Many years ago, during my tenure with a downtown marketing agency in Chicago, I was introduced to an internal mantra: “A good idea can come from anywhere.” In other words, keep an open mind and be ready to encounter a fresh perspective when least expected. That phrase haunts me to this day, and I have probably written about it more than once.
Truly, I did not see this coming!
This is the case for a new twist on an old favorite; our classic “Inside Look” blog posts detailed the contents of each issue, but the demands of running both CORAL and AMAZONAS have generally prevented me from keeping up with them! Recently, I came across the work of Turkish aquarist Toygar Niron, who had posted several reviews of new CORAL Magazine issues on his website, N Akvarium. Once I read one of Niron’s most recent stories, translated into English with the help of Google Translate, I was impressed. I reached out to Niron with a proposal.
I am glad to share the outcome of that dialogue. This is the first in what are hopefully many to come: timely new issue reviews that Niron is writing for N Akvarium, which we’ll also showcase here at CORALmagazine.com. Per our agreement, Niron is receiving an advanced digital copy of the issue and all the graphics needed to support his efforts, but there is no further compensation. He even insists that he remain a paying subscriber (maybe you could learn from his example?).
As such, we agree that Niron’s reviews are his own and unbiased. Other than basic editorial support and corrections for the English language, the content is original, unfettered work. As an editor, I’m going to allow some of Niron’s unique choices and phrasings to remain as they were presented as well; I’ve always been careful not to take away an author’s voice.
Ultimately, Niron is an outsider looking in on each issue. I was intrigued to read his impressions of our work, and look forward to sharing his point of view with all of you, our readers and prospective new subscribers (consider subscribing today!). Please join me in welcoming Niron to the CORAL community, and with that, enjoy his review of the brand new May/June 2025 issue, JAW-DROPPING JAWFISHES.
– Matt Pedersen, Publishing Partner and Sr. Editor
CORAL Magazine Issue Review: JAW-DROPPING JAWFISHES – Volume 22, Issue 3. May/June 2025
by Toygar Niron
Coral Magazine’s May/June 2025 issue begins with the editor’s notes, as usual. While Marc Levenson gives us small clues about the content of this issue, he also talks about a bill that could have devastating effects, especially for aquarists in America, and the steps he has taken regarding this bill.
My personal opinion is that these types of laws will eventually extend beyond the United States and become a concern for European aquarists. If you are unfamiliar with the “Save Nemo” Bill, you can review it here. Could this be alarm bells ringing for aquarists?
Reef Notebook
In the reef notes, a short biography of Dr. William Smith-Vaniz, whose name you will see frequently and who is the main content of the Coral Magazine May/June 2025 issue, awaits you.
For those who don’t know, Dr. Smith-Vaniz is considered the godfather of jawfish and was, of course, an expert on jawfish. In fact, they had planned to include him in this issue before it was even prepared. However, before they could contact him, they received news that he had passed away.
Reef Visions
This place truly deserves its name: a true documentation that shows that there is always something better. Sections of magnificently beautiful creatures and their living conditions, compiled by Matt Pedersen, await you. Here are a few examples; Tropical Thunder Montipora, Northern Territory Scribbled Angelfish, and Taste The Rainbow Micromussa lordhowensis (You could set up a saltwater aquarium just for this creature!)
An Overview of Jawfish in the Wild
Although the article written by Hillary Jaffe is presented as a general source of information about jawfish, as its name suggests, I think it is much more. There is a lot of information waiting for you, from the habitats of these fish to their living conditions, from their feeding in aquariums to their reproductive behavior.
In addition, each genus of jawfish belonging to the Opistognathidae family is discussed under a separate heading. Are you a fan of jawfish or want to keep one in your aquarium? You need to read this article!
Jawfish In The Aquarium Trade
In this article, Matt Pedersen introduces us to the cute but often overlooked members of the aquarium world, the jawfish. Both the commercial journey of these species, which belong to the Opistognathidae family, and the geographies they inhabit are discussed in detail.
The most interesting fact: These fish are often sold under the wrong names! Name confusion aside, Matt has also highlighted the unique care needs and characteristics of each species throughout the article. Some of these creatures can easily live in aquariums, while others say, “I like mud!” and require special environments.
I think the fact that there are newly discovered species or species that have not yet been introduced to the hobby also increases the excitement.
Culture Of The Yellowhead Jawfish
This is an experienced guide written by Martin A. Moe, explaining how to breed the Yellowhead Jawfish in an aquarium. Martin explains how he observed this species in the Florida Keys during his years there, how he bred them, how the eggs hatched, and how they grew.
Martin is not limited to technical knowledge, but also shows his love and patience for marine life. He has achieved success in production by including fine details such as the correct preparation of the aquarium with sand and stone during the metamorphosis period.
I can say that it is an inspiring article for both professional manufacturers and curious hobbyists. The Yellowhead Jawfish is one of the species that can be successfully bred even at home with a little attention, a little patience and the right environment.
Captive Breeding Of The Blue-Spotted Jawfish
Tom Verhoeven has written about the impressive journey of successfully breeding one of the most dazzling and delicate species in the aquarium world, the Blue-Spotted Jawfish. The breeding of this fish, which is awe-inspiring with its blue-spotted yellow-orange color, was carried out with patience, science and passion by the De Jong Aquaculture team in the Netherlands. I can say that the species’ natural habitat, behavior, mate selection, egg-laying rituals and the growth stages of its larvae were meticulously studied and recorded.
The difficulties encountered in this process (such as disease risk, high mortality rate, special temperature requirements) were solved step by step and finally healthy offspring were raised. The article particularly draws attention to details such as the importance of deep sand layer, correct matching, use of live food and night observations. In addition, the harms of wild catching are emphasized and the sustainability of the production of this species in an aquarium environment is emphasized.
We’re Looking for Gentle Giants in Mexico!
A true Captain Ahab story! However, not a story of revenge, but a story of passion!
Dr. Dieter Brockmann’s journey to Mexico to fulfill his childhood dream was shaped by his passion to observe the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), in the wild. After years of unlucky coincidences, Dr. Brockmann finally embarked on a journey off the coast of Isla Mujeres, hoping that he had chosen the right time and place. Do you think Dr. Brockmann could have succeeded? You will need to read the May/June 2025 issue of Coral Magazine for the answer to this question!
Dr. Brockmann explains the biology, feeding habits, reproduction, and threatened conservation status of these creatures in a scientific language that everyone can understand, and also touches on ethical discussions regarding their display in aquariums. This experience is not only an observation, but also a call to awareness. Getting to know whale sharks is the first step towards protecting them. And this article is a heartfelt account of an unforgettable journey blended with love for nature.
Aquarium Portrait
One of my favorite sections to read. The opportunity to examine other aquarists’ approaches to the hobby, how they overcome the difficulties they experience, and different designs and setups is priceless. The aquarium in CORAL Magazine May/June 2025 issue belongs to Pasquale Ruocco from Rome, Italy.
The History Of Central Campus Aquarium Science
Imagine hiring 150 ambitious new employees each year with zero skills in the saltwater aquarium industry and running your highly technical and fragile company. Imagine that after nine months of intensive training, most of these employees leave your company for more advanced, better-paying jobs because of the great training they received, and you are happy for them. Imagine a handful of dedicated and loyal employees staying for three more months and working for free because they believe in your company and don’t want it to fail! You can’t imagine, can you? Here’s one more reason to read Coral Magazine’s May/June 2025 issue, so you can dream!
Coral Magazine is one of the world’s most important printed publications in the saltwater aquarium industry. If you want to subscribe and read the full content, you can start your subscription here. We will be eagerly waiting for the next issue.
Editor’s Note: You can see the original Turkish-language version of Niron’s review at https://nakvaryum.com/coral-dergisi-mayis-haziran-2025/
