- Joined
- Jul 23, 2007
- Messages
- 26
Hello all,
My name is Shawn. I am a Northern California Coast native (Red and two spot country). I am a bio-chemist with a background in zoology (inverts n herps). I have been in the aquarium and terrarium hobby for over 30 years.
I have an extremely diverse background keeping many many diffeent species of animals, working with hobbiests, zoos, collectors, and even the pet trade.
What I have worked with in my home:
Aquariums: Reef systems, Fish only, Live planted, Predatory animals, at one time I had 14 tanks over 1400 gallons IN my house, Koi ponds, hundreds of species of fish and inverts, lungfish and puffers have been a favorite of mine
Terreriums:
-14 species of Tarantula
-26 species of amphibian
-46 species (plus over 50+ mutant variety) of reptiles, mostly snakes
-Birds (tropical parrots mostly)
-many species of invertabrates including scorps, centipedes, spiders
-list goes on, and on, and on
Outside of my house I have worked with countless species of just about everything from monkeys to big cats... you name it, Ive worked with it somewhere. I have relatives who work in the zoo and zoo education fields and one who works Monterey Bay Aquarium.
At this time I have downsized my collection to just a handfull of various animals (I blame the wife
). A 14 inch 5 year old Mbu puffer named Boofish, a have dozen or so species of inverts, 3 cats, and thats about it, but I plan on starting a few new projects.
So, aside from my background, my current project that I have put off for over 10 years has been working with octopi. My plan is to build a habitat for a Coastal native species (between 50 and 125 gallons) with a nice cave network and overflow system (possibly a partial tidepool dump system as well). I would like to collect a young octo about 3 months old and release it before a year later. I have designed a handful of possible puzzles and games to test the octopus' reasoning abilities. I also plan on documenting the whole experience from habitat building through release of the animal.
I have found this website to be a great source of information and a great group of people here. So, you will be seeing me around from time to time. I just wanted to touch on my background and my purpose for being here. I would also like to share some info with you as my project progresses. Thanks.
Shawn
My name is Shawn. I am a Northern California Coast native (Red and two spot country). I am a bio-chemist with a background in zoology (inverts n herps). I have been in the aquarium and terrarium hobby for over 30 years.
I have an extremely diverse background keeping many many diffeent species of animals, working with hobbiests, zoos, collectors, and even the pet trade.
What I have worked with in my home:
Aquariums: Reef systems, Fish only, Live planted, Predatory animals, at one time I had 14 tanks over 1400 gallons IN my house, Koi ponds, hundreds of species of fish and inverts, lungfish and puffers have been a favorite of mine
Terreriums:
-14 species of Tarantula
-26 species of amphibian
-46 species (plus over 50+ mutant variety) of reptiles, mostly snakes
-Birds (tropical parrots mostly)
-many species of invertabrates including scorps, centipedes, spiders
-list goes on, and on, and on
Outside of my house I have worked with countless species of just about everything from monkeys to big cats... you name it, Ive worked with it somewhere. I have relatives who work in the zoo and zoo education fields and one who works Monterey Bay Aquarium.
At this time I have downsized my collection to just a handfull of various animals (I blame the wife
So, aside from my background, my current project that I have put off for over 10 years has been working with octopi. My plan is to build a habitat for a Coastal native species (between 50 and 125 gallons) with a nice cave network and overflow system (possibly a partial tidepool dump system as well). I would like to collect a young octo about 3 months old and release it before a year later. I have designed a handful of possible puzzles and games to test the octopus' reasoning abilities. I also plan on documenting the whole experience from habitat building through release of the animal.
I have found this website to be a great source of information and a great group of people here. So, you will be seeing me around from time to time. I just wanted to touch on my background and my purpose for being here. I would also like to share some info with you as my project progresses. Thanks.
Shawn