I’m Heather, a professional aquarist with over 30 years of hands-on experience in freshwater fishkeeping. I help people create and maintain healthy, beautiful aquariums that truly thrive, from natural planted setups to balanced community tanks. My goal is to make fishkeeping enjoyable, educational, and stress-free for everyone.

I’ve combined decades of hands-on freshwater fishkeeping with formal training in aquarium husbandry, service, and maintenance through Animal Behavior College. This blend of experience and education allows me to approach each aquarium as a living ecosystem, not just a decorative display.

I live in Chapel Hill, NC, where I care for ten thriving freshwater tanks of my own (with very spoiled fish). Through Fish Momma, I offer consulting, fish rescue and rehoming services, aquarium setup, and ongoing maintenance services, along with personalized guidance tailored to each tank’s unique needs.

Beyond the aquariums, you’ll also find me sharing stories on the Fish Momma Blog, a mix of travel adventures, everyday life, and personal experiences (sometimes funny, sometimes heartfelt). Whether it’s caring for a rescued goldfish, exploring the Czech countryside, or recovering from a not-so-relaxing massage, I love inviting readers into my little world of fish, family, and discovery.

So whether you’re here to learn more about aquarium care or simply follow along on the journey, I’m glad you stopped by. 🐟💛