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| Some more recent pix (I swear) from 2/18/04.
Bob (like Alfred P. Newman thinks he looks more like Redford) at home in San
Diego. Ah well, you can't make a silky shark out of a toadfish. |
Bob Fenner is a friendly neighborhood pet-fish ichthyologist.
Other than stints teaching he has lived the aquatic industries the last thirty
years in the U.S., Japan and the Philippines.
Robert M. Fenner (fennerrobert(at)hotmail.com)
8586 Menkar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92126
858-549-4948
fax 858-578-7372
Formal Education
BSc. degree in Zoology, minor in Classics and Chemistry,
MSc. Fisheries work on Hormonal Manipulation of Mullets;
Teaching Credential, K-12, College Classes, University of California San Diego,
San Diego State University.
Pertinent Academic Experience
1) Research and thesis writing on Hormonal manipulation of
mullet fishes for aquaculture, role of the senorita,
Oxyjulis californica, as a cleaner, acoustic biology of
the garibaldi, Hypsypops rubicunda, Taxonomy of Balistid fishes.
2) Writing curricula as a High School Biology, Chemistry and
Physics Teacher
Related Practical Experience
1) Development of self-originated California corporate
business. President/CEO for eighteen years. Wrote Operations Manuals for all
Divisions, Employee Stock Owner ship Plan. Corporate name Nature, Etc. Inc.
2) Self-published manuals "Water Feature Design, Construction
& Maintenance", or "The World According To Carp",
"If You Knew Sushi, Like I Knew Sushi, A Guide To Sushi
Bar Etiquette".
3) Environmental assay (impact) data collection, enumeration,
writing; making known to lay people through public forum and writing.
Pertinent Work Experience
1) Thirty years in the pet fish and herptile industries in
Japan, Philippines and U.S.A.; all levels, positions. Pres./CEO of Nature, Etc.
Inc. doing habitat enhancement.
2) Four years physical and biological High School teaching,
Community Resources Sand Diego State University, Marine, & Aquariology: The
Science, Hobby and Business of Aquatics at University of California, San Diego
Extension.
3) Environmental Consulting, identification, analysis,
presentation for University of San Diego Environmental Studies Lab, Sea Science
Services. Fishes, polychaetes.
4) Several hundred articles in print in hobby, business and
science of ornamental aquatics and diving topics. Published in many periodicals,
several languages. Extensive travel, discourse in field.
Special Qualifications:
Scuba Diver thirty years, widely traveled. Twenty plus years
writing for Pet-fish and Diving hobby and trade publications. Extensive industry
and scientific involvement; trade show, seminar, symposia experience. Extensive
computer work background; spreadsheet, desk-top publishing.
Personal
Born 8/23/52, Northkingston, Rhode Island, U.S.A.
Health Excellent; Run, lift weights, scuba, free diving.
Diversions include reading, writing, guitar, philosophy,
sushi bar going. Single and live in S. California principally.
Bio./Life History
I was born in Rhode Island, the smallest State of the U.S.
but grew up in the orient as my father was career military.
The diversity of life has always fascinated me; but the
systematics of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians was blown away by the
expansiveness and degree of unknown of the fishes. Few people had "companion
animals" overseas, but many friends had bowls and aquariums with goldfish,
guppies and other tropicals.
We had very few jobs "on base" for the "dependents" but I was
fortunate to secure employment at a fish store that was associated with a
restaurant in downtown Sasebo. Other vainglorious work overseas includes two
years working for a Betta culture business, collecting and processing marines in
Manila.
Back to the U.S. in the late sixties I stuck to the trade as
a retail clerk, a livestock wholesale worker (for Pratt's in San Diego), and
eventually formed an aquarium service business with a school friend. This
business cycled larger and smaller, and supported me all through college and
beyond. It eventually became an employee-owned corporation with aquaristic
retail outlets, fabrication (principally large acrylic systems), water feature
construction, manufacturing and distribution divisions. Subsequent to the tax
law changes, water-shortage "scare", and general decline in the California and
U.S. economy in the late eighties these businesses were sold and liquidated. I
worked for three years as a consultant and buyer for the mass-merchandiser PetCo
in their bid to upgrade their stores, incorporating livestock.
Is there a difference between what you do for money and for a
living? Not me. Nowadays I write articles and books for the diving/underwater
natural history and ornamental aquatics interests, and manage my rentals and
securities. I browse the electronic bulletin boards to "chat" with others daily,
and often travel, to go "hashing" (sort of running), writing and photographing
with friends around the world.
Have been an avid hobbyist since first memories. Active in
the local SDTFS from the sixties; helped in development of all three
goldfish/koi clubs in San Diego. At times more active in scientific (AVMA,
IAAAM, ASIH) and industry professional/business associations.
Have many wonderful friends in the hobby, trade and science
of aquatics, and dearly enjoy my involvement; it is my life's work and passion.
A/The central thread to everything I have attempted in writing, presentation or
action in the interest has been/is "to enhance peoples love of their own lives
through an appreciation of the living world". I see the hobby/business evolving,
much like and approaching western Europe, with a real interest in biotopes, the
underlying science, understanding the technologies employed... This is an era of
consumer awareness; there are less aquarists, but more conscientious ones that
are becoming more aware and demanding value. I look forward to the availability
of many more species of tank-raised marines, real aquatic plants, and ready,
inexpensive access to useful information and graphics.
Interview at
SplashingTime.com 5/18/09
Dear Sir
I would be honored if I could interview your good self for a website I
am doing called SplashingTime.com
Some years back I had interviewed Dr Jamie Oliver and Vicki Hendrix. The
interview can be seen at http://splashingtime.com/articles
About the website:
The website is dedicated to educating students, teachers, the public on
marine life and conservation. Our Team comprises of 8 marine life
photographers, and myself (team leader and web designer).
Team SplashingTime.com is also one of the collaborators at FishBase.com
and SeaLifeBase.com contributing images such as Pomacanthus paru:
http://fishbase.com/Photos/ThumbnailsSummary.php?ID=1118 etc.
Testimonials: http://splashingtime.com/testimonials.html
As per the interview, it will be via email at a later date. You can
email me the interview instead of having to meet with me in person.
I hope you will be willing to do this interview with me.
Looking forward to hearing from you real soon.
Jeremy
http://splashingtime.com
Have a Splashing Time!
Marine Life / Underwater Photography
<What would this entail Jeremy? Am out
for the next few weeks diving in Sulawesi and the Spratly's... not
easily w/in Net access. Bob Fenner.>
Re: Interview
at SplashingTime.com 05/19/09
Greetings Bob
All it will take is for you to go through the few questions that I will
send to you at a later date and you can reply to them via email. It's
pretty simple really. Check out these interviews
http://splashingtime.com/articles
Hope to hear from you with good news.
Jeremy
<Am out diving, visiting in Sing., Indo. and Malaysia till 6/21. BobF>
French Angel -- Question, & Petco
reminiscences, current issues 8/18/08
Hey, crew!
<Jon>
I've emailed you guys quite often over the last few years. Just to set the
record straight, again, I work at Petco (run the fish department). A lady
brought in her French Angel (Pomacanthus paru) for adoption to us today. Her son
caught it in Florida sometime last year and he's about 2 inches long.
While I
originally thought this was quite small, I hadn't checked the Caribbean Angels
section on the site until a bit ago when I read that they were extremely slow
growers.
<Yes>
Right now, he's in quarantine. He'll then be going into a
50G tank for the time being until I can find a good home for him and transfer
him. Question of the hour: How long can he stay in the 40G as a 1.5/2 inch
juvenile?
<Months>
It's a tank filled with live rock for him to graze on
and a refugium filled to the brim with Chaeto just breeding small mysids and
others constantly. I would PREFER to keep it for a while until I set up my 180
next fall, but want your input as I'd rather give the fish away or trade it for
some frags if this plan does not seem feasible.
<This fish should be fine
where it is till then>
I've read previously on WWM that small juveniles can
be kept in a smaller tank for a while before adulthood when they need to be
transferred, but I'd rather get more input on this.
Cheers,
Jonathan
<And you, Bob Fenner, who was a consultant/buyer for this mass-merchandiser...
for all the aquatics depts. back in 91-94.>
--
Jonathan Philpot
Re: French Angel -- Question 8/18/08
Thanks for the fast reply, Bob. I figured that was going to be the answer but
just wanted to double check.
<Real good>
We could go on about Petco
forever, I'm sure.
<Ah, yes. I enjoyed my time there... trying to "make real"
the pet trade to excellent business people... Brian Devine(formerly of Toys R
Us), who is still there as Chairman... Larry Asellin (my boss, head of
merchandising and distribution, formerly of Oshman's), Mike Woodard (head of
operations, formerly of Safeway)... exhausting, but rewarding work...>
Take
care,
Jon
PS Petco's fish departments need to be run by more reefers like
me.
<We do agree... I tried to convince corporate to allow "my" depts.
(reptile and aquatics) to be run as separate areas w/in stores, having their
manager take ownership... hire/fire, set schedules, do ordering... No dice
unfortunately>
Not to toot my own horn here, but there is a stark contrast
between our store and the multitude of others I'd visit. Petco could be a viable
place to purchase fish, equipment, etc. if they only were a bit more
scrutinizing with their
hiring.
<Too centralized...>
Granted, I put
hours into keeping the tanks immaculate and try my best to dip everything upon
arrival. I don't HATE the reputation that the chain has, just that the chain has
created the reputation it owns by crappy hiring and business decisions.
<Is
an issue with any/all large bureaucracies my friend. Best to always do your
best... and try to be satisfied that this is so. Cheers, BobF>
Re: French Angel -- Question 8/18/08
I had a bit of control of the ordering for a while, Bob. The power was pretty
much stripped away from me by corporate, unfortunately. For a few weeks we
avoided having expert level fish in the store that we end up selling to novices.
I can only work a few days of the week, and while I try to refer people to WWM,
your book, and my local reef club, it's hard to see someone come in and complain
afterward about an unknowing employee selling them a fish that they can't keep
and blaming me in the process.
<Understood>
It has the customer lose faith
in not only me (for some reason), but the company as well (which I have my
gripes with and I do end up sending people out quite often). Frankly, it's a bit
depressing since I work tremendously hard when I'm there to actually help people
stay in the hobby rather than recommending them taking 45 Tiger barbs for their
20 gallon tank because they are half an inch long right now and we can make a
profit.
Possibly why I have such a big gripe with corporate retail.
<So...
what will you do?>
Frankly, I've been thinking if introducing Petco to
possibly sponsoring my local reef club would be a good route. The company has
such a horrible reputation (really for good reason) that, especially since some
of the newer people are really trying to push salt water with an actual genuine
interest, it could only help. What's your bet on whether or not a corporate
bureaucracy such as Petco could possibly be interested in something like that?
;)
<I do "believe" the folks there are interested... in good husbandry
practices... for all animals... They DO such a fine job with companion
animals... It's more like "they" don't "get" aquatics... nor have any large
chains IMO as yet... but, having done my best for three years at the
beginning... I don't know any better how to "make known what needs to be" to
bring such a watershed change over the co., its practices... To me it's obvious
that livestock depts. must need be run locally... for each stores personnel to
take possession, in actuality, soul/heart and fiscally, to make them work...
Delegating, running them from "top down" by folks who don't know enough... will
never (has never) work/ed>
But, then again, a company who had it's CEO and
other top guns eat Natural
Balance Dog Food might be up for anything...
-
Jon
<Again, I was VERY impressed with the caliber of folks throughout the
organization... The operations staff (the stores and the regional et al. mgr.s
above) were excellent... But it defies human nature (which I'm very careful not
to do) to expect the local fish store staff to excel given no control over the
set, livestock purchase, management of their time, dept... This is simply the
way things are. Bob Fenner>
"It's Martinized"! 9/11/07
Hey guys, and girls, just thought I would drop a line to tell you all thanks
for providing a great service to the fishkeeping world. But on to my other
reason for writing, I am a craigslist addict, and recently came across this post
(http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/419178670.html) , just figured I would bring
it to Mr Fenner's attention. Once again, thanks for all that you do for our
kind. Lewis Bridges
<Heeee! Interesting... Guess it's better to be referred to in some positive
note... Could have been named Bob Murphy... Bob Fenner>
Consultation 3/8/07
Bob,
<Scott>
I was wondering if I could fly you down
<Up I guess... am in S. Cal.>
to do a consultation of sorts for me. I have a 1200 gallon reef tank in an
orthodontists office that I maintain. Over the past year since planning started
countless issues have arisen, and countless are continuing to arise. My client
and myself are reaching the end of our ropes and would appreciate a critiquing
eye from the best in the biz. Is this something that you have the time to do?
Scott Johnson
Owner
Critter Cabana
www.crittercabana.com
<Mmm, let's see... I do have this title on a biz card somewhere... but it might
be just as expedient to e-chat here (and of use to others)... or (groan) on the
phone. Don't have much going on for another couple weeks (retired in 94...)
but... BobF>
Koi World interview request
Hi Bob! My name is Eve Adamson and I've interviewed you in the past. I am
working on two articles for Koi World magazine--one on common mistakes of
beginning Koi keepers, and one on color and patterns in Koi--how Koi got to look
the way they do, why some are so expensive, how the process of breeding for
color/patterns works, etc.
<I see>
Would you be interested in doing a phone interview on either or both of these
subjects? I'd love to include your vast expertise yet again. I'm on a tight
deadline but if you any time in the next few days, just let me know when and at
what number I can reach you.
Thanks Bob, in advance, for any help. I hope to hear from you.
<Am out of town Saturday, but will be around on Friday (PST, California),
858-549-XXXX Bob Fenner>
--
Eve Adamson
Pardon Moi Francais... or syntax, word usage...?
I like what you have to say and there is a lot of info to reed on your site
if we look ,but your word usage seems odd.
<It is indeed a bit "strange" as in unfamiliar or not-so conventional. I grew up
overseas (Japan and the Philippines) and read and travel a great deal... and I
guess hang out with, converse a great deal with non-English speakers. Do you
find my efforts at trying to communicate via the written word difficult to
follow? Have you suggestions for improvement? Thank you for your input. Bob
Fenner>
That Hormonal Manipulation of
Fishes paper
dear sir
I found your paper about hormonal manipulation of fishes when I was searching in
internet. it has some good information. as I want to use some
of them in my studies, I need some information about you as author.
<Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/WWMAdminSubWebIndex/bobfbio.htm>
please sent to me your complete name ,year of publishing, your colleague's
name(s) and some other information.
<No colleagues at that time. Self publication date 1976)
I also have a question: can we say that the first attempts of study on sex
hormones in fish start along with the first time that man use the pituitary
extract to induce maturation in fish? I searched to find it ,but nearly all the
references are from 1960and latter .would you please guide me in this case. I am
looking
forward hearing from you.
<Actual applications date back to the forties... but not really popularized till
the 1960's. Bob Fenner>
sincerely yours
Reza
Dear Dr. Fenner (Doc!?),
To my horror I realized I addressed you with the wrong title ("Mr." instead of
"Dr.") in my previous message. <No need for horror or honorifics... no
doctor/ate, pls, "just Bob" will do> Please accept my sincerest apologies. The
knowledge you've expressed in TCMA and on the WWM have truly spark my
interest in transitioning from a freshwater aquarist to a marine aquarist. <Ah,
good> I apologize for my careless error, and my occasional
longwinded-ness. I just find the prospects of starting a new project like this
to be quite invigorating and rewarding, and I find myself getting swept up in
the excitement! :) -Russ
<No worries my friend. Bob Fenner>
Happy b-day!
happy birthday Bob! I hope you have as much fun on your birthday as I
usually do on mine (I inflict my taste for bad movies on friends and
family, I call it good fun, they call it getting even). Hope the move goes well
<Zo, Mike and I are moving as we key! Am sore all over... and am ready to move
more frequently henceforth to avoid this nonsense... and Pinkster, we're off to
my fave sushi bar (Meiki's) tonight... thinking of you>
and your new digs turn out to be better than expected.
<Oh, yes... larger lot, more space for the dogs... a bit quieter (further from
the death business military base...) and less dusty... further from the sand and
gravel plant...>
Hopefully in a month or so I'll be able to write and actually have a question
relating to a real live saltwater set up. : )
<Ah, good>
tell Zo Pinky says hi!
<Done!>
be chatting with you my friend, (your speech patterns are a viral meme
: ) )
Mike
<And you. Bob Fenner>
Happy Birthday!!
Dear Mr. Fenner:
You obviously don't know me, but I've followed up on your articles in the
numerous fish hobby magazines you have written for throughout the years. I'm
most impressed with your knowledge and work, and commend you for what you have
done for the hobby through your scientific strides.
<Thank you my friend... One often wonders if folks are reading...>
I found your website today by chance (I've been out of the reef-keeping hobby
for several years, but enjoy browsing the web to see the latest developments in
anything related to fish-keeping), and lo and behold, I discovered it's your
birthday today! So let me wish you a grand birthday as you so deserve for simply
being the outstanding person you are.
<Ah, great that we have found each other! Again, thank you for your kind,
encouraging words. Be chatting. Bob Fenner>
Sincerely,
Sadat
PS: You really should smile in your pictures, you are
a very handsome man! <Ah! Just saw this in moving the message... People say they
never see me not smiling in person... Bob Fenner>
Re: Your Offer of work
Hi Bob,
Yes. Sue gave me your number.
<Ah, good, and yours to me>
Hope you had a nice trip. I was going to invite you out for a beer when you were
here in Kona.. but I guess I tired to contact you too late.
<There's always some time later... btw do you know of the folks down in Tasmania
who raise H. abdominalis for the hobby? They had some interesting anecdotes re
Amanda Vincent and her organization...>
I am looking to add a more detailed section to my getting ready page where it
explains how to cycle your salt water tank...or how to get started.
Something not to complicated but with enough information so the fresh water and
first time hobbyist can set up a tank. It seems so simple to us. but as
you know the biggest mistake people seem to make is stocking animals in their
tank before it is ready. or they overload the tank. Do you think you would
be interested?
<Sure>
I know there is a lot of free links out there to this info. but I wanted
something classy for the OR site.
<Okay>
Let me know what you think and what the costs would be.
<About how many words? Graphics?>
Perhaps later we could use the section to do a spin off for a few columns on the
Horse Forum column in FAMA.
<Very nice articles thus far... you could easily knock this/these further pieces
out.>
Let me know what you think...
Mahalo, Carol Cozzi-Schmarr
<Bob Fenner>
Marine Aquarist Roundtable of Sacramento
My name is Brian Prestwood. I took over for Dave Sheehy as speaker
coordinator for the Marine Aquarist Roundtable of Sacramento.
<Congrats!>
I spoke to you about speaking at our club again at WMC 2001. We could cover all
your travel and lodging expenses plus pay a $100 honorarium. Are you available
on 7/20 or 11/16?
<Yes to both dates. And no to the honorarium... Though stipendium peccati mors
est, I forego such input. Sign me up and I'll be there... and make it known if I
may be of assistance otherwise. Bob Fenner>
RE: Marine Aquarist Roundtable of Sacramento
Off by one error, sorry. Our meeting in July is on the 21st, not the 20th.
And, it's a special one. The three northern CA clubs (MARS, Seabay and BARE) are
hosting a picnic at Steinhart aquarium with a behind the scenes tour. It is an
all day event. Several of the members pointed out that you are the obvious
choice for this casual event. Would you be interested in attending
and doing a short talk too?
<Oh, absolutely... Just finished reading David Powell's account of his life in
the public aquarium biz, including his time spent with Earl S. Herald... and was
up there for a day during/between the recent WMC... taking pix, reliving the
many times I've visited... For sure. Bob Fenner>
Fenner Family
Hi, My maiden name was Susan Fenner. Do you know anything about your
ancestry?
<Mmm, only a bit. A sister is interested in genealogical matters... Ours isn't
particularly glorious... but am glad to be here, a human, what have you>
The Fenner family has a very interesting ancestral tree and if you have an
interest I'd be happy to share with you. It's interesting that my father was a
science teacher and a real scholar on all aspects of science. I'll be on
vacation for a week, but I'll await your reply and get back with you. Thanks,
Susan
<Okay, chat with you then. Bob Fenner>
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