Best Cichlids Podcasts (2025)

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Meet the Masters of African Cichlids: 50 Years, 45 Varieties, One Legendary Hatchery 19:25

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16d ago19:25

19:25

#338: Paul Radice and his wife Judith at Angels Hatchery first brought this hardy colorful fish from the 3 largest lakes in Africa 50 years ago and are still breeding the 45 most popular varieties.By Tracie Hotchner

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Alfred the Little Albino Tortoise Talks to Tracie 23:06

2d ago23:06

23:06

#340: Paul Radice at Angels Hatchery and his wife Judith were the first breeders to create Albino tortoises — and enchanted Tracie by introducing her to Albert, the great grandson of their first breeder Norman, who is now 130 lbs and still lives with them.By Tracie Hotchner

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The Sad Fate of the Southern Hognose Snake 18:58

9d ago18:58

18:58

#339: Jeff Beane is Herpetology Collections Manager for the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences where he has been documenting the shrinking populations since 1985. He talks about the Southern Hognose Snake in particular, which has lost 97% of its habitat and is on the "Threatened" list but without the environment it requires is unlikely…

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Ep. 118 - Anthony Armata on Breeding Fish and The Daku Method 1:02:16

13d ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Pick up your Aquarium Co-Op Easy Flow Sponge Filter and try your hand at breeding the Red Neon Blue-eyed Rainbowfish with the Daku method! https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/black-easy-flow-sponge-filter-coarse Check out Daku Aquatics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakuaquatics Check out Daku Aquatics e commerce site: https://dakuaquati…

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Why Foodies love Cape Town: Michi reveals his Insider Tips 22:04

22d ago22:04

22:04

South Africa has long been known for more than just safaris and Table Mountain – it is an absolute paradise for foodies. In this episode, I chat with Michi, a Swiss chef and food scout who regularly visits Cape Town. He is always on the lookout for new culinary highlights. Michi shares his favourite restaurants with us, including real insider tips …

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The Python Huntress in Naples, Florida 21:34

23d ago21:34

21:34

#337: Python Huntress on Instagram, Amy Siewe leads guided hunts to kill invasive Burmese pythons, her biggest kill being a 17 foot snake. A “herper” who loves snakes and used to breed small ones, Amy has eliminated over 750 of these snakes that have decimated the mammals in the Everglades — one python even had a deer and two fawns inside it when t…

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How About an African Emperor Scorpion as a Pet? 20:22

30d ago20:22

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#336: Dr. Doug explains that scorpions — which are over 200 million years old, the oldest living animal on earth, — are unusual as an exotic pet. African Emperor scorpions — "ominous looking, yet fairly gentle with grasping pincers" — carry their young on their back like a taxi service.By Tracie Hotchner

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Ep. 117 - Lowell Dunnaway: Capturing Rarely Seen Moments in a Fish Room 1:19:58

1M ago1:19:58

1:19:58

Aquarium Co-Op Magic Small Fish Feed and Easy Community Floating Pellets will help elevate your fish breeding. https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/magic-small-fish-feed https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/fish-food/products/easy-community-floating-pellets Lowell's Fish Lab is a must-subscribe-to channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MakeMoreFish…

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#116 – Pissy Aquarist 1:30:31

1M ago1:30:31

1:30:31

Episode Notes HOT MERCH: https://www.redbubble.com/people/robbzray/shop Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aquariumguys Shop at https://tamedwaters.com/ with promo code: "AQUARIUMGUYS" for 15% off your order! (min order required) Zoo Med "Definitly not a Coke" Spoon: https://zoomed.com/micro-floating-betta-pellets/ Go visit Dan in person at …

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Play with Beaktivity (and Your Food!) 28:21

1M ago28:21

28:21

#335: Avian specialist and house call parrot veterinarian Dr. Ann Bourke talks about having helped Sue & John with the development of the Beaktivity hanging parrot toy, which makes parrots happy because they can destroy a toy made with his physical and mental needs in mind.By Tracie Hotchner

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Ep. 116 - Dr. James Albert: Passionate Aquarist, Distinguished Professor, and Leading Researcher 52:14

1M ago52:14

52:14

Make sure you have the 1-2 combo of Magic Small Fish Feed and Easy Community Floating Pellets. https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/magic-small-fish-feed https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/all/products/easy-community-floating-pellets Add Dr. James' field guide to your collection: https://a.co/d/0GmvbDs Learn more about Dr. James Albert: http…

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Reptile Got Mites? Give your snake a bath in olive oil! 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

#334: Dr. Doug discusses mites on snakes — and the different mites that get on lizards — and how to treat them with an olive oil rub down, or the medication Provent-a-mite.By Tracie Hotchner

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From Cichlids to Safaris: Why Malawi Might Be Africa’s Best-Kept Secret 36:35

2M ago36:35

36:35

What connects the friendliest people in the world with 500 elephants on trucks, and fish with amazing fashion sense? Malawi. In this episode, André chats with Lindsay, a Malawi-born tourism expert who has been showing travellers the magic of her country for over 25 years, about why Malawi is Africa’s best-kept secret. From safaris without the crowd…

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The Special Human-Animal Bond With Fish 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

#333: Dr. Doug Mader talks about his personal history with keeping fish as pets — feeling emotionally attached to them and their responsiveness to him as their caregiver. Another facet of the human-animal bond that is increasingly recognized in the pet keeping world.By Tracie Hotchner

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Ep. 115 - Dr. Ted Coletti: Aquarium Clubs are Rewarding (and so is bowling) 1:28:37

2M ago1:28:37

1:28:37

Pick up the amazing Aquarium Co-Op Small Fish Feed: https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/magic-small-fish-feed Grab Dr. Ted Coletti's book: https://a.co/d/fXQdbGf Skylands Aquarium & Water Garden Group website: https://sawgg.org/By Aquarist Podcast

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Love Your Fish! (and they'll love you back) 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

#332: Dr Doug Mader talks about "the atypical human-animal bond" and how statistics are showing a new generation of fish and reptile owners who are forming bonds and interactions with their exotic pets. Tracie explains how Scratches, the new APP for atypical pet owners (that is a sponsor of EXOTIC PETS), allows enthusiasts of atypical pets to find …

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How Tiny is Tiny? 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

#331: Exotic veterinarian Dr Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about doing surgery on "tiny things" like a Society Finch (that’s the species actual name, not an adjective!), spaying guinea pigs and neutering rats — all through surprising locations on their bodies.By Tracie Hotchner

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His Octopus Friend Who Lived With Him 23:49

2M ago23:49

23:49

#330: Dr Don Harris really did have an octopus as a pet — in fact a series of them, as they don’t live very long, but are fascinating “companions.” Note: Octopuses are not actually pets for sale. You'd have to dive and find them as babies, as Dr Don did!By Tracie Hotchner

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The Clients Are Exotic, Too! 23:31

3M ago23:31

23:31

#329: Dr. Jeff Jenkins in San Diego talks about his 40+ years running an Exotic Specialty Practice — the early pioneers of exotic animal medicine on whose shoulders he stands — and how he also enjoys the unusual humans who own unusual pets.By Tracie Hotchner

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How elephants turned a Swiss banker's life upside down 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

In this episode, we head to the rugged beauty of Namibia’s Damaraland to meet some very special residents: the last 150 desert-adapted elephants. My guest, Daniel Oswald, shares how a volunteer project with the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA) not only brought him face-to-trunk with these remarkable giants, but also inspired him to swop his Swis…

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My Rat is Crying Blood! 18:53

3M ago18:53

18:53

#328: Dr. Doug talks about the red tears and runny nose that look like blood — but are not actually blood, but a symptom of a lowered immune system in a stressed ratty. Most rats purchased from pet stores have dormant viruses that get triggered by stress — but there are SPF colonies of rats (Specific Pathogen Free) which do not carry these conditio…

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When Your Snake Has Trouble Shedding His Skin 17:58

3M ago17:58

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#327: Dr. Doug Mader describes the monthly process in which a snake slips out of his own skin, like taking off a sock, inside out — and the sorts of problems to be aware of and to avoid (like never handling a snake that is molting).By Tracie Hotchner

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Ear Mites in Rabbits Hurt Like the Dickens 18:00

3M ago18:00

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#326: Dr. Doug describes how to spot ear mites in your rabbit — a common problem that is easily solved if caught early — and the challenge ahead of you if you’ve let the crusty result of ear mites clog up your rabbit’s ear opening, causing a great deal of discomfort to your bunny.By Tracie Hotchner

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Mary’s Personal Journey against the Patriarchy in Africa 21:02

4M ago21:02

21:02

In this episode we share the remarkable story of "Mary" (a pseudonym to protect her privacy), a woman whose determination, integrity, and resilience helped her rise from humble beginnings to the role of General Manager of an hotel in Africa. Starting with no connections, no job prospects, and even being asked for unspeakable "favors" just to get a …

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Parrots & Cockatoos All Over Oz! 21:21

4M ago21:21

21:21

#325: Dr Rick LeCouteur describes the natural phenomenon in Australia of thousands of kinds of parrots flying free and loose all over the place, causing havoc with their destructive beaks, and delight with their beauty.By Tracie Hotchner

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C-Sections on Reptiles? Only as Last Resort! 21:20

4M ago21:20

21:20

#324: Dr. Doug discusses what an “egg bound” reptile means and the various ways to prevent and manage a snake whose eggs are stuck inside her.By Tracie Hotchner

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What is “Normal” in an Exotic Pet? 15:01

4M ago15:01

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#323: Dr. Doug Mader explains how you cannot know that something might be amiss with your exotic unless you are well informed on what “normal” looks like.By Tracie Hotchner

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Sights & Sounds of Angola: our Experiences of her Impressive Nature and Lively Rhythm 27:45

4M ago27:45

27:45

In this second part of our Angola travel series, André takes you on an unforgettable tour of Angola’s natural wonders and hidden landmarks. Discover the majestic Kalandula Waterfalls, the impressive Tundavala Gorge, and the iconic Serra da Leba mountain pass – all must-see sights for any visitor. You will meet João, a passionate local tour operator…

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Piggies as Pets 15:45

4M ago15:45

15:45

#322: British exotic Pet veterinarian Dr. Madonna Livingstone talks about the joys of living with guinea pigs — and how to keep them happy and healthy.By Tracie Hotchner

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Fighting the Good Fight for Ferrets in California 13:36

5M ago13:36

13:36

#321: Pat Wright, CEO of LegalizeFerrets.org has been fighting the California state ban on ferrets for 35 years — but now his group’s petition to the Fish and Wildlife Department might actually result in long overdue legalization.By Tracie Hotchner

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Trying to Find A Fellow Exotic Pet Enthusiast? 21:59

5M ago21:59

21:59

#320: Murray Forbes in Zurich developed the Scratches social APP to connect people who embrace non-traditional pets — and want to find romantic or platonic friends to celebrate their unique pets.By Tracie Hotchner

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Why visit Angola? Stories of the People, Culture & History 29:18

5M ago29:18

29:18

Join André as he visits Angola, a raw and authentic corner of Africa, ready to reveal its secrets. In this first of two episodes, André explores the vibrant capital Luanda, the cooler highlands of Lubango, and Angola’s complex history - from the ancient African kingdoms, the colonial era, the Civil War, and the period of re-building since then. We …

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Parrots Say “Love is Not Enough” 18:36

5M ago18:36

18:36

#313: Dr. Madonna Livingstone, author of the veterinary textbook “Exotics Made Easy,” discusses the brilliance of parrots and how they need activities and environmental enrichment. Foraging is so important for them, with homemade foraging toys her favorites: twist a parrot’s food into a toilet paper roll so he has to forage for it. They are "social…

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Bugs Bunny Had it All Wrong - No More Carrots! 19:39

5M ago19:39

19:39

#319: Claire Hamblion in England talks about how her company, Supreme Pet Foods, is devoted to proper nutrition for small mammals — and debunking the image of Bugs Bunny eating a carrot, which has given people the wrong idea about what rabbits need, which is only the green tops of the carrots!By Tracie Hotchner

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Ferret “Deodorant” & Other Ferret Necessaries 19:22

5M ago19:22

19:22

#318: Amanda at Marshalls is the first to say that ferrets really are stinky — which is why they created a special odor eliminator just for them, as well as their paper-towel derived bedding pellets, which are important to the health of these little critters who like to chew their bedding.By Tracie Hotchner

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Cycling through Soweto? Yes – it’s more than just a Township Tour! 23:05

6M ago23:05

23:05

It’s probably something you wouldn’t have thought to do – but do yourself a favour and book a Cycle Tour through Soweto, near Johannesburg. We chat with Maria Malepa from Lebo’s Backpackers & Cycle Tours about why this vibrant, historic part of South Africa deserves a deeper look. Maria shares the inspiring story of her late husband Lebo, who turne…

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Bad Things Happen to Good Fish 16:27

6M ago16:27

16:27

#312: Dr. Greg Lewbart returns to discuss koi ponds and how these ornamental fish (called “living art” by the Japanese) can need medical help from doctors who are members of the American Association of Fish Veterinarians, whether from chlorine toxicity or environmental disasters like the L.A. fires. [The world record price for a Grand Champion koi …

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Why Does Your Tortoise Need a House of His Own? 15:55

6M ago15:55

15:55

#317: Dr. Doug Mader recommends getting your tortoise outdoors as much as possible, but at night they need protection from marauding raccoons who will attack the tortoise’s nose, toes and even legs. Zoo Med’s new tortoise house solves the problem... your tortoise ambles up the ramp and you raise it up like a moat in a castle and it becomes the door…

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The Emotional Support Hamster Who Went to College 18:03

6M ago18:03

18:03

#307: Ethan Haber started the small mammal company https://happyhabitats.net/ and designed an array of amazing products to let you take your hamster or mouse with you anywhere — for exercise and a chance to see the world. Ethan was that kid who begged his father for a pocket pet, but only got Mookie the hamster when he was 19 — then took him to col…

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Keeping Rovos on Track: The Team, The Community & Creative Solutions 20:00

6M ago20:00

20:00

How does a luxury train company give back to the communities it travels through? In this engaging follow-up conversation, André reconnects with Tiffany Vos-Thane, and we dive into Rovos Rail’s sustainability efforts—from using bamboo products and locally made amenities to cutting water use by 90% with custom-built vacuum toilets (yes, it’s fascinat…

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I Am Parrot — I Live to Destroy! 19:45

6M ago19:45

19:45

#316: Avian specialist Dr. Julia Shakeri says that toys for parrots should be viewed as essential “medical devices,” because they fulfill vital natural instincts in what are basically wild, non-domesticated animals — so she was very happy to consult with the creators of Beaktivity activity toys to make sure they fulfill a bird’s natural drive and a…

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“Ferret Stink” — You Either Love the Musky Smell or You Don’t! 19:27

7M ago19:27

19:27

#315: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Glasgow talks about “descenting ferrets” which is routine in the U.S. but illegal in the UK and elsewhere. Spoiler alert: it doesn't make them odor free! Their skin emits a natural musky odor, too. Dr. Madonna has EIGHT ferrets of her own at home (recently there were 10 of them) so she knows a thing or two about the…

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The Jumping Spider Craze 21:20

7M ago21:20

21:20

#314: Dr. Rick LeCouteur is not officially an arachnologist (spider expert) but he has always been fascinated by them and knows a wonderfully amazing amount about them (and it seems nearly every living creature on the planet!) Dr. Rick explains the charm of jumping spiders, which is why Zoo Med's new Jumping Spider Kit is such a success.…

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From Family Dream to Luxury Steam – The Rovos Rail Story 18:48

7M ago18:48

18:48

Ever wondered how a family with zero tourism experience created the most luxurious train journey in Africa? In this first of 2 episodes, we chat with Tiffany Vos-Thane, daughter of Rovos Rail founder Rohan Vos, about how her parents turned their love for trains into a world-famous experience. Tiffany shares behind-the-scenes stories, from the early…

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Are Humans an Invasive Species? 19:06

7M ago19:06

19:06

#311: Dr. Gregory Lewbart — Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife & Zoological Medicine at North Carolina State University — talks about his recent (30th!) trip to the Galapagos Islands and the work he has been doing there at the Wildlife Conservation & Research Institute — where they are happy for the controlled tourism but also committed to protecting t…

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Always Demolish Your Sandcastles (for the Sea Turtles) 22:42

7M ago22:42

22:42

#310: Brooks Barrett is the senior aquarist at the Key West Aquarium where, amongst other things, she directs placing a prosthetic flipper on a turtle named Lola, who can live to 100 years old (and gets jellyfish as a treat). Brooks discusses the ways sea creatures can be harmed by human behavior — including building sand castles above the water li…

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Parrots Need Proper Playthings! 19:40

8M ago19:40

19:40

#309: Sue Thibeault and her husband John — parrot lovers who foster parrots who need new homes — created their company Beaktivity that makes the award-winning “parrot-designed” hanging enrichment toy that safely and creatively meets the environmental needs of parrots — and that parrots cannot destroy.…

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#115 – Phytoplankton (Saltwater) 1:29:42

8M ago1:29:42

1:29:42

Episode Notes HOT MERCH: https://www.redbubble.com/people/robbzray/shop Join Discord at https://discord.gg/wnyK2Nc Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aquariumguys Shop DANK at https://dakuaquatics.com/ with promo code: "AQUARIUMGUYS" for 10% off your order! Go hit up Reefer OZ for Green at https://www.thereeflab.net/ Link to the F2 Ferts htt…

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Ninjas of the Bush & The Lodge Life No One Warns You About! 22:05

8M ago22:05

22:05

Ever dreamed of running a safari lodge? Thijs Claassen did—and then found himself fixing water pipes at dawn, dodging elephants, and managing last-minute vegan wedding requests… in the middle of the African bush! In this episode, we take you inside Elephants Crossing, a lodge nestled in the breathtaking, malaria-free “Welgevonden Game Reserve”, whe…

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Rabbits Are Lying to Us 20:51

8M ago20:51

20:51

#308: Dr. Madonna Livingstone in Scotland, author of the textbook “Exotics Made Easy” explains how rabbits — who are prey animals — could literally be dying but projecting the message “I’m fine.” The subtle little changes in their habits are the tip off to how they really are feeling.By Tracie Hotchner