What's the future of fishkeeping?

[GaryE]

When I moved from Montreal my club had an average age of around 60, maybe higher. Here, the club averages in the low thirties, age wise. I bring the average up, and there are 2 or 3 other recently retired members like me. Most of the hobby here is young people in the trades, or on maternity leave from trades. This is a working class town, but one where housing is still affordable and so space for tanks is possible.
Most people here have smaller set ups,with lots of plants and shrimp. We're well off the beaten track, so the fish available are severely limited. People tend to think of the aquarium as a decorative element, and start with the usual glofish and plastic plants. Ceramic skulls are in. Then, they get drawn into the diversity of live plants and into aquascaping as an art form. The fish become secondary to the over-all look of the indoor gardens they work away at.
In my age group, the fish came first and things like aquascaping filled in later, if ever. It's interesting, but social media shows many beautiful tanks, and that's what most "bought into the hobby" aquarists want to create.

 

[Velvetgun]

in italy a law is coming out that anyone who has any exotic animal (including fish) will have to take a course with certification.
There are fewer and fewer aquarium shops in italy, let's not talk about what they tell you, I'm always shocked. The last one got angry with me because I was asking for options for my 54 liters and he had proposed some orandas and when I replied that at least 150 liters were not needed he got indignant saying to stop reading stupid things on the forums, that he has a master's degree in aquariums and a lot of experience and that two orandas would fit perfectly in my aquarium

I am very worried about dwarf gouramis, they are one of my favorite species, I really love them but I decided not to get them because everyone (except the dealer yesterday...) tells me that they all die in a short time. It would be interesting perhaps to find private breeders who do not do it for money but for passion but I don't know how to do it.

 

[GaryE]

I've never heard of a Master's Degree in Aquariums, or aquarium studies, or any degrees in our art, for that matter. I can tell you that nowhere in the serious literature on fishkeeping would you ever find the info that 2 orandas could thrive in 54 litres.

A lot of people in the trade get defensive when they're caught out. 2 orandas would have been perfect, because they would have died. The cycle could be blamed, and you'd need 2 more. nd soon after 2 to replace them, and after that, 2...

 

[Magnum Man]

AI Summary...

"A master's degree in aquariums typically falls under programs related to marine biology, aquatic sciences, or aquarium management. These programs prepare students for careers in aquarium operations, research, conservation, and education.

Program Options

• Marine Biology: Focuses on the study of marine organisms and ecosystems.
• Aquatic Science: Covers broader topics, including freshwater and marine environments.
• Aquarium Management: Emphasizes the operational aspects of running an aquarium, including exhibit design and animal care.

Key Coursework

• Marine ecology
• Aquatic animal health
• Conservation biology
• Exhibit design and management
• Public education and outreach

Career Opportunities

• Aquarium curator
• Marine biologist
• Conservation officer
• Research scientist
• Educator in marine science

Institutions Offering Relevant Programs

• Many universities with strong marine science departments offer specialized master's programs. Examples include:
  • University of Miami
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Oregon State University

Considerations

• Admission requirements often include a bachelor's degree in a related field and relevant experience.
• Research potential programs for specific focus areas and faculty expertise.

For the most accurate and updated information, check individual university websites or academic program catalogs."