New Display Aquarium at Western Oregon University: Educating Students in Aquatic Animal Husbandry with Real-World Experience

Western Oregon University’s Aquarium Science program recently received a grant from the Western Foundation Competitive Grants program to create a display aquarium in the lobby of the Natural Science building. This program educates students in the science of aquatic animal husbandry, preparing them to become professional aquarists who care for marine and freshwater plants and animals. The curriculum includes core biology, business, and general education classes, with students completing their final year of coursework at Oregon Coast Community College in Newport, Oregon.

The current display aquarium features a 100-gallon tank on loan from OCCC and is home to two Siamese algae eaters and a rope fish. The Siamese algae eaters can live up to 8-10 years and grow up to 17cm long, originating from Southeast Africa. The rope fish, found in West and Central Africa, can live up to 15-20 years and grow up to 15 inches long. The tank also houses several small bladder snails to help keep it clean, along with an Elodea plant also known as waterweed.

Brooke Belluomini, an Aquarium Science major at Western Oregon University, is responsible for caring for the fish in the tank. The program aims to educate students on proper aquatic animal care and provide hands-on experience in managing aquariums. Interested individuals can learn more about the Aquarium Science program by visiting Western Oregon University’s website.

Western Oregon University is located in Monmouth, established in 1856 as Oregon’s oldest public university. With around 4,000 students, Western offers a mid-sized NCAA Division II experience with a diverse student body. The university provides an enriching education within a supportive environment led by faculty instructors who prioritize student success.