For existing students of The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course who wish to login CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet sends a Newsletter three times a year (April, August and December) with updates about our educational courses and E-conferences, as well as occasional emails about upcoming events. To be added to our mailing list please CLICK HERE. Once you have signed up you will be returned to our website.

The Aquarium Vet’s vision is To Advance the Health and Welfare of Aquatic Animals in Aquariums and Zoos Globally. We achieve this through consultations and education, via the E-quarist course (for more details about this course, see below). To advance the welfare of aquatic animals, we are pleased to offer our FREE Aquatic Animal Welfare Module which focuses on Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates. For more information and to register please        CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet is now regularly holding E-conferences. Please CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet has also been instrumental in developing the second edition of the Sea Dragon Husbandry Guidelines (2020). If you would like a copy please   CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course™ is the first online course providing aquarist education. Launched in May 2011, it is now studied by students on six continents. The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course™ is recognized as a Learning Partner by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The course is designed for aquarists from all fields who want to fast-track their knowledge and skills. Potential students include: public aquarium and zoo aquarists and front-of-house staff; zebrafish facility technicians; veterinarians and veterinary technicians/students, aquarium shops and serious fish hobbyists.

There are currently twelve modules and samples are available. To see a sample of the Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Modules  CLICK HERE   To see a sample of the Penguin Modules CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet provides Multi-Student Annual Plans (MSAPs) to enable even more cost-effective education, where a facility wishes to enroll multiple students. To access this information for Aquarist Teams see The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course 2023 (USA) ,and for Penguin Teams CLICK HERE

The Aquarium Vet is excited to have partnered with Species360 to provide our education to their members. Through the partnership, Species360 members will have access to a wide variety of aquarium-specific classes and resources at a reduced rate that benefit multiple types of aquarium staff, including animal caretakers, aquarists, medical technicians, water quality, and life support staff. For more information, please contact Katrina Campbell at Katrina@theaquariumvet.com

The Aquarium Vet is excited to have partnered with the Animal Behavior Management Alliance. The ABMA is a not-for-profit corporation comprised of animal care professionals and other individuals interested in enhancing animal care through training and enrichment. The Aquarium offers a reduced fee for the E-quarist course and E-Conferences to ABMA members.  For more information, please contact Katrina Campbell at Katrina@theaquariumvet.com

For testimonials regarding The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course CLICK HERE.

“The E-quarist course was written because several years ago, I realized that there was no shortcut available to gaining knowledge and experience in the aquarium field. To assist others in not taking as long as I did, I have written the first online aquarium medicine course in the world.” Dr. Rob Jones.

The Aquarium Vet online E-quarist course

The initial course consisted of ten modules with a focus on fish and aquatic invertebrates. From 2018 onwards, modules on Penguins, Sea Turtles and Chelonians, Amphibians and Alligators / Crocodiles will be available. The current modules available are:

1. Fish Anatomy and Physiology – examines teleost anatomy in its wide forms as well as practical physiology. To understand how fish survive in an aquatic environment is critical to maintaining their health and wellbeing. Normal anatomy is critical for diagnostics and post-mortems (module 2). Fish welfare (which is becoming increasingly important) will be covered in this section as will be the safe handling of fish.
Available Now click here to register.

2. Disease Concepts and Diagnostics in Fish – examines the concept of disease and what factors trigger disease. Will discuss stress as an important factor in the development of disease. Discusses the immune system and its involvement. Steps to making a diagnosis. The diagnostic section covers basic sample collection and examination such as gill biopsies and will include a section on sedation / anaesthesia of fish. Euthanasia will be discussed. Proper post-mortem technique and sample collection will be covered. The concept of quarantine and biosecurity will be addressed, as well as introducing new animals to the aquarium environment. Disinfection processes. Zoonoses.
Available Now click here to register

3. Water Chemistry and Quality – what is it and why it is the key to successful fish keeping? The nitrogen and carbon cycles will be discussed in detail. All water quality parameters (both freshwater and marine) will be covered as well as water testing. The importance of good record keeping in all aspects of aquarium husbandry will be covered as well as providing record templates. Fish transport will also be covered in this module, including the IATA guidelines.
Available Now click here to register

4. Aquatic Life Support Systems – the foundation for excellent water quality. Examines the various types of filtration available. Examines biofiltration , ozone and ultra-violet and their uses. Practical hydrology – pump selection etc. How to maintain the optimum water chemistry and quality for the fish you are keeping.
Available Now click here to register

5. Fish Diseases and Treatments – examines the various groups of diseases – protozoans, bacteria, fungus, virus etc. Once a diagnosis is made – how do you successfully treat the problem using a holistic approach? Non-infectious diseases, such as gas bubble disease, will also be covered.
Available Now click here to register

6. Nutrition and Reproduction – the basics of nutrition - protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. What they are and why they are important? Types of foods, including live foods and their production. Covers food acquisition, storage, preparation and handling. Will also address target feeding of specimens in a mixed species display. The importance of nutrition on the immune system. Reproduction and basic genetics.
Available Now click here to register

7. Elasmobranchs – deals solely with elasmobranchs which are a vital part of our large aquarium displays. It will examine anatomy and physiology as they differ from teleosts, as well as any other differences in handling, sample techniques, diseases and treatments etc. Shark transport and exhibit design for sharks will be addressed. Reproduction including artificial techniques are included in this module.
Available Now click here to register

8. Invertebrates I – Cephalopods and Crustaceans – examines anatomy and physiology as well as husbandry and breeding. Diagnostics will be covered, as well as diseases and treatments.

Available Now click here to register

 9. Invertebrates II – Sea Jellies and Echinoderms – examines anatomy and physiology as well as husbandry and breeding. Diagnostics will be covered, as well as diseases and treatments.

Available Now click here to register

10. Invertebrates III – Coral Husbandry – examines anatomy and physiology as well as husbandry and breeding. Diagnostics will be covered, as well as diseases and treatments. Purchase of this module also includes the E-Reef 2020 Conference.

Available Now click here to register

 21. Penguins I – The first of three penguin modules; applicable for any aquatic bird. It includes Taxonomy of the various penguin species, as well as Anatomy and Physiology. Display design for aquatic birds and Water Quality and Life Support Systems.

Available Now click here to register

22. Penguins II – This second (of three) penguin modules focuses on General Husbandry, Welfare, Behaviour and Enrichment, Nutrition and Reproduction.

Available Now click here to register

23. Penguins III - This third penguin module focuses on Diagnostic Procedures in penguins, their Immune System and then Diseases and Treatments.

Available Now click here to register

FAQ's

What does the E-quarist course™ consist of ?
Each module averages 35,000 – 45,000 words, with accompanying pictures adding up to approximately 160 – 180 pages of a Word document. The time involved in reading the material and sitting the examination would be approximately 15 to 20 hours for each module.

As I have spent hundreds of hours writing each module there are some restrictions on the course material. The course documents are embedded into our Learning Management System (LMS) that is easily logged onto by the student who has access to it on two computers and there is a print capability. It is not possible to make copies or forward the document by email.

What is the cost of the E-quarist course™ ?
Each module is AUD $298 (plus GST for Australian residents). However, if a student signs up for four modules in one purchase, the fee is AUD $998 (plus GST for Australian residents). The Aquarium Vet provides Multi-Student Annual Plans (MSAPs) to enable even more cost-effective education, where a facility wishes to enroll multiple students. To access this information CLICK HERE

Do I have a guarantee that the E-quarist course™ will suit my needs ?
The E-quarist course™ comes with a complete 7 day money back guarantee. Initially a trial version (which will not be printable) will be sent which expires after seven days. If no claim is made then a permanent version will be sent which has full print capability. Since commencing in May 2011, we are  yet to issue a refund.

Do I receive any accreditation for the E-quarist course™ ?
At the end of each module there is an online multiple-choice examination. As this is an “open book” examination, the pass mark is 100%. Multiple attempts are permitted. Students who pass the examination will receive a Certificate of Completion.

The Aquarium Vet E-quarist course™ is recognized as a Learning Partner by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

What support do I receive for the E-quarist course™ ?
The Aquarium Vet offers email support and will answer queries related to the modules purchased to assist students. For students who do not study the modules sequentially their questions may be answered in previous modules, which is frustrating for them and us. All is explained hence the recommendation to start at the beginning. Due to time constraints and the sheer size of the course, general enquiries may not always receive a reply.

Regular live Webinars for all students of the E-quarist course™, discussing various aspects of either one or two modules, including questions and answers are available. The recorded webinars are also available to all students within the LMS to be listened to at any time.

Regular emails with “Words of the Week”, news and Webinar invitations are sent to all students.

What is the standard of the E-quarist course™ ?
The course is to a Diploma / Degree level standard. However, it has been written assuming no prior scientific knowledge and is designed to be very practical.

We are recognized as a Learning Partner by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
We are now recognized internationally within the aquarium industry and our hope is that this course will be the standard of education required to gain a position within the industry.