CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales

12/06/2025

Last night we said goodbye to Luigi, and I would like to make a post discussing his story.

For those of you who may have attended many of our shows, or know our animals the name “Luigi” may not sound familiar. Luigi was a Red Tailed Green Rat Snake whom we took in around 2 years ago.

While we were originally under the impression he was captive bred we soon discovered he was wild caught after some health concerns (common to wild caught individuals) popped up that prompted us to push the matter with who we got him from. (Disclaimer: we do not support wild caught animals being sold into the pet trade)

This however, is not why he was not in programs. Luigi was a very defensive and scared snake. He did not like people, nor did he like interaction of any kind; a very common trait of wild caught animals.

He was very sick when we got him, and for over 2 months I personally worked with him every day to get him healthy again doing mite treatments and checking progress on various infections and other issues. Over that time I can’t count the number of times I was bitten, but despite that I grew very attached to him.

Once he was healthy I left him alone in his enclosure (aside from feedings, routine cleanings, and health checks). I let him and planned to let him live out the rest of his days in peace without forced interactions.

His death last night was sudden and unexpected. He had fallen into a very good routine and maintained good health over the last two years and I was hoping for many more years with him. The belief is that he passed away from old age, as we cannot think of any other reason why he may have passed.

Luigi was very special to me, despite him being a look only snake I was incredibly close to him and love to sit with him and just appreciate his beauty. I think despite his distrust he knew I saved his life, something in his eyes and the way he looked at me told me he was grateful in some way.

Luigi is one of the big reasons I do everything I can to not turn away an animal in need, because I know had I not put in the time, money, care, and effort he likely would not have survived 2 years ago. And although I am sad today I am happy I was able to provide him a stress free and healthy last 2 years of his life with a full belly clean environment.

Rest in Peace Luigi ❤️

12/01/2025

Last week we began work on one of our aquatic ecosystems that will be seen in the Fins & Scales exhibit!

The theme is “The Amazon”, this is a 150 gallon aquatic exosystem, it will be lightly planted with low-light hardy plants.

Any guesses as to what species we may add to this environment 👀

11/21/2025

In search of Donations!

Do you appreciate what we do and want to contribute to our cause? We are in search of donations, both cash and items. Below is a list of items we are in need of as well as a link to directly donate. Everything is appriciated, donations can be dropped off on the front porch below our sign at 162 N main st, Rutland VT Monday-Friday 1:30pm-5pm

Items we are in need of:
- Aquarium Filters (hang on back, sponge, canister, etc.)
- Aquariums / terrariums
- Aquarium air stones
- Standard airline tubing (fit to standard air stones)
- Aquarium Substrate (rocks and sand, no dyed or unnatural colors)
- Aquarium Activated Carbon
- Aquarium Nitrite
- Filter media bags
- Vegetables! Vegetables! Vegetables! So long as they arent rotted or moldy we can use them!
- reptile hides, water bowls, heat lamps, etc.
- Heat bulbs
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
And anything else fish, reptile, and arthropod related. We will take used!

Of course we also greatly appreciate cash donations as well which is linked below.

11/16/2025

! BLACK FRIDAY DEAL ALERT !

$25 off any outreach package scheduled between 11/16 - 12/1 - mention code GRTFL when you reach out to schedule!
(Coupon applies to any show scheduled and paid for through those dates, the show itself does not need to take place on those dates for code to be valid)

10% off food and supplies bought between 11/16 - 12/1 - mentions code GRTFL

20% off boarding scheduled and paid for between 11/16 - 12/1 - mention code GRTFL

11/09/2025

Own a reptile and looking to save some money?

We now sell frozen and live foods at prices significantly cheaper than anywhere else in Rutland!

Check out our list of foods here:

By buying our products you Support our Animals!All Proceeds go directly into the care of the animals Welcome to the CaptainAquatics Store ! our products are available for purchase !our store currently has no publicly open hours. Please call us at 802.342.4771 to schedule pickup of your desired goo....

11/07/2025

Our website is once again live!

Now with up to date information on our upcoming exhibit, reptile food and supplies for sale, information on volunteering, and so much more!

Check it out!

CaptainAqautics Fins & Scales is a herpetology & aquatics educational business, providing educational shows, events, and encounters in and around Rutland, VT

11/04/2025

We officially have a phone number!

You can call 8023424771 to reach us!

11/04/2025

Good morning!

Later today our website is going to be going down for maintenance and updates, please feel free to contact our page or email [email protected] with inquiries!

Have a nice day!

10/26/2025

Good morning, we will not be able to attend today’s event with Bear Ridge farm due to a personal matter I have to attend to.

My apologies for anyone looking to see me there, I heavily encourage you attend the event as it is for a great cause and there will be many fun things to do there!

Have a good weekend everyone!