Farewell to Bob Fenner and Jack Randall: Looking Back at 2020
For many, 2020 was the worst of years, with many people suffering grievous losses. The CORAL family said farewell to the much-loved Bob Fenner, and to the world’s greatest reef fish ichthyologist Dr. Jack Randall. We pause to look back at the stories most read and recommended by our readers and editors.
#1 – The Passing of Robert M. Fenner, 1952-2020
A great friend and charter contributor to CORAL Magazine, Robert M. (Bob) Fenner died in his sleep at his home in San Diego, California, on May 7, 2020. His family said the apparent cause of death was a heart attack. He was 67 and actively working as a writer, underwater photographer, aquatics educator, and internet publisher. Read more…
May 22, 1924 – April 26, 2020
#2 – Aloha, Dr. Jack Randall (1924-2020) World’s Foremost Marine Ichthyologist
The science world is still counting the number of fish species he described—somewhere north of 830—but Dr. John E. “Jack” Randall will be remembered as one of the greatest ichthyologists of all time. Read more…
#3 – PETCO Sells LiveAquaria To A Third Party
Celebrating its 20th anniversary during July 2020, LiveAquaria enter a new chapter as parent company Petco announces a transition to new ownership for the aquarium livestock company. Look back at the annoucement…
#4 – Pablo Tepoot’s Two-Year-Old Shoal of Moorish Idols
CORAL Editor Matt Pedersen speaks with New Life Spectrum founder Pablo Tepoot about his years of success maintaining large groups the frustratingly challenging Moorish Idol, Zanclus cornutus, in the home aquarium. What’s his secret?
#5 – CORAL Excerpt: The Indo Connection, by Vincent Chalias
After an export ban that lasted a very long twenty months, participants in the country’s coral industry were told in mid-January 2020 that not only would the export of maricultured corals be re-opened under certain provisions, but also that some wild corals would once again be allowed for export. Keep reading…
#6 – Video Expedition for Armchair Reef Explorers
Sir David Attenborough takes young and old alike on an interactive journey through the Great Barrier Reef that takes viewers on a virtual dive through the world’s largest coral reef system. Go there now!
#7 – World’s Rarest Living Goby: Who can afford it?
In May 2020, a single living specimen of this colorful deepwater goby, reportedly only the third ever found, was collected by the Curasub at Substation Curacao, and it has made its way into the aquarium trade via Dynasty Marine Associates in Marathon, Florida. See more…
#8 – Commercial Production of Captive-Bred Purple Tangs
2020 proved that Bali Aquarich’s successful breeding of the Purple Tang wasn’t a one-off; captive-bred Purple Tang are now being produced in commercial quantities! This marks the second species of Zebrasoma Tang to achieve this remarkable status in the marine aquarium trade. Learn all about it!
#9 – ECC’s Nexus Burst Bubble Tip Anemone
Eye Catching Coral’s (ECC) newest anemone cultivar is a riotous spectacle of color. Furthermore, no two are ever alike, making them truly one-of-a-kind works of biological art, straight out of Mother Nature’s studio. Experience this amazingly variable new anemone now!
#10 – German Nature Reef Video
Tobias Neyer of the German marine aquarium blog Seafriendlyreef traveled to the home of Stefan Betzenhauser to film and showcase his nearly 4-year old reef aquarium. Watch now…
#11 – A Squall Line of New Longfin & Storm Clownfish
Proving that not even a pandemic will slow down the pace of marine ornamental aquaculture progress, Sea & Reef Aquaculture released several new types of designer clownfish in the first half of 2020. Discover them all!
#12 – VISIONS Insight: Stratosphere Zoanthid
CORAL Magazine Photographer Michael Vargas shares insights on how he creates his stunning photography. In this installment, the Stratosphere Zoanthid, featured in the January/February 2020 REEF VISIONS column. Brush up on your photography skills with Vargas!
Was your favorite CORAL story from 2020 in our list, or do you think we forgot to highlight one of our best stories? Tell us in the comments!
