About

I graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary School in 1977 and have been in small animal practice in London since then. I have always had an interest in ornamental fish, and in 1997, I passed examinations for the RCVS Certificate in Fish Health and Production, later being recognised as an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in the same until 2025. I was editor of the Fish Veterinary Journal for 3 years before contributing to and editing the second edition of the BSAVA Manual of Ornamental Fish (2001). In May 2018, I retired from general practice but have continued to see fish cases and continue with consultancy work.

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I have provided professional services to fish clients on a first- and second-opinion basis for over 30 years. Most of my fish work involves private hobbyists with coldwater ornamental fish such as koi and goldfish. I have been the veterinary advisor to the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) since 1996 and offer professional services to several importers and retailers of ornamental fish. Over the years, I have provided training and presentations on pet fish health to garden centre staff, students, pathologists and vets both in the UK and internationally, and now provide advice on the Veterinary Information Network. I was on the Secretary of State’s list of registered zoo inspectors with a special interest in public aquaria from 2001 until 2023 having passed the City & Guilds examination in Zoo Licensing Inspection in 2019.