Exploring Proaquatix: What Breeding Designer Clownfish Involves
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of touring the facilities of Proaquatix, located in a warehouse in Vero Beach, Florida. Managed by Eric Wagner, the facility is home to over 300 pairs of clownfish, which contribute to the majority of clownfish seen in both private and public aquariums across the United States. However, their work extends beyond clownfish, encompassing species such as Royal Gramma, Dottybacks, PJ Cardinals, Peppermint Shrimps, Gobies, Blennies, Angelfish, and large display fish like Golden Trevally, Lookdown, and Fusiliers. They are also pioneering projects with Berghia Nudibranch, Queen Angels, Yellow Tangs, and the Guineafowl Puffer, having been the first to successfully close the life cycle of the latter in 2003.
Dive into Skellyfest 2024: The Ultimate Aquatic Expo At Miami Airport Convention Center
Miami, FL – This Saturday, September 21, marked the third annual Skellyfest at the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC), an event that brings together the vibrant world of coral enthusiasts, marine conservationists, and ocean-themed artists for a day of vibrant exhibitions and impactful philanthropy.
The inception of Skellyfest originated from a unique digital art NFT project that portrayed the skeletal structures of fish, designed to raise funds for ocean conservation.
Beneath the Surface: Karim Youssef’s Dive into Underwater Photography in Red Sea
Karim was born in a city over two hours from the sea. Despite his fear of deep water, he found a way to bond with the ocean. He turned what many would see as a disadvantage into a passion and career.
Today, Karim is a diving instructor in the Red Sea. He not only guides visitors who go to enjoy the stunning underwater world but also shares its beauty with those who can’t visit through his photography.
Tips for Selecting the Right Fish and Invertebrates for a Natural Reef Ecosystem
When it comes to creating a natural reef ecosystem, understanding the delicate balance of this unique environment is crucial. A diverse reef tank is not just visually appealing, but it also contributes to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.
Fish, invertebrates, and corals in a reef ecosystem form a complex web of interactions. Certain fish species may rely on specific invertebrates for food, while others
The Significance of Identifying Eagle Rays Through Their “Fingerprints”
Those animals just look like magnificent birds underwater. They are graceful, majestic and shy at the same time. But they have one common thing with us: their “fingerprints”. Theirs are situated on their back. Even if in English they are called “eagle”, in some other countries, they have different names, like “leopard” in France or even “painted back” in Ecuador. Their specific black and white pattern is unique to each specimen. With more than 500 different species around the world, they are…
Arturo Telle Thiemann: A Renowned Photographer and His Contribution to Marine Research
A lover of the sea, who since he was a child, unified his two great passions: the bottom of the sea and photography.
There are a couple of details that often allow to easily identify my photos: a perfectly balanced composition and very elaborate lighting, which gives three-dimensionality to the images…
Assessing the Impacts of Derelict Fishing Gear
Marine debris is a complicated global problem, but it is an important one that must be addressed to increase the sustainability of global fisheries. One of the most harmful types of marine debris is derelict fishing gear (lost or discarded), which threatens marine life and seafloor habitats like coral reefs since traps and nets can continue to catch fish and other marine life long after they have been discarded.
Inspiring people: George Garcia (@garsha18_photography)
I was born and raised in Southern California, not far from Newport Beach. After finishing college, I moved to Maryland where I attended medical school and accepted a commission in the US Army. After graduation, I moved to Hawaii to begin my surgical training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. Later…
The Spotted Shrimp and its fascinating symbiotic interactions with sea anemones and reef fishes.
Periclimenes yucatanicus, commonly known as the Spotted shrimp, is one of the fascinating species of marine invertebrates that inhabit the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico in the Western Atlantic. This small crustacean, measuring only about 3 cm in length, belongs to the select group of reef shrimps known for their role as cleaners of fishes that inhabit coral reefs. Cleaner shrimps, along with certain…
Natural Saltwater vs. Salt Mix: Which is Right for Your Reef Tank?
Saltwater is an important part of keeping your aquarium healthy. It doesn’t matter if you have a fish-only tank or a reef tank, it’s crucial to understand the differences between natural saltwater and salt mix. This knowledge will help ensure the well-being of your aquatic pets. While some people may think that natural saltwater from the ocean is the best choice, many aquarium owners prefer to use salt mix instead.
Exploring the Nutritional Benefits of Amphipods for Optimal Growth in Commercial and Ornamental Fish
Feeding aquarium fish often involves using artificial feeds made from marine ingredients like fishmeal and fish oil. These ingredients are very nutritious for most saltwater fish. However, they are expensive and becoming scarcer worldwide. As a result, fish foods often include cheaper and more easily available ingredients from land, such as soy flour, lentils, and vegetable oils. But these ingredients are not a natural food source…
The Importance of Proper Aquarium Water Temperature for Fish Health
Many animals need a particular body temperature to stay alive. However, severe temperatures can pose a threat to their lives. When the temperature drops too low, water inside their bodies can freeze, leading to damage of their cells. Even worse, if ice crystals form within a cell, they can break the cell membranes, causing even more harm. On the other hand, when temperatures rise too high, the cellular proteins…
Beautiful and Beginner-Friendly Saltwater Fish for Your Aquarium. Part 2
Not all saltwater fish are ideal for beginners to keep in their aquariums. However, there are some beautiful species that are perfect for those who are new to saltwater fish keeping. In the second installment of our series, we’ll be exploring more beginner-friendly options to add to your aquarium. Whether you’re looking to add vibrant colors or unique patterns to your tank, there are plenty of options available that won’t…
Argo Observations: A Key Component in Climate Change Research
Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the Earth’s surface temperature that has been observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900). This phenomenon is primarily caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, which increases the levels of greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Long-Spined Sea Urchin: The Unsung Hero of Healthy Coral Reef Ecosystems
During the 1970s, if you swam, snorkeled, or dove in the Caribbean, it was common to find numerous reefs with colorful structures of various shapes. These structures, made of calcium carbonate, are nothing more than some of the longest-lived animals on our planet: corals. Some corals even began to form over 50 million years ago. The spectacular shades of color that we see when looking at a coral…
Beautiful and Beginner-Friendly Saltwater Fish for Your Aquarium. Part 1
Setting up a saltwater aquarium can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right fish. Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and have put together a list of the top easiest care saltwater fish for your aquarium.Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these fish are sure to add a splash of color and personality to your tank. So, let’s explore your options and find…
The Importance of Beneficial Bacteria in the Nitrogen Cycle of Your Aquarium
The importance of beneficial bacteria in the nitrogen cycle of your aquarium can not be overstated. Understanding the nitrogen cycle and how it works is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the nitrogen cycle in water, why it is so important, and the role that nitrogen fixation bacteria play in this process. We will also discuss the steps of the nitrogen cycle and how it impacts the overall health…
How to Cycle Your Saltwater Aquarium for a Healthy Ecosystem
A saltwater aquarium is a unique and fascinating way to bring the beauty of the ocean into your home. With a wide variety of fish, corals, invertebrates, and other aquatic life available for purchase, you can create an exciting and vibrant underwater world. Saltwater aquariums require careful maintenance to ensure the health of their inhabitants but with proper care, they can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby for years to come.
