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 a special interest in ornamental fish and in 1997, I passed the examinations for the RCVS Certificate in Fish Health and Production, later being recognised as a RCVS Advanced Practitioner in the same. I was editor of the Fish Veterinary Journal for three 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 I 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.