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.

In order to create this type of aquarium, you must be within traveling distance of a beach. My experience is collecting from the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waters near Galveston, Texas. If you live in a different area, contact a local college and speak to a professor in the biology department to find out if there is information available for your specific area.

A Native Species Saltwater Aquarium is easy! We're not talking about one of those fragile reef aquariums you see in fancy restaurants. This is an aquarium with specimens collected from the local area. These animals are hardy and easy to maintain. I kept this type of an aquarium in a second grade classroom all year and had few mortalities - even over winter break!

1. Setting up your aquarium
2. Collecting your inhabitants

Note: You may not collect any type of wildlife without the appropriate lisence. 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.