Aquariumania - Tropical Fish As Pets - Pets & Animals On Pet Life Radio (petliferadio.com)

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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. 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

Just Keep Swimming is not only the name of Andres’ Ryan’s fish farm, it is also his creed. Andres is an aquarium fish farmer in Florida who has bred and raised literally hundreds of species, but now concentrates on the more delicate and difficult-to-spawn aquarium fish, including clown loaches, cardinal tetras, Galaxy rasboras, fancy plecos, and freshwater ornamental shrimp. Join us, as Andres and I discuss fancy fish, the challenges of commercially raising new species, and the future of the hobby! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - JUST KEEP SWIMMING: Andres Ryan’s Fish Farm and His Creed with Dr. Roy Yanong

Coral reefs are among the most beautiful and biologically diverse communities in the world. Yet corals are in decline globally. Although some disease syndromes have been identified and described by researchers over the past few decades, many factors contributing to coral health and disease- both in the field and in aquaria- are still poorly understood. Dr. Michael Sweet, the lead researcher in the Coral Health and Disease Laboratory at Derby University, UK, uses innovative techniques to better study coral health and disease, and has helped bridge the gap between researchers and reef hobbyists. Join us, as Dr. Sweet discusses coral health and disease both in the field and in your home reef tank. Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Coral Diseases and Syndromes: A Primer, with Dr. Michael Sweet with Dr. Roy Yanong

When the first transgenic red zebra danio first lit up the U.S. aquarium hobby in 2004 amidst great controversy, naysayers thought this would be just a passing fancy. Ten years later, Yorktown Technologies’ highly successful "GloFish" line has expanded to ten lines, six colors, and three species. My guest today, Alan Blake, CEO of Yorktown Technologies, is the man who started it all. Join us, as Alan discusses the past, present, and fluorescent future of the GloFish! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - After Ten Years, Yorktown Technologies’ GloFish Continue to Glo-On! with Dr. Roy Yanong

What do upside down catfish, electric blue Jack Dempseys, and eartheaters all have in common? They are all bred and raised by my guest today, aquarium fish producer John Skidmore of Golden Pond Tropicals. For 15 years, John raised shrimp in the Caribbean and Hawaii, before moving to Florida to start aquarium fish farming. Join us, as we learn more about the fascinating species bred and raised at Golden Pond Tropicals! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Upside Down, Electric Blue, and Chocolate: Some Cool Fish from John Skidmore of Golden Pond Tropicals, Inc. with Dr. Roy Yanong

Which fishes commonly court potential mates on land, can climb up mangrove trees, and dig deep burrows to lay eggs? The incredible mudskipper! Although mudskippers have made it big in some children’s cartoons, very few people really understand how unique and varied this group of fishes is. My guest today, Dr. Gianluca Polgar, is the world’s expert on mudskippers and an aquarium hobbyist at heart. Join us as Dr. Polgar shares his vast knowledge of the mighty mudskipper! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Mudskipper Madness with World’s Expert, Dr. Gianluca Polgar with Dr. Roy Yanong

Among the most iconic of all marine species in the aquarium hobby are the seahorses. From tiny dwarf species to large majestically camouflaged seadragons, children and adults alike have been fascinated by their appearance and behaviors. My guest today, Beth Privett, owner of Seahorse Corral in Florida, is a highly-regarded seahorse breeder, who was inspired to breed them to reduce wild collection and to make them more accessible to home hobbyists worldwide. Join us as we "roundup" the latest information on captive bred seahorses with Beth Privett! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Seahorse Roundup with Beth Privett of Seahorse Corral with Dr. Roy Yanong var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size: '468060'};

Most common freshwater aquarium fish are aquacultured- born and raised on fish farms in Florida, other parts of the U.S., and abroad. Most marine aquarium species, by contrast, are collected from the wild, with only a small percentage farm-raised. Petco and Defenders of Wildlife have joined forces to reduce impacts on coral reef habitats and species by promoting aquacultured fish over wild caught species. How did this unique collaboration develop and what can it accomplish for both the aquarium hobby and the environment? My guests today are Rich Williams and Todd Gwynn from Petco, and Dan Thornhill from Defenders of Wildlife. Join us as they discuss the plight of coral reefs worldwide and how a push toward aquaculture can help both the industry and the wild. Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - A 'Cultural' Collaboration: Petco and Defenders of Wildlife Promote Farm-Raised Fish with Dr. Roy Yanong var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size

Florida’s aquarium fish producers comprise much of the heart and soul of U.S. production. They are a colorful, hard-working, and dedicated group, and many come from families who have been farming for generations. My guest today is Mike Drawdy, owner of Imperial Tropicals in Lakeland, FL. Mike, a third generation fish farmer, raises a variety of colorful species, including fancy swordtails, guppies, tetras, catfishes, and cichlids, and is always searching for the next big fish. Join us, as Mike discusses his path to the aquarium industry, life on the farm, and some of his favorite fish! Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Turquoise and Gold: Mike Drawdy of Imperial Tropicals Discusses Some Present and Future Aquarium Fish Gems with Dr. Roy Yanong var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size: '468060'};

Many consider our planet’s oceans too vast to be in trouble. But numerous scientific studies are proving that water quality and the lives of many marine - and terrestrial species, including ourselves, are at risk from mankind’s waste and climatic influences. My guest today, Fabien Cousteau, grandson of aquatic pioneer Jacques Cousteau, is himself an ocean explorer, film-maker, renaissance man, and even an optimist. Join us, as Fabien describes life as a Cousteau, his hopes and efforts to jump start ecological renewal through the "Plant A Fish" program, and how, ultimately, we are the solution to this sea of problems. Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - A Sea of Problems and Solutions: Fabien Cousteau Discusses Ecological Restoration and his Plant a Fish Programs with Dr. Roy Yanong var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size: '468060'};

The beauty of the aquarium hobby is that there is a niche for everyone, including those who love tiny tanks. My guest, today, Rachel O’Leary, owner of Misjinkzd, is well-known for her collection of tiny freshwater fish and invertebrates, ideal occupants for now trendy 'nano tanks,' aquaria that, like bonsai trees, can brighten up small spaces. Join us, as we learn more about life on the nano-side from the girl with the apple snail tattoo. Questions or Comments? Send them to: DrRoy@petliferadio.com. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Rachel O'Leary: The Girl with the Apple Snail Tattoo Talks MicroFish and Inverts with Dr. Roy Yanong var ACE_AR = {Site: '845738', Size: '468060'};