Freshwater shrimps have a surprising history that traces back to the ocean. Most people assume these small crustaceans have always lived in rivers and streams, but their evolutionary roots are actually marine. Geological shifts caused sea levels to rise and fall, trapping populations in inland waters. Over thousands of years, these isolated groups adapted to their new environment, eventually becoming the freshwater shrimp we see in local ecosystems today. Kunjulakshmi shares some amazing insights in this episode with The Weekend Aquarist. Watch the full interview on the Podcast channel. Subscribe for weekly aquarium hobby updates and let us know in the comments what other aquatic mysteries you want to hear about next.

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While conducting research near Kerala, Kunjulakshmi observed the precise methods locals use to collect shrimps. This interaction highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in scientific data collection. By observing these field collection techniques, researchers can improve their accuracy when working in sensitive brackish water ecosystems. Proper specimen collection is essential for understanding the biodiversity of our local ecology. This approach ensures that we gather high-quality data while respecting the environment. Watching a local expert demonstrate these aquatic research methods offers a practical perspective on fieldwork that you rarely see in formal academic settings. Watch the full interview with freshwater shrimp researcher Kunjulakshmi K on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast.

Researchers, Kunjulakshmi, Mac Lean and Dr Prakash Sanjeevi identified a new Macrobrachium irwini shrimp species in Karnataka. Learn how this discovery honours Steve Irwin. They recently named a unique freshwater shrimp found in Karnataka after Steve Irwin, inspired by the animal's distinct crocodile-like markings. Watch the full interview with Kunjulakshmi K on The Weekend Aquarist Podcast!

Join me as we catch up with Kunjulakshmi, a Shrimp Researcher! How do you tell one freshwater shrimp species from another? Why do some species live in one stream but not the next? This Saturday on SNL with The Weekend Aquarist, we’ll explore those questions with K. Kunjulakshmi (Lakshmi), a PhD. Research Scholar at the Centre for Climate Change Studies, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. Lakshmi studies the diversity, ecology, and distribution of freshwater shrimps. Her work also looks at what happens inside a shrimp as its environment changes, and what those responses can tell us about conserving species under pressure. Alongside publishing in peer-reviewed journals, she shares her research through education and public outreach. Join us live this Saturday (7th November) at 8 PM IST. Bring your questions about freshwater shrimps and the fieldwork involved in studying them. 0:00 Introduction and overview 6:05 The evolutionary origins 8:15 Specimen discovery 11:58 Field sampling methods 21:57 Morphological examination 24:49 Molecular taxonomy 32:07 Community interaction 43:22 Environmental threats 47:46 Closing and Q&A

Join me as we catch up with Dr Nataraj, the Plant Doc on Saturday Night Live. Ludwigia sphaerocarpa: An Emerging Treasure for the Planted Aquarium From North American wetlands to planted aquariums—this intriguing plant has more to it than meets the eye! Did you know its name means “round-fruited,” referring to its spherical seed capsules? Or that its foliage can develop warm golden, bronze and reddish-orange hues under the right conditions? Join Dr Nataraj—the Plant Doc—on SNL with TWA as we explore what makes this uncommon plant special, its aquascaping potential, and how to help it thrive. 📅 Saturday, 24th October | 8 PM IST 📺 The Weekend Aquarist YouTube channel Bring your plant questions! #TheWeekendAquarist #PlantDoc #LudwigiaSphaerocarpa #Aquascaping Here's a gift—a complete issue of The Weekend Aquarist, complimentary, on us. India's only aquarium magazine, delivered to your inbox. No strings: watch a quick hello from the editor, drop your email, and it's yours to keep. 👉 Claim it here: https://www.weekendaquarist.in/youtube

Get ready to explore fascinating aquarium exhibits and rare species on this episode of The Weekend Aquarist podcast. Join us for an exclusive guided tour of diverse displays at Aquarium Paradise, Bengaluru, featuring a wide range of marine life. We discuss how to care for and observe these unique creatures, offering a clear look at what it takes to maintain these aquatic environments. Our conversation highlights specific specimens, including the striking Araipama and the graceful movement of jellyfish displays. This session is for anyone interested in the technical and aesthetic work behind one of India's best Public Aquarium exhibits. And here's a gift from The Weekend Aquarist—a complete issue of The Weekend Aquarist, complimentary, on us. India's only aquarium magazine, delivered to your inbox. No strings: watch a quick hello from the editor, drop your email, and it's yours to keep. 👉 Claim it here: https://www.weekendaquarist.in/youtube Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Aquarium Paradise (Bangalore) 01:10 – Egyptian Reception & Theme Walkthrough 02:11 – Rainforest Zone & Alligator Exhibit 04:00 – Butterfly Koi & Goldfish 04:42 – Malawi Cichlids Exhibit 06:47 – Dwarf Cichlids, Gouramis & Tiger Barbs 07:24 – Elephant Nose Fish & In-House Theming 08:51 – Natural Terrarium Exhibit 09:54 – Rare Snakehead (Channa amphibius) 10:39 – Oscar Fish Exhibit 11:21 – Senegal Bichir & Discus Aquascape 12:29 – Freshwater Stingrays & Feeding 13:52 – Glass Catfish School 14:50 – Giant Snakeheads (Channa micropeltes) 16:09 – Sand Waterfall & Miss Kerala (Denison Barb) 17:56 – Infinity Mirror Jellyfish Room 21:16 – Marine Section & Touch Pool (Rays & Bamboo Sharks) 24:18 – India's Longest Underwater Glass Tunnel (180 ft) 25:10 – Mermaid Viewing Gallery & Marine Life 28:40 – Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Eagle rays in #nammabengaluru? Yup! This is at Aquarium Paradise, Bengaluru! This is an exhibit you must take time to watch quietly. Watch the graceful movement of eagle rays and discover how these majestic creatures behave in their natural home. Rays in the wild grow significantly larger than what we typically see in public aquariums. These fascinating marine life specimens can also breach the water surface, a behaviour that highlights their agility. Watch the full video of our guided tour at Aquarium Paradise, releasing today, 20th October, on The Weekend Aquarist channel. Click "Notify me" and don't forget to subscribe!