Long Island Reef Association presents

Matt Pedersen

Matt Pedersen is an interactive software developer and part-time fly fishing guide originally from Chicago, IL and current living in Duluth, MN, USA. Additionally, Matt has experience as a professional orchid breeder and certified fly rod builder. Matt has been a marine aquarist for 23 years, and an aquarist for 28. After spending time on every side of the aquarium industry (retail, maintenance, wholesale, hatchery), he currently considers himself a "professional hobbyist".

Most recently, Matt has currently spawned 17 species of marine fish, successfully raising 5 of them including one worldwide first (the Harlequin Filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris), as well as attempted another 6 invertebrate species to date. This was all accomplished with less than 100 gallons of total working capacity, and all in closed culture.

Matt was the primary co-founder and was past board member for MOFIB (Marine Ornamental Fish & Invertebrate Breeders Association). Matt has written articles for CORAL/KORALLE, Reef Hobbyist Magazine, and Practical Fishkeeping. Matt has spoken at numerous aquarium clubs from coast to coast. Matt was awarded "Aquarist of the Year" by IMAC West in August, 2009, and then again MASNA's "Aquarist of the Year" in September, 2009, in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the marine aquarium hobby.