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SUPPORTING BRICKS AND MORTAR STORES
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About JBL
JBL's story began in 1960, when Joachim Böhme, a trained chemist and passionate aquarist from Dresden, opened a small specialist pet shop in Ludwigshafen, Germany. What began as a personal passion for aquatics quickly developed into a much larger ambition, as Böhme's knowledge and expertise helped the business establish itself within the aquarium industry.
The JBL name itself was born from a practical need. When diseases such as white spot became a growing concern for ornamental fishkeepers, Joachim Böhme used his knowledge of chemistry and medicines to develop a treatment called Punktol. To bring the product to market, he created the JBL name using his initials, JB, combined with the L from Ludwigshafen. This marked the beginning of JBL as a dedicated aquatic brand.
Over the decades, JBL has grown into one of Europe's leading full-range manufacturers for aquariums, terrariums and garden ponds, offering more than 1,000 products alongside hundreds of spare parts. The company is based in Neuhofen/Pfalz, Germany, where it operates its own manufacturing facilities and continues to develop products for aquatic and terrestrial animal care. JBL now supplies customers in markets around the world.
At the heart of JBL's philosophy is the principle "Progress through Research." The company places significant emphasis on understanding animals in their natural environments, using research into their biology and biotopes to inform product development. JBL operates its own research centre, works with scientific institutions and organises research expeditions to the natural habitats of aquarium and terrarium species, gathering knowledge directly from the environments in which these animals live.
This approach brings together science and practical experience. JBL works alongside fish breeders, public aquariums, zoos and fish importers, creating an ongoing exchange of knowledge that helps connect scientific research with the real-world needs of fishkeepers and animal enthusiasts. The company's own production facilities also manufacture its food, care and remedy products, as well as water tests, allowing JBL to maintain close control over quality and development.
Today, JBL remains a family-led business, with the third generation of the Böhme family involved in its management. More than six decades after Joachim Böhme first opened his specialist pet shop, JBL continues to combine research, innovation and practical expertise to develop products that help aquarists, terrarium keepers and pond enthusiasts create healthier environments for the animals in their care.
Company History
2026
2021
2019
1984
1968
1960
Over Six Decades of Innovation – More than 65 years after the opening of Joachim Böhme's original pet shop, JBL continues to operate as a global manufacturer of aquarium, terrarium and pond products. With research at the centre of its philosophy and a comprehensive portfolio spanning more than 1,000 products, JBL continues to develop new solutions for modern animal care.
The Third Generation – On 4 January 2021, Stella Kaltenmeier-Böhme, daughter of Roland Böhme, joins her father as Managing Director, marking the continuation of family ownership into its third generation. The same year also sees the launch of a new generation of JBL CO₂ technology for planted aquariums.
Progress Through Research – JBL continues its focus on research and innovation, while products such as the JBL LED SOLAR lighting concept demonstrate the company's commitment to developing modern technology based around the needs of aquatic plants and aquarium environments.
A New Home in Neuhofen – JBL establishes its long-term base in Neuhofen/Pfalz, Germany. From here, the company continues its transformation into a major full-range supplier covering aquariums, terrariums and garden ponds.
The JBL Name is Born – Faced with the growing challenge of fish diseases, Joachim Böhme uses his knowledge of chemistry and medicines to develop JBL Punktol, a treatment for white spot disease. The JBL name is created from his initials, JB, and the L from Ludwigshafen, marking the beginning of the JBL brand.
The JBL Story Begins – Joachim Böhme opens a small specialist pet shop on Mundenheimer Straße in Ludwigshafen, Germany. His expertise and passion for aquatics quickly attract customers, and the business increasingly focuses on aquarium livestock, eventually developing into a fish wholesaler.
