Since our inception in 2017, we and our partners have worked diligently to empower sustainable aquarium fisheries that support healthy coral reefs and the livelihoods of people who depend on them, from reef to retail. Since we extended our invitation to Absolutely Fish to join us in our cause last year, we've become enlightened to the joy that people receive from keeping aquariums teeming with fish, plants, and invertebrates from rivers, lakes, streams, and coral reefs alike!
Aquarists everywhere have experienced the magic of curating a portal to an underwater world in their living rooms - sanctuaries of vibrant colors and delicate ecosystems. Aquariums are a source of endless wonder and peace, a daily reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Over time, the hobby grows to become a vital part of aquarists' lives, a testament to the wonders that patience, care, and a deep love for nature can create.
People and families across the nation have discovered the joy of aquarium keeping. You can find aquariums in 10 million households across the US. Nine million of those are freshwater aquariums, with saltwater aquariums making up the remaining 1 million (per the American Pet Products Association).
Many marine enthusiasts often begin their journey in the freshwater (or, perhaps less commonly, the brackish water) aquarium hobby. With lower price points for popular aquarium fish and simpler care requirements, freshwater aquariums serve as a more accessible entry point. This progression offers hobbyists the opportunity to gain foundational experience in aquarium keeping before transitioning to the more complex requirements of marine aquariums.
Aquarium Fisheries' partner Absolutely Fish brings the education and conservation of freshwater and saltwater fish keeping to the pet care community in meaningful and relevant ways. Coming onboard as an Absolutely Fish Aquarist means growing into a culture of routine education and training, benefiting from rigorous in-store training courses and visiting presentations from accomplished aquarists who are well-known authors of aquarium books and magazine articles.
In turn, Absolutely Fish's Aquarists readily share their knowledge with their customers, in person and online--check out Absolutely Fish's blog for best bets for a freshwater nano tank, care primers for bettas and pea puffers, tips on fish nutrition, the importance of water changes, and more.
Aquarium Fisheries and Absolutely Fish are embarking on an adventure together to develop and provide programming to educate US aquarium businesses--freshwater and marine, and everything in between!--on best practices in fish care and business management. Together, we seek to upgrade the standard of care across the US aquarium industry--promoting premium, well-cared for fish that promise to thrive in home aquaria. In so doing, enlightened businesses are poised to profit from improved aquarium husbandry and business efficiencies, and the high-quality fish that they provide.
Our name change reflects the broadening of our scope, while our mission remains the same...
To empower sustainable aquarium fisheries that support healthy aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on them.
Thanks for following along with us in our journey and evolution!
'Til next time.
