Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

New X-Aqua LED Light Coming Soon

They say a picture is worth a thousand words: the above is a picture of X-Aqua's foray into LED reef aquarium lighting.  Pictures, specs, and hands-on experience coming soon...

Redfish Magazine Launched 2nd Issue

Redfish Magazine, a new free e-publication for the English-speaking (not just America, thankfully) world has launched their second issue, mostly emphasizing freshwater fish, including discus and goldfish. 

In my opinion the only hobby publications worth reading are the free ones, usually offering much better content and more advanced content than traditional magazines.  Go check it out!

Afraid of Sharks?

So it is officially Shark Week on the Discovery Channel where they are highlighting "shark attacks, killer sharks, rouge sharks" and every other negative aspect about sharks that a human can concentrate on.  I feel as though the entire week is garbage and is used to draw audiences through "fear".  The Consortium for Ocean Leadership posted an article regarding the population decrease of sharks in the ocean due to human activities.  I found the article to be very interesting and I would like to highlight specific parts of the article. 

Redfish Magazine Launches

Redfish Magazine is a new, free digital aquarium and pond magazine for the US, EU, AU, and NZ.  Personally, I'm a huge fan of international publications, because I find US aquarium writing too 'fad-ish' and their aquariums unnaturally gaudy (with the exception of my all time favorite, Advanced Aquarist, of course).  I'm very much looking forward to seeing this publication progress (especially the coldwater topics), and who knows, might even pen an article or two when I have time.  In the meantime go check it out, and while you're at it, enter their aquarium photo competition!

Where have all the predators gone?

A study in Science put in perspective the current decline of predators and the affects of their loss on the environment.  The study was conducted by a international team of scientists whom looked at predators in terrestrial, freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.  The study concluded that "the loss of apex consumers is arguably humankind's most pervasive influence on the natural world." and claims that humankind has only seen the beginning changes that are occurring in ecosystems.  See why below!

The Demise of Bluefin Tuna

Once again the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has decided to not put Bluefin Tuna on the Endangered Species Act. They feel the species does not need protected but worldwide collaboration in the sustainabilty of the Bluefin Tuna.

"Based on careful scientific review, we have decided the best way to ensure the long-term sustainability of bluefin tuna is through international cooperation and strong domestic fishery management," said Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service."

 

Sustainable Aquatics Breeds Upside-Down Jellyfish

Sustainable Aquatics has been my favorite source for captive bred and tank raised livestock for almost two years, and they continue to add to their repertoire almost every month.  This month, however, I was surprised more than usual: they've started breeding Cassiopeia upside-down jellyfish! 

Great Coral ID Resource Unveiled by SDMAS

Remember the AIMS coral ID site?  It's an amazing yet relatively untapped online representation of JEN Veron's Corals of the World books.  I say "relatively untapped" because it's nearly unuseable - navigating and searching AIMS is about as user friendly as this intersection.  You'll notice the AIMS link is to an Acro valida, because after 15 minutes I still couldn't find the index page for that site.

Well, fortunately for us the good people at SDMAS said "no more!", and through an incredible amount of work they put together a hobbyist-friendly version of the AIMS site.  The link is right here, enjoy!

Bob Fenner Creates 'The Professional Aquarist's Association'

Already owner and founder of WetWebMedia (the best source of ornamental aquatics info  online!), my friend Bob Fenner has started a new venue for those of us who make a living from this hobby and other related aquatic endeavors.  Dubbed 'The Professional Aquarists Association', the website aims to be a meeting and information sharing outlet for those active in the industry.  If that's you, go register today!

PicoAquariums.com New Models Now Available - In Starphire!

  Chris Delicanth of PicOAquariums.com has opened shop again with more pico, and new nanos!  Dubbed the 'Deep Blue' series, two new designs in three different volumes are now available.  Also new is the starphire glass option  and beveled edges on all pico and nano models, and who wouldn't want that?  Check out the pics and specs below, or the review of the original PicO aquarium: