The Role of Marine Aquaria

Posted by Ret Talbot Jun 24, 2008

My high school had a zoo. I was fortunate to be the student leader in my senior year. Sure I captained a soccer team and took some APs while in high school, but it was my work at the zoo about which I am most proud.

Today I still view myself as a zoo curator. I daily care for aquatic species in aquaria throughout my house. I spend hours reading about husbandry--researching new species. Some of my tanks are biotope-specific; others are for breeding. None are simply decoration. All connect me with a larger world of interconnected ecosystems.

Coral reefs are in trouble. Every time I look at my Indo-Pacific reef tank, I think about sea surface temperature change, coral bleaching, terrestrial run-off, overfishing, and a host of other stressors. But I also think of hope in the cool flash of my blue spot jawfish, the elegance of my yellow tang and the minute audacity of my McCosker’s flasher wrasse. These species have prevailed for so long; it's now my turn to do my bit.

Come to my house and learn about coral reefs--the amazing interactions of varied species that have adapted to a fish-eat-fish world. Come to my house, and we will have the opportunity to discuss (and perhaps even debate) the plight of the oceans. Come to my house and leave, not believing what I believe, but being able to look at the world around you differently. The conversation is most important.

Since I realize most of you can’t come to my house, this blog will provide an opportunity to dialog about marine aquaria, tropical reefs and anything else that may become relevant. I thank you for visiting; I encourage your comments and feedback; and I hope to see you here again.