Born in 1967, Michael grew up in Oregon where his passion for marine life developed at an early age. He set up his first mini reef aquarium in 1991 and has continued to remain actively involved with the hobby ever since that inaugural tank.

His research in soft corals and specifically the family Xeniidae began in 1995. Michael has studied invertebrate microanatomy at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, Northern Arizona University and George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

His publications include articles in the hobbyist magazines: Freshwater and Marine Aquarium, Marine Fish Monthly, SeaScope, Aquarium Fish, and Practical Fishkeeping. He has also contributed research to papers published in professional journals and cataloged specimens in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard.

Michael has been a guest speaker at aquarium clubs around the country. Michael's library contains over seven hundred papers and books relating to soft coral research and he has an extensive collection of preserved xeniid material, with samples dating back to 1846. 

Michael Janes is the Senior Aquarist in charge of marine life at AquaTouch, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona where he has been employed for five years. He is also a member of the International Society for Reef Studies.

ABSTRACT: Effects of closed systems on Xeniidae soft corals: Form, composition and function.

The natural environment provides members of the Xeniidae family of soft corals with all the physical and chemical parameters necessary to maximize their existence. Within captive aquaria, there are many components that are distinctly different from those experienced in nature. This paper outlines the changes Xeniidae corals undergo when adapting to closed system conditions. Histological preparations were made from museum specimens and captive raised colonies. Micro-anatomical comparisons were made. Chemical analysis of comparative species was examined. Environmental parameters were quantified and compared for genera that occur in different habitats. This paper shows the modifications to gross morphology, microanatomy, chemical composition, and the life histories for these corals in captivity. For the first time quantitative data is presented to identify these changes. New information on sclerite composition and densities under captive conditions is given. Suggestions for system parameters and husbandry techniques are offered for the aquarist.

With the popularity of pulsing soft corals and their prevalence in closed system aquaria, the adaptive changes presented in this paper will provide new insights into successful husbandry. Additionally, it will dispel some previous myths associated with this family of corals.