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

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

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

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

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Episode 23 - Keeping Fish and Other Aquatics Healthy-- the PetSmart Way!
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!

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

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

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

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

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

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Episode 20 - Aquarium Fish Sex: How Craig Watson’s Obsession Helps Stimulate Florida’s Ornamental Fish Industry
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!

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

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Episode 19 - Fish Logistics: Moving Fish and Aquaria, Fish Care When You’re Away, and Power Outages
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!

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

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

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

Episode 17 - Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Coral Reefs at the New Marlins’ Stadium
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!

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

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

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

Episode 15 - Killifish: Small, Secret Gems of the Aquarium World
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!

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

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

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

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

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

Episode 12 - How Cardinal Tetras are Saving the Rainforest: Project Piaba
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!

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

Episode 11 - Keeping Aquarium Fish Where They Belong: Non-Native Species Concerns in the Industry
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!

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

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

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

Episode 9 - Old World Cichlids
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.

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

Episode 8 - New World Cichlids
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Episode 4 - The Science and Art of Koi and Goldfish
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!

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

Episode 3 - Clowns and Corals: ORA’s Ornamental Marine Hatchery
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!

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

Episode 2 - A Glo-ing Review of Fluorescent GloFish
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.

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

Episode 1 - Introduction
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!

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