An in-depth examination of nutritional ecology in four unique aquatic species.

Nutritional ecology is a key factor in the study of animal science, care, and preservation.

Our mission is to create a functional, and informational website where you can begin to learn the feeding behaviors, digestive systems, and ecological classification of each of our four aquatic species.

Learning is as simple as a google search!

However, our goal is to create a convenient location where students, or any other curious individuals, can learn the intricate and specialized feeding habits of various aquatic animal species.

Meet our team members, and their species of focus!

  1. Kyla researching & presenting the Sea Lion

  2. Myra researching & presenting the Sea Turtle

  3. Shelby researching & presenting the Axolotl

  4. Bella researching and presenting the Betta Splenden

Kyla and the Sea Lion.

I chose this animal because my family and I take several trips to the coast per year, and I have always been fascinated by the seal lions. The first time I went abalone diving, a sea lion came up to me, took the abalone out of my hands, and ate it in front of me. My family still teases me today about the incident, but I think I got more joy out of watching him enjoy a free meal than actually harvesting the abalone. I would like to learn more about these interesting animals and possibly work with them someday!

Myra and the Sea Turtle.

I decided to utilize this project as an opportunity to learn more about an animal I am genuinely curious about, the sea turtle! Focusing on this specific species allowed me to further my knowledge of one of my all-time favorite animals. They’re undoubtedly very beautiful creatures with an intriguing history, and gaining a better understanding of their anatomy and ecology is just one of many ways to educate yourself on these ancient creatures of the sea.

Shelby and the Axolotl.

I chose the axolotl because they are a very unique species. It is interesting how they retain their gills despite developing lungs. Another reason why I chose this species is because I want to work with exotic pets in the future. Axolotls are primarily bred in captivity and are seen more as pets than in the wild. I find it interesting how they are becoming endangered in the wild. However, they are much more abundant in captivity.

Bella and the Betta Splenden.

There are many reasons why I chose a betta fish as my species of focus for this project. The first is my prior passion for the species and my history of keeping them as pets. Many people don’t know that I am an avid fish keeper and advocate for their welfare. This all started during my senior year of high school when I bought my first betta fish, Chip. Over the course of that year, I became fascinated with the species and their care. Since getting Chip, I have over 15 bettas, including a six-female sorority tank. I also run a fairly well-known Instagram account where I share the journeys of my rescue bettas, husbandry tips, and Q&As.