sera and Interpet are moving forward together into the future. Two strong family-owned businesses with a deep passion for aquaristics and fishkeeping are combining their expertise to offer even more innovative products and solutions for aquarium and pond enthusiasts. This partnership sets new industry standards and brings numerous benefits to customers across Europe and beyond.
News & Notes Articles
New U.S. Import Tariffs on Fishes and Corals
Emark Tropical Imports outlines substantial tariffs, ranging between 10 and 54 percent, that will impact all fishes and corals imported to the U.S. for the aquarium hobby.
USFWS Reminder: “Call me Megalodon”
“This goldfish isn’t supposed to be here. But someone released it, thinking they were being kind. Instead, they created an invasive problem that can last decades,” writes USFWS.
Stunning Reversal: eBay Walks Back Animal Ban
On Monday, February 24th, 2025, we received a copy of a surprising email from eBay. In summary, the online marketplace and auction juggernaut eBay appears to be reversing the animal sales policy, banning nearly all live animal sales, which eBay had announced just days prior on February 19th.
Segrest’s Sandy Moore is Florida’s 2024 Woman of the Year in Agriculture
On February 10th, 2025, one of the most accomplished individuals in the aquarium industry added another accolade to her ever-growing collection. That person is Segrest Farm’s President, Sandy Moore, who Florida’s Department of Agriculture recognized as the 2024 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
eBay Bans Nearly All Live Animal Sales on Platform
Fish and coral sales on eBay appear to continue “business as usual” at the moment, but a policy change due to take effect in mid-March would effectively shutter one of the largest online marketplaces for small businesses that sell aquarium livestock.
Stop the Proposed U.S. Ban on Axolotls!
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) have become very common aquatic pets. Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has issued an interim rule that could effectively ban some trade and ownership in certain locales. The Pet Advocacy Network (formerly PIJAC) has issued a call to action during the public commentary period.
Lake Erie’s Resident Freshwater Dolphin Population
Why one AMAZONAS and CORAL publisher is still skeptical of AI in our daily lives.
HelloReef Awarded STEM.org Authenticated™ Trustmark and “Best In STEM” Top 5% Award for 2025
HelloReef’s aquarium starter kits have been recognized by STEM.org, including a “Best In STEM” award, bringing new attention and awareness of the aquarium hobby to families and educators in a vetted, “STEM.org Authenticated” product offering.
NARBC Launches Dallas Pet Expo in 2025
The NARBC (North American Reptile Breeders Conference) is host to regional “conference + trade show” events that offer a dizzying array of reptile and amphibian vendors, supported by all manner of related equipment manufacturers and ancillary offerings. Now, NARBC has announced an expansion into a full-line Pet Expo to be held in Dallas, Texas, twice in 2025. The events are scheduled for March 29-30, and September 6-7, 2025.