Myth Breakers: Common Misconceptions of Aquarium Fish-Keeping and Fish Health
There are many common “myths” and misconceptions out there in the aquarium hobby that continue to live on. More experienced fish-keepers know fact from fiction, but those new to aquarium keeping often must learn the truth the hard way!
Dr. Denise Petty is an aquaculture extension veterinarian at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. An avid fish-keeper herself, Dr. Petty works closely with the aquarium fish industry, veterinary students, and veterinarians as a clinician and an educator. Join us, as Dr. Petty answers common hobbyist questions and teaches us the truth behind these myths!
BIO:
Denise Petty practiced ambulatory equine medicine after graduation from veterinary school. Ten years later, she became obsessed with ornamental fishes, so she decided to pursue a career in fish health. She has worked in aquaculture medicine since 1990, first serving as a fish health consultant to an ornamental fish farm. From 1995-2002, she was the staff veterinarian for a large ornamental fish wholesale facility, where she worked with many fish and invertebrate species. She also worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture, where she performed aquaculture diagnostic services at the Animal Disease Diagnostic
Laboratory in Kissimmee.
Denise joined the University of Florida in 2004. As an aquaculture extension veterinarian, her responsibilities include research and extension on health related issues for the ornamental fish industry, the sport fish industry, and the hard clam industry.
She currently maintains 15 tanks whose residents include pencilfishes, poeciliids, loaches, cichlids, catfishes, a bichir and a lungfish. Goldfish and koi reside in the water tanks for her horses and cattle.