September 26, 2025 – Michi Tobler
• Presentation: Cherished at Home, Imperiled in the Wild: Aquarium Fish and the Role of Hobbyists in Biodiversity Conservation
•This program explores the intersection between fish conservation and the aquarium hobby. Many species commonly kept in our home aquariums are facing serious conservation threats in the wild, as are many of their lesser-known relatives. Drawing from our own research, I’ll outline the key problems these species face, from micro-endemism and habitat destruction to pollution and invasive species. I’ll then highlight how academics, zoos and aquariums, as well as government and non-government entities collaborate to conserve fish species and their natural habitats. Finally, I’ll discuss how aquarium hobbyists can become effective conservation allies and help to steward the amazing diversity of fishes for future generations.
Speaker: Michi Tobler
• Michi Tobler is a Professor of Biology at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) and a Senior Scientist at the WildCare Institute of the Saint Louis Zoo. Ever since childhood, he’s been fascinated—some might say obsessed—with fish and other aquatic animals. That early passion grew into a career studying the ecology and evolution of fishes, especially those in the livebearing family Poeciliidae.
Michi conducts fieldwork across the Americas to observe and collect fish in their natural environments. Much of his research focuses on species adapted to extreme habitats—such as caves, hydrogen sulfide-rich springs, and desert springs and wetlands—which often harbor high levels of biodiversity. Back at UMSL, he investigates the genetics, physiology, and behavior of these fishes in a lab equipped with over 400 aquaria. (And yes—he still keeps fish tanks at home, too.)
Many of the species Michi works with are threatened by human activities and in urgent need of conservation. H collaborates closely with zoos, conservation organizations, and government agencies to help protect them and their habitats. Michi also serves as the CARES Priority List Group Coordinator for Poeciliidae and the South America Regional Coordinator for the CARES Preservation Program, working to involve aquarium hobbyists in meaningful conservation
efforts.
Meeting Location:
Crafton Community Center
140 Bradford Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Doors open at 6:30 PM; meeting starts at 7:30 PM
Turn in your BAP/AHAP
Breeders Award Program (BAP) and Aquatic Horticulture Awards Program (AHAP) will be accepted.
RAFFLE
Support your club and potentially win prizes donated by our sponsors. Support our sponsors by visiting their web pages listed on this web site.
50/50 to help cover cost of event venue
50% of the winnings go to a participant, 50% goes to club to help pay rent for facilities.
Mini-Auction
There will be a mini-auction. Sellers will receive 70% of sales. 30% goes to club to help pay for expenses and supplies.
Comradery
There will be plenty of time to mingle with members and guests throughout the evening.