Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Water Colors Aquarium Gallery

Many of our values here at Water Colors are derived from an understanding that the aquarium industry is inherently harmful to the planet, and in turn, to the fish we love. We tend to harp on these negative impacts in an effort to better understand how we can improve our own practices, and push for changes in the industry we love.

In this episode, however, the Water Colors team focuses more on the positive, sharing their top 3 conservation projects led by some amazing people and passionate organizations! These incredible conservationists are making strides to preserve and protect many of the environments our favorite fish come from, as well as supporting the people that live there. From rainforests to our own backyards, we encourage our listeners to consider donating to these excellent causes if they have the means. Links for all projects mentioned will be listed below.

 

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Conservation Efforts mentioned in this episode:

Sumatran Eco Project: https://www.sumeco.id/help-us/
The George Maier Fund: https://aka.org/!area_WordPress/make-a-donation-to-the-gmf/
Bocas Mariculture: https://www.bocasmariculture.com/
Devil's Hole Pupfish: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ash-meadows/get-involved
Korup Rainforest Conservation Society: https://www.korup-conservation.org/
Rising Tide Conservation: https://www.risingtideconservation.org/donate/
PADI Aware Foundation: https://donate.padiaware.org/
Raincoast Research Society: https://raincoastresearch.org/support-our-science/get-involved/
RIPPLE: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/take-action/landowners-gardeners-pond-owners/ripple
Salmon in the Classroom: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/educators/sic
Project Piaba: https://projectpiaba.org/donate/
Seafood Watch: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/join-give/ways-to-give/give

In this episode, we take a focused look at zebra danios, AKA zebrafish or Danio rerio. Zebra danios are one of the most iconic aquarium fish due to their hardiness, abundance, and high energy. Because of this, aquarists can often view them as beginner fish, but they're so much more than that. Charles and the Water Colors team discuss the use of zebrafish as model organisms for genetic research, and how they could be the link to some incredible breakthroughs in modern science. We'll also take a look at some breeding techniques used in laboratory settings, as well as some fascinating behaviors exhibited by one of the most overlooked species in the aquarium hobby.

 

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

 

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

 

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Let's talk about snails. Some aquarists are militant about the presence of "pest" snails in their aquariums, but we here at Water Colors embrace them! They play a vital role in aquariums, processing decaying plant matter, uneaten food, and even deceased fish! In this episode, the team discusses some of the common snail species in the hobby; including species profiles, care, and even some solutions for snail problems.

 

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

 

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

 

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The concept of damsel fish in aquariums goes back to the beginning of marine fishkeeping. They are often used as "throwaway" fish to cycle new tanks due to their cheap cost and hardy nature. Generally speaking, damsels also have a nasty reputation for aggression, despite their smaller size. Because of this, the aquarium community is rather split on the topic, with strong opinions on both sides. Ben and Calder debate where exactly these fish belong in the hobby, coming from different backgrounds and experiences with the fish in the family pomacentridae.

 

 

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

 

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

 

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

 

Species mentioned in this episode:

Yellowtail damsel, Chrysiptera parasema
Dusky damsel, Stegastes adustus
Jewelled damsel, Microspathodon chrysurus
Domino damsel, Dascyllus trimaculatus
Talbot's damsel, Chrysiptera talboti
Reticulated damsel, Dascyllus reticulatus
Springer's damsel, Chrysiptera springeri
Allen's damsel, Pomacentrus alleni
Three stripe damsel, Dascyllus aruanus
Blue devil damsel, Chrysiptera cyanea
Starck's damsel, Chrysiptera starcki
Lemon damsel, Pomacentrus moluccensis
Blue velvet damsel, Neoglyphidodon oxyodon

This episode is an open ended discussion surrounding women in the aquarium hobby. It's no surprise that women are underrepresented in the world of fish keeping, and we would love to dissect why this may be the case. Amy, with the help of three other well-respected women in our local aquarium scene, dive into this topic and speak about their own experiences as they progress as aquarists.

 

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

 

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

 

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

The Water Colors team discusses the importance of travel in this unique episode! There are so many reasons to explore the world, but here we discuss our top 3 favorite places to view wild fish in their natural habitat. These experiences can teach us so much about our favorite species, and give us context as to how they behave in their environments. From wild killifish to soaring eagle rays; we'll hear about some ambitious dream locations and real-world anecdotes from recent travels in this episode. How far would you travel to see your favorite fishes?

 

Join the discussion on the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery Podcast Listeners Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/788428861825086/

 

Enjoying the show? Support the gallery by shopping aquarium plants, merch, equipment, and more! https://watercolorsaquariumgallery.com/

 

Looking for more content? Become a YouTube member for exclusive access to behind the scenes livestreams! https://www.youtube.com/@watercolorsaquariumgallery

 

Locations mentioned in this episode:

Nusa Penida Island, Thailand
Steps Beach Tres Palmas Reserve, Puerto Rico
Ambergris Caye, Belize
India
San Blas Islands, Panama
Malawi, East Africa
Cameroon
Thailand
Micronesia
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Republic of Palau