring out what it is that makes fish want to breed--and it’s not just all about soft lights and music! He’s helped many farmers crack the secrets of the intimate world of fish-- and will share some fascinating stories with us today. Join us!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Aquarium Fish Sex: How Craig Watson’s Obsession Helps Stimulate Florida’s Ornamental Fish Industry with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 19 Fish Logistics: Moving Fish and Aquaria, Fish Care When You’re Away, and Power Outages

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:43:28 -0500

So your aquarium has been set up for a few years and now it looks great! But then life throws some aquarium-keeping challenges your way. Here are a few scenarios: you are moving and want to bring your 55 gallon aquarium . . .you have to leave home for a few weeks, and aren’t sure what to do about your fish. . . powerlines have just been cut because of bad weather, and you don’t have a generator. What do you do?

My guest today is aquarium fish expert Bill Shields, from 5D Tropical, Inc and the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society. Bill has been through each of these potentially aquarium-life-threatening scenarios, and has helped numerous people keep their aquaria healthy and happy through similar stressful times. Need some pointers? Join us!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Fish Logistics: Moving Fish and Aquaria, Fish Care When You’re Away, and Power Outages Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 18 Sea Life at Home: Getting Started with Marine Aquaria

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 17:59:49 -0500

Although most aquarium hobbyists are freshwater enthusiasts, a growing number are taking the salty plunge and keeping marine fish and invertebrates. Advances in marine aquarium technology, increases in numbers of aquacultured species, and a better understanding of animal needs has helped fuel this increase.

Our guest today is James Kinsler, Assistant Curator of Fishes at SeaWorld Orlando. Jim has over 16 years of professional experience working with marine and freshwater fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. As a member of the SeaWorld Aquarium team Jim has been involved in every facet of animal acquisition, transport, aquarium exhibit design, construction, and husbandry. Join us as Jim discusses the amazing aquatic life at Sea World and offers suggestions for those interested in keeping marine aquaria at home.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Sea Life at Home: Getting Started with Marine Aquaria with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 17 Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Coral Reefs at the New Marlins’ Stadium

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 09:53:08 -0400

What do major league baseball and coral reef aquaria have in common? If you said the Florida Marlins new Ballpark in Miami you are right! The New Marlins Ballpark, scheduled to open in 2012, features two state-of-the-art coral reef aquaria, both within wild pitch distance of home plate.

Our guest today is Francis Yupangco, the very experienced Director of Business Development and Marketing, and Senior Marine Biologist for Living Color Enterprises, Inc., the innovative company based out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, which designed and is building these elaborate and high tech systems. Join us as we discuss how Francis and his company’s team are making baseball, hot dogs, and tropical fish a unique and entertaining combination!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Coral Reefs at the New Marlins’ Stadium with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 16 Would Your Water Pass the Test? The Shedd Aquarium’s Allen LaPointe Explains How to Avoid Water Woes

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:24:34 -0400

Fish live, breathe, sleep, in fact, do everything, in the same body of water. Your fish rely on you to keep things clean and fresh. So do you know enough to keep them happy? Poor water quality is one of the most common causes of problems in the aquarium industry, for both large and small systems. Many hobbyists only understand part of the story, and need to learn more.

Our guest today is Allen LaPointe, the Director of Environmental Quality at the world-famous John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. A chemist and zoologist by training, Allen will share some important water quality lessons he has learned from 13 years at the Shedd. Join us!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Would Your Water Pass the Test? The Shedd Aquarium’s Allen LaPointe Explains How to Avoid Water Woes with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 15 Killifish: Small, Secret Gems of the Aquarium World

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:57:06 -0400

Killifish are beautiful, small-bodied fish found in many areas around the world, including in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. They are, as a group, one of the aquarium industry's hidden gems with only some of the hundreds of brightly colored species sold in local aquarium shops. In nature, some of them live in tiny puddles of water, where their eggs must survive dry periods. One species can reproduce, literally, on its own, from just one fish! All have fascinating life histories.

Our guest today, Charlie Nunziata, has been an active aquarium hobbyist for more than 45 years. Charlie is a life-long member of the American Killifish Association, through which he has been awarded numerous honors. He has founded local societies in New York and Florida, and is currently a Board of Trustees member and chair of the Killifish Conservation Committee. He also is very active with the North American Native Fishes Association. Join us, as Charlie teaches us more about the fascinating and unique killifishes--and how to find them and keep them successfully!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Killifish: Small, Secret Gems of the Aquarium World with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 14 Have a Sick Fish? Veterinarian Dr. Helen Roberts Helps Heal Wet Pet Woes!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:14:46 -0400

So you’ve got a sick fish-- who are you gonna call? Why, your local fish veterinarian, of course! Although pet owners don’t think twice about contacting their vet for the dog or cat’s problems, more and more hobbyists are now also seeking help from their local veterinarian for their sick pet fish. And this is perfect timing, since more and more veterinarians are willing and able to work on wet pet patients.

One of the country’s leading pet fish veterinarians, Dr. Helen Roberts has been working in the aquatic veterinary field since the early 90s, and has worked with numerous fish species from all types of aquaria and ponds. She has gained the confidence of many clients who travel for hours with their fish or fly her out just to get her help. Join us as we learn more about some of her favorite cases and how today’s veterinarians can help you with your fish!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Have a Sick Fish? Veterinarian Dr. Helen Roberts Helps Heal Wet Pet Woes! with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 13 Through Hell’s Aquarium--and Back-- with Best-Selling Author Steve Alten!

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 16:08:27 -0400

What is the biggest and baddest aquarium you’ve ever seen? How about the biggest and baddest fish? Best-selling author Steve Alten blows all of those out of the water, with his latest sci-fi horror novel, "MEG: Hell’s Aquarium." In this 4th installment of Alten’s MEG series, we learn more about Carcharodon megalodon--MEG, for short--the enormous, prehistoric relative of the great white shark, and what could happen if they were still around prowling the oceans-- or on display at some of the largest aquaria in the world!

Join us, as we talk with Steve about MEGs and mega-aquaria, other prehistoric and predatory denizens of the deep waters of the Philippine Sea Plate, Bond 007 girls, and his Adopt-An-Author program for teen readers.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Through Hell’s Aquarium--and Back-- with Best-Selling Author Steve Alten with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 12 How Cardinal Tetras are Saving the Rainforest: Project Piaba

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:11:30 -0400

Hundreds of millions of aquarium fish are sold each year throughout the world, with an economic value of over 600 million. Fish in the hobby come from many different sources, including farms in Florida and wild caught fish from the flooded forests, streams, and lakes of the Rio Negro in the Amazon. Tens of millions of fish are exported yearly from this area, and are the major economic source of income for many native people. Project Piaba is a community based, interdisciplinary project which has helped improve the livelihood of these native fishermen and maintain the integrity of the rainforests in the region-- both vital to sustainability of the peoples and the wildlife in the area. Join us as we talk to Scott Dowd, of the New England Aquarium, about Project Piaba, and how buying aquarium fish helps save the rainforest!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - How Cardinal Tetras are Saving the Rainforest: Project Piaba with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 11 Keeping Aquarium Fish Where They Belong: Non-Native Species Concerns in the Industry

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:24:27 -0400

The aquarium fish industry includes thousands of species of freshwater and marine fish and invertebrates farmed or collected from all over the world. This global diversity keeps the aquarium hobby fascinating and fresh, but also troubles our natural resource agencies, especially when non-native fish are found in our environment. Join us, as we talk to Dr. Jeff Hill, a scientist at the University of Florida, to learn more about keeping non-native aquarium fish where they belong!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Keeping Aquarium Fish Where They Belong: Non-Native Species Concerns in the Industry with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 10 North American Native Fishes: Aquatic Pets from Your Own Back Yard

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:59:26 -0400

North American Native Fishes are often overlooked and under appreciated as aquarium specimens. However many of our native fishes, not only make excellent aquarium subjects, but also rival some of the more commonly available tropicals in color and beauty. Combine this with the fact that you can go on your own collecting adventure, often nearby--or perhaps even in your own back yard--and you have a great reason to give a second look at North American Native Fishes as subjects for your next (or first) home aquarium. Among the many native darters, minnows, sunfish and killifish, there's sure to be a North American Native Fish that will suit your "aquaristic" taste.

Brian Skidmore has been keeping a variety of aquarium fish for over 30 years, but more recently, has focused on killifish and North American Native Fishes, especially those native to his home state of Florida. He has participated in numerous collecting trips throughout the State of Florida and other southeastern states, and through this experience has been able to collect, photograph and learn about many of Florida's native fishes. Brian is co-author of the "Florida Collecting Guide, a Guide to the Collection, Identification and Aquarium Maintenance of Florida's Non-Game Fishes", which was recently published in its 3rd edition, and an active member of a number of regional and national aquarium fish societies.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - North American Native Fishes: Aquatic Pets from Your Own Back Yard with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 9 Old World Cichlids

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:48:40 -0500

Old World Cichlids, comprised primarily of fish from Africa, are a large and very diverse group of fishes in the aquarium hobby. Aquarium enthusiasts are familiar with many of the beautifully-colored species from Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika, including the peacock cichlids, red zebras, and brichardi. These same fish also hold great interest for scientists because of their fascinating reproductive biology, ecology, behavior, and evolution. Laif DeMason, a well-known importer and breeder of African cichlids, is the owner of Old World Exotic Fish, Inc., based in Homestead, Florida. Laif has been breeding cichlids since 1969 and currently specializes in production and importation of African cichlids. Laif has authored numerous aquarium fish articles and writes a regular column for Cichlid News entitled "What’s New Around the World?" Join us, as we talk to Laif about his business, his favorite fish, and what hobbyists need to know to succeed with African cichlids.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Old World Cichlids with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 8 New World Cichlids

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 17:07:56 -0500

Cichlids from the Americas, known as "New World Cichlids," include angelfish, discus, Jack Dempseys, and oscars. But these species are just the tip of the "New World" iceberg. One of the largest groups comprises those in the Cichlasoma complex including the salvini, lowland, red head, and firemouth cichlids. Don Conkel is the owner of Don Conkel’s Tropicals, based near Tampa, Florida, with additional facilities in Costa Rica and Mexico. Don, a leading New World cichlid authority and published author, has been breeding cichlids since 1975 and currently specializes in production and importation of North and Central American cichlids, including those in the Cichlasoma complex. Join us, as we talk to Don about his business, his favorite fish, and what hobbyists need to know to succeed with these species.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - New World Cichlids with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 7 How Aquarium Societies Can Help You Avoid Common Fish Keeping Mistakes

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:37:29 -0500

Where can aquarium fish hobbyists go for general information and help? Hobbyist organizations are an excellent source of knowledge in all aspects of the hobby, and can provide great tips on fish, systems, supplies, and local stores. There are local aquarium societies in many cities in the U.S. that cater to both freshwater and marine enthusiasts. There are also national hobbyist organizations that are even more specialized. These organizations can help you get to the next level, as my guest Bill Shields will tell you.. Bill Shields started keeping fish at the ripe old age of six. Sometime after college, Bill started working "officially" in the aquarium industry, becoming general manager of three Docktor Pet Centers in the Harrisburg, PA area. He joined the Susquehanna Aquarium Society in 1974 and was formally introduced to the organized portion of the hobby. He became very active in all facets of the society, and later joined other hobbyist organizations. During a hiatus from working in the retail aquarium industry, while Bill worked as an elephant handler and "midwife," he and a group of eight formed the Tampa Bay Aquarium Society in 1992. In 1995, Bill was hired as a breeder for 5-D Tropical, Inc., an aquarium fish production and import/export facility in Plant City, Florida. Join us as Bill and I discuss aquarium fish hobbyist do’s and don’ts, and how to avoid common mistakes.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - How Aquarium Societies Can Help You Avoid Common Fish Keeping Mistakes with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 6 The Straubs: Pioneers of Florida’s Tropical Fish Industry

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:48:48 -0500

The United States’ ornamental fish aquaculture industry began to develop in the 1930s and 40s in west central Florida, through the efforts of a number of aquarium pioneers. Since then, the U.S. tropical fish industry, still centered in Florida, has grown from one to over two hundred farms, unified through the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association. One of these pioneering families, the Straubs, moved from Long Island, NY to begin fish farming in 1940 on the east coast of Florida, and Walter Straub Tropical Fish Farm still produces and sells fish today. As a youngster, Walter H. Straub battled Florida mosquitoes, water quality problems, and other challenges as he helped his father Walter Sr. produce and sell fish for an-ever changing market. After learning the ropes, Walter and his wife Norma took over the business in 1974, and-- 3 wonderful children and 10 grandchildren later-- he find himself "still working on the farm." Join us for a journey back to the early aquarium fish farming days, and lessons learned for today, as we travel together in Walter’s time machine.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Straubs: Pioneers of Florida’s Tropical Fish Industry with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 5 Angelfish, Neon Tetras. . .and Electric Eels: "Shockingly" Fun Collecting Trips in the Amazon

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:02:14 -0500

How did wild aquarium fish from South America, Africa, and Asia first get into the hobby all those many years ago? Before there were ornamental fish farms, including those here in Florida, there were fish biologists and collectors visiting exotic places and bringing back beautiful specimens of fish they found. Many of these fish are now raised on fish farms, but new species continue to enter the hobby every year. And now, eco-tourists can join aquarium fish collecting trips in some of the most biologically diverse waters of the world. My guest today is Jaap-Jan de Greef, an aquarium fish expert who has lived--and collected aquarium fish--all over the world. Jaap is well-known in the hobby not only for his wealth of knowledge, but also for leading "amazing" Amazon fish collecting trips for aquarium hobbyists, and trips to other locales for fish researchers and producers. Jaap is a favorite speaker for hobbyist organizations and has fascinating fish stories to share. So get on the boat, have a seat, and listen in!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Angelfish, Neon Tetras. . .and Electric Eels: "Shockingly" Fun Collecting Trips in the Amazon with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 4 The Science and Art of Koi and Goldfish

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:10:38 -0500

Koi and goldfish have been staples in the hobby for a long time, and continue to gain in popularity as staples for aquatic water gardens as well as indoor tank systems. The beautiful color and finnage variations in both species have been developed over hundreds of years, and now some lines and individual fish have tremendous economic and prestige value. My guest today is Joe Pawlak, President of Blackwater Creek Koi Farms, Inc., based in Eustis, Florida. Blackwater Creek Koi Farms is a top producer of quality koi here in the U.S. Joe’s company is comprised of 3 farms located in central and NW Florida, and specializes in butterfly koi, as well as standard koi and goldfish varieties. In addition, Joe produces a line of high quality fish food. Joe also does double duty as President of the National Organization of Goldfish Growers in America, and works closely with wholesalers, retailers, and hobbyist groups. Today Joe will discuss koi and goldfish-- from breeding and growing, to clubs and showing. Come and join us!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - The Science and Art of Koi and Goldfish with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 3 Clowns and Corals: ORA’s Ornamental Marine Hatchery

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:29:21 -0500

Keeping a marine aquarium is more challenging than maintaining a freshwater aquarium. However, nature shows, public aquaria, and visits to coral reefs are drawing more people to the marine aquarium hobby. Some prefer "fish-only" tanks, while others enjoy the greater challenge of caring for mini-reef systems. As the marine portion of the aquarium hobby continues to increase, greater interest in sustainability of the industry has resulted in more oversight of wild capture and expansion of marine ornamental aquaculture. Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums, the largest producer and seller of marine ornamentals in the world, is based in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Our guest today is Dustin Dorton, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ORA. Dustin, an avid freshwater and marine aquarium hobbyist his entire life, first moved from California to Florida to begin the coral propagation portion of ORA’s business. Over time, he learned more about ORA operations and management, and eventually earned his current position. Today Dustin will discuss what is involved with marine ornamental fish and invertebrate production and aquaculture’s role in sustainability of the industry. Join us!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Clowns and Corals: ORA’s Ornamental Marine Hatchery with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 2 A Glo-ing Review of Fluorescent GloFish

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:53:52 -0400

Thousands of species of ornamental fish, invertebrates, and plants provide endless possibilities for aquarium keepers. Traditional methods of breeding by selection added even more varieties to the mix. But as the aquarium hobby entered the 21st Century, pets, biotechnology, and innovative entrepreneurship intertwined, creating the U.S.’s first genetically engineered pet-- the GloFish. After many challenges-- and many years of hard work-- Alan Blake, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Yorktown Technologies, L.P. and his colleagues finally saw their fluorescent wet pets swim into stores across the U.S. In this episode, we’ll talk to Alan Blake and learn more about GloFish, the glow-in-the-dark aquatic pets that have revolutionized the hobby.

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - A Glo-ing Review of Fluorescent GloFish with Dr. Roy Yanong

PetLifeRadio.com - Aquariumania - Episode 1 - Introduction to Tropical Fish

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:28:24 -0400

Dr. Roy Yanong welcomes everyone to his new show and talks all about aquarium fish and other aquatic animals, the aquarium industry, and the science and art that surround this fascinating hobby! So dive in--the water is fine!

More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Introduction with Dr. Roy Yanong

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