Liguan, Philippines

My interest in marine biology was deeply seeded from involvement with the aquarium world since the age of 15.

I have worked in various capacities as a researcher, consultant, and hobbyist, traveling to the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, Solomon Islands and throughout the Caribbean and Central America studying coral-reef fishes. I am currently pursuing a doctorate at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. A native of western New York, I began breeding saltwater fish in my parent's basement, successfully raising more than 56 species of marine fish and shrimp. My research focuses on the development of feeding abilities in the larval stages coral-reef fishes.

Aquatic Pixels was borne from my passion for the marine aquarium hobby and photography; a mixing of science and art that portrays the intricate details and innate beauty of the sea and the creatures living within. I once read that ‘one can not conserve what they do not appreciate, and they can not appreciate what they have not seen’. As a scientist and hobbyist I believe that science can be beautiful and we can promote conservation and sustainability through education and art. Each creature living in the sea, independent of its size, is remarkable and when captured in the right light, the correct angle and pose, can be truly mind blowing. I am attracted to the ordinary creatures that are so often overlooked by divers and hobbyists. Treating these animals as models, I shoot many of them in a studio where their true beauty stands alone. I am often blown away by some of the details these animals exhibit and if a fraction of this diversity is portrayed or earns a ‘wow’ among the crowd I feel I have contributed to the appreciation of the sea.

Matt Wittenrich Live: Marine Aquarium Breeding & Photography