Here at Tankmates, we’re dedicated to helping fishkeepers successfully combine compatible species in healthy aquarium environments. Our founder, Billy Morris, turned his lifelong passion for fish into this educational platform for responsible aquarism.
Billy first discovered his love for fish as a child on annual family camping trips. He was fascinated by the schools of minnows and catfish in the lakes where he fished with his dad. Around age 10, Billy set up his first tank with guppies and tetras he caught. Caring for those fish sparked an enduring interest in the aquatic world.
In high school, Billy landed a part-time job at a local pet shop. He eagerly absorbed everything he could about the fish they sold. Billy enjoyed observing the behaviors and interactions of fish in the store displays. He had some disastrous experiences mixing incompatible species that didn’t get along. Those early lessons highlighted the importance of choosing compatible tankmates.
By the time he entered college, Billy had successfully kept over 20 freshwater species. Eager to expand his knowledge, he decided to study marine biology and aquatic veterinary sciences. His coursework covered advanced ichthyology, animal behavior, aquaculture, and ecosystems. Billy graduated with honors and a focus on fish compatibility and social dynamics.
After university, Billy worked for a public coastal aquarium managing the live exhibits. Those years of caring for diverse marine and freshwater ecosystems deepened Billy’s hands-on experience immensely. His favorite part of the job was carefully selecting compatible species to create engaging, naturalistic habitats.
With over 15 years of experience studying and keeping fish, Billy decided to launch Tankmates as an educational hub. He wanted to share his scientifically-backed approaches to identifying ideal tankmates with fellow fish enthusiasts. Billy knew firsthand how rewarding the hobby was when fish were healthy and properly matched.
Here at Tankmates, our small team shares Billy’s mission to promote responsible, ethical fishkeeping. We have backgrounds in marine biology and aquarium sciences, allowing us to provide accurate compatibility advice. Our recommendations stem directly from published research, expert opinions, and hobbyist experiences.
We are continually reading studies and connecting with ichthyologists to ensure our content reflects current best practices. Customer feedback also helps us modify our recommendations based on real-world community experiences keeping certain species together. We aim to create a trustworthy resource based on science, data, and observation.
Beyond articles, the Tankmates forum enables beneficial exchanges between aquarists. Our moderators nurture an open, supportive discussion space focused on fish health and welfare. We take pride in having built a thriving community that welcomes new hobbyists.
At Tankmates, our goal is to make aquarium-keeping more rewarding by equipping fishkeepers with research-backed compatibility guidance. We love helping spread enthusiasm for the engaging world of fish and aquatic life. Please explore our suggestions, read our articles, and join the forum. Reach out if we can help you stock your tank with thriving, compatible fish!