|
|
Founder of the American Killifish Association, Icthyologist, Historian and Author
Albert J. Klee, Ph.D. (1929–2023)
In Memoriam
Albert was a pioneering ichthyologist, historian, and one of the most influential figures in the killifish world. He was the principal founder and first Chairman of the American Killifish Association (AKA), author of its original By-Laws, and its first Fellow. A prolific author and researcher, he wrote extensively on killifish history, taxonomy, and aquarium keeping, and generously granted Encycloquaria.com full rights to use all his work.
Affiliations & Legacy:
• Founder & key architect of the American Killifish Association (1961)
• Author and historian of the killifish hobby
• Ph.D. with degrees in Engineering, Business, Mathematics, and more
His foundational contributions continue to shape killifish study and conservation worldwide.
|
|
World-renowned researcher, author & expedition leader
Chris Lukhaup
Shrimp King • Freshwater Invertebrate Specialist & Author
Chris is a world-renowned German aquarist, photographer, author, and naturalist, best known as the “Shrimp King”. He has spent over 20 years collecting, studying, and describing freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and micro fish on expeditions worldwide. He has authored numerous books and scientific papers (including descriptions of new species) and is a highly respected voice in the planted aquarium and invertebrate hobby.
Affiliations & Expertise:
• Internationally recognized invertebrate researcher and taxonomist
• Author of multiple books on shrimp, crayfish & freshwater invertebrates
• Frequent expedition leader and scientific collaborator
Website / YouTube: @chrislukhaup
|
|
National Geographic Explorer & Ichthyologist, Freshwater ecologist
Joe Cutler
Freshwater Ecologist, Ichthyologist & Conservation Biologist
National Geographic Explorer
Joe is a National Geographic Explorer specializing in African freshwater systems. He led the 2020 Ogooue Megatransect - the first major scientific expedition on Gabon's Ogooue River in over 150 years. He is currently surveying the Zambezi and Congo river basins.
Affiliations:
- National Geographic Society (Explorer)
- Ph.D., Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Former Peace Corps Volunteer (Cameroon)
Key Projects & Links:
AfricasLastWildRiver.com
@AfricasLastWildRiver | @Cutlers_Catch
|
|
|
|
|
Yale Peabody Museum Curatorial Affiliate & Ichthyologist, Taxonomist
Michael K. Oliver, Ph.D.
Ichthyologist & Webmaster, The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi, Africa (malawicichlids.com)
Michael is a leading expert on Lake Malawi cichlids with nearly 50 years of research. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University (1984) focused on African cichlid systematics. He has described multiple species, published extensively, and created one of the most comprehensive open-access resources on Malawi cichlids since 1997.
Affiliations:
- Curatorial Affiliate, Vertebrate Zoology (Fish Collection), Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History (June 2014 - Present)
- Independent researcher and active taxonomist (18+ taxon names authored)
|
|
Ichthyologist, Professor Emeritus, Author
Wayne S. Leibel, Ph.D. (1951-2021)
In Memoriam
Wayne was a beloved ichthyologist, professor, author, and one of the most respected figures in the cichlid hobby and aquarium world. A longtime contributor and columnist for Tropical Fish Hobbyist ("Wayne's World"), he authored numerous articles and books on American cichlids. He received the American Cichlid Association's highest honor - the Jordan Retrospective Lifetime Achievement Award - and the NEC Betty Mueller Lifetime Achievement Award.
Affiliations:
- Professor Emeritus of Biology, Lafayette College
- Fellow & former Board Chair, American Cichlid Association
- Curator-level contributor to aquarium literature and education
Legacy: Wayne's passion, generosity, and deep knowledge continue to inspire aquarists and scientists worldwide.
|
|
|
