Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, got my first fish at 14 (relatively late in the game). Liked fish, couldn’t study them easily in the prairies so after getting my BSc in biology I interned at Vancouver Aquarium in the tropics dept working with tropical fresh and salt water fish. Managed the fish section of a pet store for a bit after that before being called back at vanaqua for a full time gig under Lee Newman.

Now I’m a senior aquarium biologist leading the tropical freshwater collection. Majority of species are Amazonian, but we have several Asian and Africa exhibits too. Been there for 11 years.

I’m also the institutional representative for the AZA (association of zoos and aquariums) Species survival program/stud books for Potamotrygon motoro, P. tigrina,P. leopoldi, and Carcharhinus melanopterus. I’ve bred and reared a bunch of stuff but I’d have to double check the species list but it’s mostly been rays I’ve focused on.

Mostly interested in predatory species, most often Serrasalmidae but I’m an equal opportunity fish nerd. I also dabble in teleost skeletal prep and diaphonization for fun.