Hello! My name is Alex Knapp, and I’m the owner and founder of CaptainAquatics Fins & Scales. I’m a lifelong enthusiast of both aquatics and herpetology, and what started as a single fish tank in my bedroom grew into a deep passion for learning about and caring for hundreds of species of aquatic and herpelogical life.

Through independent research and courses I worked to expand my understanding. This led to my certification as a Herpetologist through the Amphibian Foundation. That, along with over a decade of hands-on experience with my personal collection, made me desire a career with these animals.

For years, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to take. I explored options like selling, breeding, and education, but it wasn’t until the latter half of my Herpetology course that everything became clear. I learned that the word “Herpetology” comes from the Greek words herpeton (meaning “creeping animal”) and -logy (meaning “the study of”). Realizing that the term we use to describe these animals literally means “creeping” highlighted just how deep the misunderstanding of these creatures runs. That moment made it clear, I wanted to help change this misunderstanding.