Collecting Native Species For Your Aquarium

This page contains a compilation of information gathered from various sources and is part of The Galveston Bay Project - a professional development program for K12 teachers in the Houston Area.

You may not collect any type of wildlife without the appropriate license. Check the requirements for your state. Teachers in Texas may contact Rosie Regner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at rosie.regnor@tpwd.state.tx.us.

Before collecting your specimens, obtain and set up your aquarium. Let the aquarium sit undisturbed for two weeks before adding your animals.

When you have your license and are ready to head out, here is the equipment you need:

• A clean 5 gallon bucket - I get one from the hardware store and drill a 1/2 inch whole in the lid.
• Plastic tubing
• Airstone
• A good strong air pump - I use one that runs on batteries, if you use a plug in type, make sure you have an AC car adapter to plug it in.
• A net for seining - a two person net is easiest, but a casting net can work well also
• Plastic bags for shells and other non-living treasures
• Bug Spray and sun screen in the summer
• Drinking water
• First Aid kit
• Gloves
• A pocket knife and/or putty knife for prying anemones off the rocks

Make sure you do not collect wildlife that you cannot maintain in your aquarium. Hermit crabs, shrimp and anemones adjust easily to aquarium life and make a good beginning set-up.

See the pages for Setting Up and Maintaining your aquarium or check the FAQ for answers to common questions.

Note: You may not collect any type of wildlife without the appropriate license. Check the requirements for your state. Teachers in Texas may contact Rosie Regner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at rosie.regnor@tpwd.state.tx.us.