Grad Student Plumbs Depths, Comes up with Book

MELBOURNE, FLA — Matthew Wittenrich’s love of all things aquatic brought him to Florida Tech to study and, this year, to publish a book. He earned a
master’s degree in marine biology in May 2007 and this month begins a doctoral program in biology.

His “The Complete Illustrated Breeders Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes” will be used in at least one Florida Tech aquaculture course, Finfish Aquaculture.
The book is now available online and at book stores nationwide.

A review from an online source, amazon.com, says about it, “Author Matt Wittenrich is gifted with the patience and rational powers of observation that
enable him to capture the important details. . .Breeding marine fishes is obviously the author’s life’s work. It is truly to his credit that he shares
step-by-step instructions from his immense store of knowledge.”

Wittenrich’s publisher, Microcosm Ltd/TFH Publications Inc. calls his book, “The first detailed guide to amateur marine fish breeding. . . reveals the
techniques for successfully spawning and rearing more than 90 species of marine fishes.”

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Wittenrich says he came to Florida Tech because of his faculty adviser, Professor Ralph Turingan. “I read a lot of good things
about him and about the university,” said Wittenrich.

Experiencing a “hands-on” education, Wittenrich tagged bull sharks in the Indian River Lagoon while earning his master’s degree. For his Florida Tech
doctoral work he is exploring the development of feeding ability in early-stage larvae of coral reef fishes.

Florida Tech offers offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine biology.