Edward Edwards (zoologist)

Lore & Background

Edwards began his career as a draper in Bangor, Carnarvonshire, retiring from that business in 1839. The following year he established a foundry and ironworks at Menai Bridge, which he operated successfully for several years. In 1864, his interest in marine life in the Menai Strait led him to study fish in their native environment. He then attempted to create an artificial arrangement to preserve fish in health in confinement, enabling closer study of their habits. By imitating natural conditions, he introduced improvements in aquarium construction that allowed fish to be kept for an almost unlimited period without changing the water. His most notable improvement was the 'dark-water chamber slope-back tank,' inspired by his close study of rock pools, fissures, and chasms on the shores of the Menai Strait.

Reader's Guide

Edwards's dark-water chamber slope-back tank was a direct result of his observations of natural rock pools. This improvement retarded for a long time the decline in popularity of domestic aquaria. The principle of his tank was successfully adopted in all large establishments in Britain, as well as in many continental and American zoological schools. Edwards devoted the last years of his life to this branch of natural history, and his work helped sustain public interest in home aquaria during a period when it was waning. His design became a standard in both public and institutional aquariums, influencing the construction of tanks in zoological collections internationally.

Did You Know?

• Edwards started his career as a draper before becoming a marine zoologist.
• His dark-water chamber slope-back tank was inspired by rock pools in the Menai Strait.
• He died at age 75 after an attack of paralysis.