Bread `N Butter Returns Another Cichlid Corner Fall Show and

September 2011
Volume 40, No. 8
The Official Publication of the Aquarium Club of Lancaster County
In this issue:
Bread 'N Butter Returns
Another Cichlid Corner
Fall Show and Auction Schedule
Much more!
Tank Tales is the official publication of the Aquarium Club of Lancaster County (ACLC). Ten
issues of Tank Tales are published annually. Anyone using original material from any issue of
Tank Tales must return two (2) copies of the publication in which the article is published to our
exchange editor listed below. The views expressed in any material appearing in Tank Tales are
those of the authors, and do not necessarily express those of the ACLC.
The ACLC meets on the third Saturday of each month (except July and August) at That Fish
Place, 237 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA 17603. Meetings begin at 1:00 PM unless otherwise
noted. Meetings usually are comprised of a program featuring a guest speaker, door prizes, a
mini fish auction, with a period allowed for mingling and refreshments. The philosophy of the
club is such that our activities are interesting to both the novice and advanced hobbyist alike.
An effort is made to keep business to a minimum at the general meetings, with the executive
board meeting being held monthly as needed on a pre-established date and time.
2011 ACLC Board of Directors
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Public Relations Director
Financial Director
Programs Director
Kurt Johnston
Danny Corman
Tim Brady
Suze Glesky
Chris Cornell
Barb Kunkel
Joel Antkowiak
717-965-7763
717-564-6888
570-385-0573
717-574-6123
717-671-1163
717-627-3853
717-354-2274
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
2011 ACLC Committee Chairs
Committee
Editor
Exchange Editor
Web Master
Social Chair
Horticultural Chair
BAP Chair
Auction Chair
Raffle Chair
Audit Chair
WAAP Chair
Bowl Show Chair
Membership Chair
Chair
Joel Antkowiak
Joel Antkowiak
Kurt Johnston
Tara Miller
Tara Miller
Kurt Johnston
Joe Kunkel
Barb Kunkel
Joel Antkowiak
Joel Antkowiak
Joel Antkowiak
Chris Cornell
Phone
717-354-2274
717-354-2274
717-965-7763
610-689-5356
610-689-5356
717-965-7763
717-627-3853
717-627-3853
717-354-2274
717-354-2274
717-354-2274
717-671-1163
E-mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Lifetime Members of the ACLC
Paul Bricknell
F. Wayne Calender
Pedro Sanchez
David Stephon
Cover: A barracuda at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Photo by
Joel Antkowiak.
Fellow Members,
We are now in the final stretch of another great year at the ACLC. The last few weeks have been
quite interesting around the Susquehanna Valley and I hope that everyone has come through
the hurricane and the flooding with minor problems. Our final three meetings are three of the
best programs we have had in our recent history. I want to send out a special thanks to Dr. Paul
Loiselle for accepting our invitation to speak in June on such short notice and providing us with a
great program. A BIG thank you goes out to Kevin Carr of the NJAS for coordinating the June
program and the Jersey Shop Hop which was a great road trip. Thank You’s also go to Ray
Wetzel and Bob Hicks for inviting us to the Pine Barrens collecting trip in July; Bob Kulesa and I
had a great time and Bob got some really cool fish.
“You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee.”
~ American author Napolean Hill
We are now into election season for the ACLC. The positions that are up for election at the
November meeting are President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary and we are calling for
members to run for these positions for 2012. We know that not every current officer will be
running in this election. If you are not sure what is involved in any of these positions, check out
the club by-laws on our website, or talk to the current and former officers at the September
meeting. I have always felt that we have many members who are more than qualified for these
positions and we should have at least 2 members nominated for each position. Let’s see if we
can do that this year. It is YOUR club and this is the best way to get involved and have a say in
the future of the ACLC!
“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of
hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.”
~Albert Einstein
See you on the 17th!
Kurt
From the Editor's Tank
I have been holding out printing the list of ACLC'ers who have won 2010 FAAS Publication Awards until I
have had a chance to present the awards. That will happen at the September meeting. I hope everyone that
contributed to Tank Tales in 2010 will be able to make this meeting. Remember what I said last month - we
doubled our take from last year!
I am actually working on the September Tank Tales in August, which is a great thing. I am happy to have a
several month supply of articles for Tank Tales, with more promised to me. Keep them coming! When I can
work on the next issue without time constraints it will hopefully be much better, and I can hopefully get it out a
day or two earlier.
I have updated the WAAP standings and they can be found elsewhere in this issue.
Keep in mind that the deadline for the October issue will be October 6.
Keep'em Spawning
-RHO
BOWL SHOW RETURNS
IN SEPTEMBER!
Well, the bowl show will return in
September. Hopefully there will be much
more participation by our members. We are
only half way through the bowl show
schedule, so there is still plenty of
opportunity left for someone to catch Ashley,
who is laughing at just about everyone about
now. There is no cost, and we have plenty of
bowls now. There will be an open class in
September, so if you have any fish, there's
no excuse for not participating. Here are the
current standings:
2011 BOWL SHOW STANDINGS
Ashley Antkowiak ..................................................... 35 pts
Joel Antkowiak ............................................................ 30 pts
Danny Corman ................................................................ 13 pts
SPECIAL OCTOBER JOINT
MEETING with GWAPA
The October meeting of the ACLC will be a
joint meeting with the Greater Washington
Aquatic Plant Association and will feature two
programs, an aquascaping competition and a
special raffle, in addition to our auction, bowl
show, and article and photo of the month
competitions. More details on the programs
can be found elsewhere in this issue of Tank
Tales. If you like plants and/or livebearers,
this will be a great meeting for you!
Hey Folks, WE STILL
NEED HELP for various
positions in the club. NO
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Some of the jobs do not
take much, and your help
would be appreciated. We
have a good club growing
here, let's keep it going!
It's time to start thinking about the
upcoming elections. Elected officers include
President, Vice-President, Secretary and
Treasurer. According to our new by laws, the
other 3 board positions are appointed.
We will also be looking for some new people
to get involved with some of the existing
committees. Please volunteer to help out!
NJAS AND ECC FORCED TO
CHANGE EVENT VENUES
Due to the extreme weather we've had and
the flooding associated with hurricane Irene
and tropical storm Lee, at least 2 of our
sister clubs have been forced to change their
fall event venues. Both the North Jersey
Aquarium Society and East Coast Cichlids
were using the same hall for their events,
which got flooded during Irene. If you are
planning to attend either of these, be certain
to view the updated flyers in this issue for
the revised venues and dates.
The 2011 ACLC Schedule
September 17th
Dr. Stephan Tanner
Plecos: Let's Breed Them Before They Vanish
See details HERE
Æ Æ Æ Æ
*********************************
October 15th
ACLC BOWL SHOW
SPECIAL START TIME
RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER
12 noon!
Featuring
The ACLC now has a Bowl Show
competition for its members. There will are
2 classes each month. Rules were published
in the February issue of Tank Tales. So
that you can plan ahead, here is a
tentative schedule of bowl show classes:
Allen Wood
September 17th
JOINT MEETING
with GWAPA
Livebearers
& MUCH MORE!
See details in this issue!
November 19th
Mark Soberman
Topic TBD
December TBD
ACLC Annual
Christmas Party
Small Catfishes (Corydoras, etc.)
Open
October 15th
AOV Anabantoids
Jr. Open
November 19th
Killifish
Dwarf Cichlids
Open Classes - Any Species
Junior Open Class - Any Species,
members under 18 years old only!
for
A special award will be presented at the
end of the year to the person that
accumulates the most points in the bowl
show for the year. Each 1st place won is
worth 10 points, each 2nd place is 5 pts,
and each 3rd place is 3 pts. Also, 1 pt is
awarded for each non-placing entry.
Presented by The Aquarium Club of Lancaster County
Meeting s held at That Fish Place, 237 Centerville Road, Lancaster PA – 1:00 PM
Saturday September 17th 2011
“Plecos: Let’s Breed Them Before They
Vanish ”
Stephan
Tanner
Stephan has been an active fish keeper since the mid
1980s. Born in Switzerland, he got his first tropical fish tank
when he was 14 years old. Stephan’s interest in biology
earned him a master's degree in Behavioral Ecology and
Molecular Biology (1995) and finally a Ph.D. in Human
Molecular Genetics (1998). During his undergraduate years
he also worked in the Spiezer Zoo, a local fish store with
quality fish and great customer service. He became a
member of the German Barb, Tetra, Loach, and Catfish
association in 1992, a crowd of friendly and highly devoted
specialists. In 1994, a new editor for the quarterly
publication BSSW Report was needed and Stephan held this
position until the end of 2006. Stephan occasionally travels
to Germany for fish related meetings and to visit friends
that he has made throughout the fabulous community.
Stephan is a big fan of tetras, barbs, loaches, and catfish. In
2006, he founded Swiss Tropicals LLC, breeding and selling
fish as well as Poret foam and B&H Jetlifters
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME
For more information about the Aquarium Club of Lancaster County, or directions to a meeting,
please visit our website at http://www.aclcpa.org
or
contact Kurt Johnston - [email protected] or 717-965-7763
6$9(
%
722))
83
&KDLQ6XSHU6WRUH/RFDO3HW6WRUH3ULFHV
E
L
A
S
K
C
O
T
S
R
E
V
AQUATIC O
&HQWHUYLOOH5G/DQFDVWHU
‡WKDWSHWSODFHFRP
kss..
ecck
eck
che
n ch
ain
iess last. No rai
pplie
9/29/2011, while su
gh
ou
thr
9/1
lid
Of fers va
ns
ce and overstock sectio
an
ar
cle
e
th
sit
vi
s
m
m
.co
For a full list of ite
at thatpetplace
on the aquarium page
Save up to
50
%
off
Save up to
40
%
5
2 off
20
Select Tetra
Freeze Dried Treats
Save up to
%
off
Select Algae Scrapers
& Mag Floats
25
%
off
Whisper & Select
Penguin Cartridges
15
40%off
Select Medications
Select Fish Foods &
Frozen Fish Foods
%
off
Save up to
%
off
Tetra 55 gal.
Boxed Kits
Select Water
Conditioners & Additives
15
%
off
Select
Marineland
Tanks
30g, 55g black
55g oak
25
%
off
Pure Aquatic
Phosphate
Remover
Black Diamond
Carbon & Diamond
Blend Media
99c
SELECT FRESHWATER
TROPICAL FISH
tras & Barbs
including select Te
No rain checks.
While supplies last.
Specials valid with your Pet Rewards Instant Savings Card.
Don’t have a card? Sign up today for FREE in our retail store!
Sales valid through 9/29/2011, while supplies last.
JOINT MEETING!
Presented by The Aquarium Club of Lancaster County
Meeting s held at That Fish Place, 237 Centerville Road, Lancaster PA – 1:00 PM
Saturday October 15th 2011
SPECIAL START TIME: 12:00 NOON
“Adapting My Fish Room to Keep Livebearers”
To begin our joint meeting, Allen Wood from Pueblo, Colorado, will give this
presentation on how he adapted his fish room to keep a large number of livebearer
species. Allen is currently the Chairman of the American Livebearer Association.
Allen
Wood
Keeping a large number of fish in a large fish room is a lot of work. Allen will be talking
about how he adapted his fish room and fish keeping procedures to minimize the
amount of work necessary. He will also be talking about many of the species he keeps
and their maintenance requirements. He maintains about 100 species of livebearers in
his rather large fish room. At last count he has had over 100 species of livebearers breed
in his tanks. Keeping these and other livebearers alive and well in his fish room into the
distant future is his goal.
"Hardscaping Your Aquascape"
Following Mr. Wood's presentation, we will take a break, and then the folks from the
Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association, led by Kris Weinhold, will give a talk on
setting up hardscapes for the different aquascaping styles: "Hardscaping your
Aquascape". This will get into the three major aquascaping styles of Dutch, Nature and
Iwagumi and how to choose materials that are appropriate for each, and then use them
to set up your hardscape.
Kris
Weinhold
"Aquascape Workshop / Competition"
After this talk we will break into pre-registered small groups and begin our hands-on
workshop/competition! Each ACLC group will be joined by a GWAPA member for help
and guidance in setting up a hardscape of their choosing in a 10-gallon tank. The teams
will be judged by a third-party and the winning tank auctioned off in the club auction!
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME
For more information about the Aquarium Club of Lancaster County, or directions to a meeting,
please visit our website at http://www.aclcpa.org
or
contact Kurt Johnston - [email protected] or 717-965-7763
by Kurt Johnston
I had been planning to attend the 2011 ALA
Convention since I heard it was going to be
in Cleveland. With it only being a 5.5 hour
drive, it was the first time it was this close to
Lancaster since New Jersey in 2005, and I
had a family commitment that year. The
Greater Akron Aquarium Society was the
host club this year and they were calling it a
“North Coast Livebearer Weekend”; the logo
was a drawing of a fish, aptly named “Moon
Guppy”, surfing. Back in the 1970’s, I spent
7 years living on the east side of Cleveland
and one thing I never would have dared to
do was surf on Lake Erie or on the
combustible Cuyahoga River. Someone at
the GAAS has quite a sense of humor.
I left early on Friday morning and arrived at
the Sheraton Cleveland Airport before
registration opened. The vendors had started
setting up their booths and that gave me an
opportunity to have some great conversation
with Cory “Baylees Fishees” Fry and Ray
“Kingfish” Lucas. I always look forward to
having the time to spend with Ray and
reminisce about the great times and
hobbyists that he has had the pleasure to
meet. Cory and I were busy making
arrangements to have him send us some of
his great plants for the ACLC Spring Auction.
The speaker list for the Convention was a
great one and Friday started out at 6:30 with
Stephan Tanner (our speaker in Sept. 2011)
talking about the European hobby and how it
differs from the way things are done here in
the USA. It is always entertaining to talk to
Stephan and he always has some great
information. Next was Shala Hankison of
Ohio Wesleyan University with a program
about her study of Evolution in the Mexican
Sailfin Mollies. I was extremely surprised at
how interesting this talk was. I usually skip
the more scientific talks, but this was one of
the best presented programs I have heard.
Michi Tobler finished off the night with a
great program about the habitats of Mexican
livebearers. Some of the studies he was
discussing had to do with the livebearers
that live in the caves of Mexico and their
close relationship with the fish that live just
outside of the caves. Adaptation among fish
species is a lot more interesting to me now.
The hospitality room was open after Michi’s
talk, but I skipped it Friday so that I could
get up early for the Saturday morning
programs.
Saturday morning started out at 9 AM with a
program on the Limia family by William
Kohler. This was followed at 10:30 with a
hands-on workshop with 3 stations. Stephan
Tanner was showing everbody the great
ways to use Poret foam; Bud White and Bob
Miller were showing us how to take perfect
pictures of our fish; and Greg Sage of Select
Aquatics was demonstrating his way of
culturing live foods.
After lunch, the speaker parade continued.
John Lyons of the Wisconsin DNR started the
afternoon off with a sad discussion of the
current condition of the Goodeids in Mexico.
It seems that every year there are a few
more species that become harder and harder
to find. John was followed by a talk about
the habitats of the Goodeids by Juan Miguel
Artigas Azas with some great photographs
and details of the specific locations that
these fish can be found. The banquet was
scheduled for 7:00 but before we all sat
down for some delicious food, Rit Forcier
held a 1 hour wine tasting and Stan D told
us everything we ever wanted to know about
beer. Stan is from the North Shore of NY and
I was fortunate enough to taste brews from
all over New York State. The banquet was
great and there were many awards to be
presented. The final speaker of the weekend
was David Reznick from UC-Riverside. He
gave us a very informative program about
the evolution of the guppy. The hospitality
room was open again after dinner and there
was an abundance of food, beer, wine and
Bill Allen’s guitar serenaded the night away.
Sunday was auction day and by 10 AM I
could tell this was going to be a long day.
The auction started at 11:00 and there were
a lot of bags of livebearers. Some great fish
were had by all and the auction lasted until
6:00! One of the rarest was a pair of
Xiphophorus
monticolous
from
the
Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center that sold
for $200! One of the reasons that I love
going to the conventions is that I get a
chance to meet and talk to people from all
over and this years ALA was no exception.
One of the people I got a chance to meet
was Allen Wood from Pueblo, Colorado. Allen
is the Chairman of the ALA and the ACLC
speaker in October. I can’t wait for next
year. The ALA Convention will be held in Fort
Lauderdale from April 26 – 29! This event
will be hosted by the Gold Coast Aquarium
Society which is the club that our friend
Chuck Davis is a member of. This should be
a great time, don’t miss it!
ACLC C.A.R.E.S.Registrants
Updated on September 11, 2011
Species
Status
Obtained from
Date
Reg. Date
Joel Antkowiak
Mar-10
10-Dec-10
Vulnerable /Conservation priority
DCAS Meeting miniauction
PVAS (MD) Fall Auction
Sep-09
10-Dec-10
Betta simplex
Vulnerable
GPASI Spring Auction
Apr-10
10-Dec-10
Skiffia lermae
Endangered
GPASI Spring Auction
Apr-10
10-Dec-10
Xiphophorus couchianus
Extinct in the Wild/Conservation
Dependent
Paul Bricknell (ACLC
Meeting mini auction)
Mar-11
30-Mar-11
Melanotaenia lacustris
Vulnerable/At Risk in Nature
CCA Meeting Auction
Apr-10
30-Mar-11
Tanichthys micagemmae
Vulnerable
Dennis Heltzel (KKG Mtg.)
& Tara Miller (ACLC Mtg.) Feb-11
30-Mar-11
Ameca splendens
Extinct in the Wild/Conservation
Dependent
2011 ALA Convention
Apr-11
5-Jun-11
Pachypanchax sakaramyi
Critically Endangered
2011 AKA Convention
May-11
5-Jun-11
Dec-10
19-Dec-10
Xenotoca eiseni
Endangered
Cryptoheros nanoluteus
Mike Steffen
Xenotoca eiseni
Endangered
Joel Antkowiak
Jay Stephan
Haplochromis sp. "ruby"
Critically Endangered/At Risk in
Nature
Mike's Cichlids
Jul-10
15-Jan-11
Lipochromis cf. parvidens
"Kyoga"
Endangered
Old World Exotic Fish
May-10
15-Jan-11
Paralibidochromis sp "Red Fin
Piebald"
At Risk in Nature
Mike's Cichlids
Jul-10
15-Jan-11
Pundamilia nyererei
Near Threatened
Mike's Cichlids
Jul-10
15-Jan-11
18-Dec-10
C.A.R.E.S (cont)
Haplochromis obliquidens
Endangered
Atlantis Tropical Fish
Apr-10
15-Jan-11
Pundamilia pundamilia
Vulnerable
Old World Exotic Fish
Feb-11
18-Jun-11
Psammochromis riponianus
Vulnerable
CCA mini auction
Mar-11
18-Jun-11
Pundamilia igneopinis
Endangered
Icthyos Enterprises
May-11
18-Jun-11
Astatotilapia aeneocolor
Vulnerable
Old World Exotic Fish
Jun-11
18-Jun-11
Astatotilapia latifasciata
Critically Endangered/At Risk in
Nature
Old World Exotic Fish
Jun-11
18-Jun-11
Paralibidochromis
chromogynos
Critically Endangered
Old World Exotic Fish
Jun-11
18-Jun-11
Xystichromis sp. Kyoga
Flameback
Critically Endangered
Mike’s Cichlids
Jul-11
13-Jul-11
Pundamilia sp. Blue Bar
Vulnerable
Mike’s Cichlids
Jul-11
13-Jul-11
Xystichromis sp Day Glow
Near Threatened
Mike's Cichlids
Sep-11
11-Sep-11
Jan-10
15-Jan-11
May-11
27-June-11
Tara Miller
Tanichthys micagemma
Vulnerable
Dennis Heltzel-ACLC
member
Barbara Kunkel
Chapalichthys encaustus
Vulnerable
ACLC Spring Auction
Rit Forcier
LS= Longevity Seal: Awarded for every year this species is maintained
GS= Green Seal: Completed Species Journal and shared the data through an article in “Tank Tales”
BS= Blue Seal: Sharing fry with ACLC member who registers that fry into ACLC CARES
RS= Red Seal: Sharing fry with member of another organization who has the fry registered with that organization
Breeding Angelfish
BAP Report by Michael Steffen AKA Twisted Fisher
Breeding fish is my first love in this hobby
and even when I’m old and gray I’m sure I
will keep at least a tank of guppies to have
something breeding around the house! It
was the simple birth of a black molly at the
age of 10 that hooked me in this hobby that
has consumed my life and there has been no
looking back ever since.
Now granted I’ve come a long way since that
black molly and I would even like to consider
myself a good breeder. I was honored as the
2010 breeder of the year by all of you and
am grateful for that plaque everyday!
So on to the amazing angel fish and its
breeding.
Angels come in three basic groups;
x
x
x
Pterophyllum scalare
Pterophyllum leopoldi
Pterophyllum altum
My personal angels are of the P. scalare
variety and I only wait for the day I get
some altums! -
The pair was maintained in a fully cycled 10
gallon tank with a temp of 82 degrees and
my water is very hard as per the jungle test
strip.
It didn’t take them long to spawn the first
time, less than a week, and this was when I
wore out a fellow member's phone about
them, asking more questions than I should
have and he answered many more than he
should ever have to answer to anyone
except his wife! Thank you Chris for teaching
me patience!
Now the first batch of eggs went fungal in
the second day after being laid. This drove
me insane and I again was on the phone
asking questions. It was recommended I try
the hydrogen peroxide method to prevent
fungus and I did for the second batch.
Luckily angels lay about every 10 days so I
didn’t have long to wait for the next batch of
eggs to try this method.
Like clockwork they laid on the 10th day and
I dosed the tank with HP, 1 ml per gallon.
I received my angel pair from John Burns, a
fellow member of the club and owner of Pop
Pop's Fish. I received a sexed pair with the
female being a g/m and the male being a
g/g. Now I know that fish do not come with
numbers on them and they don’t come out
and tell you what their letters are so I will
touch on this briefly.
Angel fish have been genotyped and their
genetics are mapped accordingly with a
corresponding letter. There is a huge amount
of material out there on angels and their
phenotypes so I will not delve into it here. I
knew that by breeding these two fish
together I would get 50% gold marbled and
50% gold fry.
There is a few great societies out there that
have the entire genetics laid out and even
though it was tough for me to wrap my head
around I did manage to understand it a bit
after many, many hours of reading.
Now granted they didn’t raise this batch
either but as I was being mentored I was
learning to keep my hands outta the tank
and let them learn to parent raise their fry.
This batch of eggs got to the wriggler stage
and I moved them to the top of the sponge
filter where they ate them on day 5.
I was getting kind of frustrated and decided
to give time, time. Now granted that for
someone that is driven this is not an easy
task. I watched and waited on the 10th day
and lo and behold she started laying eggs
again and the male followed along behind
fertilizing them with vigor. This batch would
be raised all the way through free swimming
and then onto adulthood by me later.
I got video of the free swimmers with the
parents and even the free swimmers as they
grew and thought that there were a few fry
but had no clue just to how many there
really were in there!
I pulled over 500 fry in the end from this one
spawn! That’s a lot of kids. And I thought
that twins were bad!
I have since sold/given away all of the fry
with the exception of 2 that are now
reaching adult size and have great marbling
on them.
The biggest thing that I can stress when
dealing with angels is to be patient and give
them a chance to learn how to parent raise.
You will be grateful for it down the road!
As always, until I peek from behind my shell
I bid you happy fish keeping -
7+$1.<28
We recently received a large box of donated items from the folks at Aqueon. The box contained
various power filters, food items and water conditioning products. We thank you, Aqueon, for
your support!
*****************************************************************************
Somewhat Useless (unless you like Fugu) Fishy Trivia
Compiled by Joel Antkowiak
All the sturgeon (the fish from which we get caviar) caught in British waters are the property of
the Queen.
The largest known fish in the sea is the Whale Shark. It weighs up to 20 tons and grows to a
length of over 40 feet. You can see 2 half grown specimens at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
In Japan, about one hundred people, on average, die annually from Fugu poisoning.
I knew you'd ask that. In Japan, meat from the 'Fugu', or spiny puffer fish, is considered a rare
delicacy. However, the liver and intestines contain a powerful neurotoxin and the slightest
contamination during preparation can be deadly. Restaurants that serve Fugu must have 'Fugu
certified' chefs.
Approximately 40% of all fish species inhabit fresh water, yet less than .01% of the earth's
water is fresh water.
REMEMBER FOLKS- These electronic issues of Tank Tales are loaded with hyerlinks to take you
to related websites. Just click and go - click on the Aqueon logo above to see what they offer!
Reaping the Harvest
40 YEARS of
$&/&
by Henry R. Diller, D.D.S.
As we approach the 40th anniversary of the Aquarium Club of Lancaster County, we will share some articles
from past issues of Tank Tales with the newer members of the club. This article appeared in the October 1987
issue.
Having spent most of my life in Lancaster
County where farming is a way of life for
many, it is quite normal to be interested in
growing things, be it plant or animal. The
subject of this article relates to my interest
in spawning and raising “tropical fish."
For the past sixteen years I have stocked a
pool in my back yard with fish from my
aquariums in the basement. The pool used to
be a 5’ x 6’ sandbox for my five children. As
they matured their interest waned in this
play area. The sandbox was made by
forming a large rectangle by joining 2” x 10”
boards laid on bare ground covered with
plastic. I removed all the sand from the box
and then cut thru the plastic flooring and
continued digging out the dirt to a depth of
about two feet. This hole was lined with
plastic sheeting. The plastic was replaced
one time during the past sixteen years.
I found that year in and year out I could
safely keep fish in this 275 gallon pond from
June 15th to Sept. 15th. Over the years, I’ve
tried stocking it with different species of fish
but predominantly with live bearers such as
variatus, guppies, and swordtails. I once
tried some killies but found they would
always commit suicide by jumping out. One
year I tried six albino rainbow sharks that
were large enough to spawn. The fish grew
well and improved their coloration but no
young. In subsequent years clown loaches
and corydoras failed to spawn.
Livebearers were a different story. I’ve had
terrific success in raising large, robust and
beautiful
hi-fin
variatus
and
lyretail
swordtails. When showing these fish in
shows, I was often put-down by other
exhibitors who said, “Yeah, they're beautiful
but you raised them in an outdoor pond."
They implied it wasn’t fair. My answer to
these comments was “What’s wrong with a
pond?” Try
something.
it
yourself,
you
may
learn
Every year in the spring I was confronted
with making a decision, what was I going to
put in the pool that year? I had most success
with livebearers, so I usually picked out a
dozen or so breeders and placed them in the
pond around June 15th, and there they
remained until Sept. 15th. They were
interesting to observe during the summer
months but green water, water lilies, water
hyacinths, and water irises prevented me
from seeing all that was taking place.
As Sept. 15th approached I would always
project in my thoughts of what the harvest
would be from my pond. During the summer
I would get glimpses of growth changes and
see numerous spawns but could never get a
good look at them. Even though it was sad
to see summer come to an end, it was
exciting to anticipate what the harvest would
amount to; would there be any surprises
such as hybrids or a new color pattern
evolve? I was seldom disappointed. Usually
I’d harvest a good number of half grown,
robust and colorful fish. When netting out
these fish, I am always amazed at the
brilliant red, blue, and yellow colors fish
display when viewed in natural sunlight.
While netting, I have to work fast and still
can’t assess what the harvest is.
The water is drained from the pond into (4)
30 gallon aquariums in my cellar. This water
is like a pea soup offering little visability. So
even after I transfer these pond fish into my
30 gallon tanks I’m not sure what I have.
During the next several days I strain my
eyes to see through the “pea soup” as it
gradually clears up and then low and behold
in three or four days there they are in all
their full glory.
Then culling starts. I sort out any fish I want
to keep as breeders and those I want to
Reaping the Harvest (cont)
mature. With some fish you want to see
what their mature coloring will be. Those fish
which are not exceptional are sold to dealers
and hobbyists if mature enough. If not, I
keep them for several months until they are
saleable.
weeks I’ll have daphnia to feed my fish in
the basement. This gives me a month or two
of live food at no cost. In the spring the
daphnia will proliferate again and last until
June 15th, the magic date to start all over
again.
After the pond is emptied I clean out most of
the sediment and refill with water. In a few
Try an outdoor pond; you’ll enjoy it and be
able to “REAP THE HARVEST”.
*****************************************************************************
AND SPEAKING OF THE BOD…..
IT'S ELECTION TIME!
The Board of Directors of the Aquarium Club
of Lancaster County will meet on Saturday,
October 1, 2011 at a time and place to be
determined. An e-mail notice will be sent
out, as well as notices on Facebook and our
forum. All members are welcome to attend
and share their input with the club's decision
makers, but remember, only board members
may vote on any issues.
At our meeting on November 19th, the
Aquarium Club of Lancaster County will elect
officers for 2011! The club annually elects a
President, Vice-President, Secretary and
Treasurer. We are also looking for an
Election Chairperson to run the election and
seek nominations. Please consider running
for one of these positions and let the Election
Chairperson know your intentions.
Refreshments
& Food Available
Get the
Best Fish!
19th Annual
New Hampshire Aquarium Society
AUCTION
(FISH & DRY GOODS)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Newington Town Hall
Nimble Hill Rd., Newington, NH
Directions on back
Auction will begin at 12Noon. Arrive early for viewing.
If vendors would like to set a minimum bid on any of their items, a
non-refundable $1 charge will be applied per item. Bump-ups are $2.
Preregistering of lots is appreciated. Mail preregistration sheets to Bill Janetos, PO Box 32, Rollinsford,
NH 03869 by Sept 10 or email to [email protected] . Less waiting for labels!!!!
Donations accepted or Sell your extra fish & equipment, 60/40 split.
For more information & sheets
Call Bill Janetos (603) 749-2667 or E-mail at [email protected]
Call Norman Brandt (603) 642-5074 or E-mail at [email protected]
Visit NHAS’s Webpage at www.nhaquariumsociety.com
MICHIGAN KILLIFISH ASSOCIATION
‘MOTOR CITY REVIEW’
September 24 & 25, 2011
THE LOCATION QUALITY INN
Troy 2537 Rochester Ct, Troy MI 48083
(name change from Holiday Inn)
All of the rooms have been newly
redecorated and the double rooms are just
$72 plus tax per night. Call the hotel at 248
689 7500 and mention the MKA by
September 1 to get this rate.
SPECIAL RATE
RESERVE NOW FOR $65 RATE
THE SHOW
This is an AKA sanctioned show with 14 classes including stud male. Awards will be given for first, second and
third in each class along with best of show. There will be NO entry fee or registration fee for any fish entered in the
show or auction. Karl Doering will accept mail in entries until September 22. All mail-ins will be auctioned.
Mail to Karl at 24584 Raven Eastpointe MI 48021.
THE HOSPITALITY
Saturday evening the MKA will be your host for a great dinner. Once again it will be free for all participants at the
show. Our awards celebration will follow and then ….lots of good killie fellowship.
THE SPEAKERS
The MKA is proud to have Ken Normandin and Fred Kraus as our featured speakers. Ken has traveled greatly
and it will be great to hear his collecting experiences and his tips on raising some species that are not seen very
often. Fred is a life long aquarist and as a trained chemist brings a unique perspective to the care and breeding of a
variety of killies.
THE FISH
We are trying to have as many different species as possible available during the weekend. There will be several
opportunities to obtain those hard to get killies:
x
x
x
x
x
x
BOX SALE All day Saturday- All are welcome—NO fees - 100% to seller
RAFFLE Throughout the weekend- wide selection with many chances to win
MKA RARE SPECIES COMMITTEE We have secured over 30 pairs for the auction and raffles.
SUNDAY AUCTION With the show fish, MKA rare, and everyone’s auction-only fish, the auction should be
awesome. There will be a 70/30 split in favor of the seller.
The auction will start promptly at 11:00 Sunday
Proxy bidding will be available for the auction – Details will be posted on the MKA website.
INFORMATION
CONTACTS
For latest details and pre-registration check our website http://mka.aka.org
Mark Hlavaty 248 961 1244 [email protected]
Karl Doering 586 774 2245 [email protected]
FALL AUCTION
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
GPASI
WWW.GPASI.ORG
P.O. Box 22452
Pittsburgh, Pa 15222-0452
For more Information call:
Wally Cox 412-420-7985 OR Joe Doyle 724-602-7564
[email protected]
[email protected]
If you are attending our auction as a seller and traveling in from an area outside of Western PA region (any area code other than
412,724,878), we are offering to help defray some of your expenses! When you register your item(s) to be auctioned off, provide proof of
residency & you will be issued a food voucher for 1 FREE MEAL, from our kitchen while supplies last. (One food voucher per seller
sheet) (NOTICE: The food voucher has no cash value and can not be exchanged for cash and is void after the auction.)
North Hampton VFD
5149 North Pioneer Road
Gibsonia, PA 15044
PA Turnpike, Exit 39, Butler Valley, Go North-Route 8,
First light at East & West Hardies road turn LEFT,
Take the first LEFT onto North Pioneer. Fire hall is on RIGHT
Auction Rules
x
x
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
x
x
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Registration will open at 9:30 AM and close at 1 PM.
Auction will start promptly at 11 AM.
Accounts must be paid in full when you leave the auction. PAYMENT OPTIONS - Cash or Checks only
Buyers may set up a Tab with a valid ID for information verification, or may pay with cash at time of purchase.
Bids will be in dollar increments.
Tables 1 & 2 will be sold first. The selling order for Tables 3 – 10 will be randomly selected during the auction
Express Bids: After the first table has been completed, for a $1 fee a buyer or seller may bring an item from any table up for
immediate sale during the auction.
Donations: please specify if the donation(s) proceeds are to go directly to the club or to the “Marzina Fund”
GPASI reserves the right to refuse to sell an obviously sick or deformed fish, or defective equipment
Any items not claimed or left behind become property of GPASI.
NO PRIVATE SALES. NO RESALE OF PURCHASED AUCTION ITEMS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
All Items are sold “AS IS”. GPASI does not warrant the condition or authenticity of item sold.
Seller Rules
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Split is 70% to the seller and 30% to GPASI.
Bags are to be labeled with an alpha numeric numbering system (ex. ABC-001, ABC- 002) 3 letters are chosen by the seller and the bags
are numbered in ascending sequence. All bags ending in 1 go on table 1, all bags ending in 2 go on table 2 etc.
You must register before you place your items on the tables. Bags MUST be marked clearly with this information: bag number,
your name, phone number, scientific name of fish, common name (if applicable), actual number of fish in bag. Appropriate
terminology: PAIR=1 male, 1 female same species MATED PAIR=pair that have spawned TRIO=1 male, 2 females same species
REVERSE TRIO= 2 males, 1 female same species.
MINUMUM BIDS will be allowed. If the item does not sell it will be set back and NOT come up for sale again during the auction.
All fish to be auctioned will be in suitable bags, NO Ziplocs or Baggies. Catfish, Cichlids, and other fish with sharp spines must be
double bagged. There will be a $2 re-bagging fee if fish are improperly bagged—play it safe and double bag everything!
Sellers are limited to the following: No more than 5 bags of any single species (unless it is a different color strain or fin type then you
will be allowed 5 bags of each type), or item type.
Please state if dry good equipment is in working order on your label!
NO PRIVATE SALES. NO RESALE OF PURCHASED AUCTION ITEMS. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
Seller’s proceed checks will be mailed within two weeks of the auction.
45th ANNUAL
TROPICAL FISH SHOW
Sponsored by the
Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center
Saturday, October 1st, 2011 (Noon to 4:00p p.m.)
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
&
AUCTION
NAS Annual Auction
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011
Auction Starts at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
At
Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center
Westport, Connecticut
Special Feature
In Conjunction with the NAS Show
The Connecticut Betta Club
Will Sponsor an
International Betta Congress
Sanctioned Betta Show
For Information & Rules for the IBC show contact Doug at:
The Southern New England Killifish Association Presents
The Northeast Weekend
Friday October 14 to
Sunday October 16, 2011
Ramada Plaza Albany
3 Watervliet Ave. Ext.
Albany, NY 12206
Room rate of just $80 per http://tinyurl.com/sneka
night!
for complete convention
information including fish
Speakers,
expected in the auction or
Fishroom Techniques
e-mail [email protected]
Round Table,
People
new
Show,
to killie
Awards Banquet,
keeping are
welcome!
is open to the public !
!"#$%$&'()!*+-
!"#$
%"&'$$$()
&$!*$++-++
*((*$++-
&+.+/00
12$+3
4
*$++-$0*$++&$
&'$$&$.+/
&$$
+1$5!6+7
&'$$$#7$4
8
#$11+6
7*$++5"4
1"9:/
50790("&'$$
&.$790("&'$$
&+#&;+
#&;.9(&'$$4
&8$0
*$++7$04
!
"#
7
<7004.6"7
$"+!/=7+6"=+$=+>$22=7$8$=
<$7=4.*+*$++- '$
64
6"+?@@*$++-4
!
!"!
"#!$%&'''''''
*$++-$
#()!*
&'$$
*$++
($:
()
!*$++
&
/7$"++()7=&$8$
8"70+?@@*$++-4
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
October 21 – 23, 2011
Quality Inn 10 Polito Avenue Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Come spend the weekend with New Jersey’s largest Tropical Fish Club. The event includes World renowned Speakers, Vendor
Expo on Friday and Saturday, as well as a fish show Saturday also, and a giant tropical fish, plant and dry goods auction on
Sunday. There will be multiple vendors Friday & Saturday, silent auctions, food and drinks available all three days.
Friday Expo& Show
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
*$5.00 Entry fee/Speakers and Expo $15.00
Sat. Expo & Show
10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
*$5.00 Entry fee/Speakers and Expo $15.00
Sunday Mega Auction
8:00 AM to ???
$5.00 Bidder Card (Viewing Free)
*Entry Fee entitles you to a FREE Bidder Card for Sunday’s Auction!!!!
SPECIAL ROOM RATE FROM THE QUALITY INN $79.00 PER NIGHT PLUS TAX! CALL 201-933-9800.
Register prior to October 21 and get the Early Bird Special!!!!!!!!!!
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – ALL THREE DAYS INCLUDING SPEAKERS AND BIDDER CARD - $20.00!!!!!
Friday & Saturday Speakers
DR. PAUL LOISELLE-WEST AFRICAN CICHILDS
DAVID BORUCHOWITZ-STOP phOOLING AROUND
MO DEVLIN-PHOTOGRAPHY
GEORGE FEAR- UNDERWATER FLIM OF VENEZUELA
TONY ORSO-NEW IMPORTS IN THE HOBBY
MORE SPEAKERS TO FOLLOW!!!
VISIT THE RENOWNED EXPERT TABLE AND GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY
Auction Info
th
Pre-Registration by October 15 and receive a 60/40 (seller/NJAS) split
After October 15th and before 10:00 AM on October 22, 50/50 split
After 10:00, 40/60 split
Auction viewing starts at 10:30 AM
Auction starts at 12:00 PM
For SHOW RULES, full details on EXPO and auction or more information, visit us on the web at www.njas.net or at
www.facebook.com/northjerseyaquariumsociety
For face to face, call Bobby Larsen at (201) 406-0857, email him at [email protected]
The Greater Akron
Aquarium Society
2011 Fall Auction
When: Sunday, November 6th 2011
Registration begins 10:00 a.m.
Auction begins at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Tallmadge Community Center
80 Community Drive,
Tallmadge, Ohio
Route 8
Tallmadge
Ave.
Northwest Ave. North Ave
To Cuy.
(Rt. 91)
Falls
West Ave
Brittain
Road
Tallmadge
Circle
Tropical Fish, Aquariums,
Equipment, Aquatic Plants,
and much, much more!
Northeast Ave.
(Rt. 261 to Kent)
ComTallmadge
munity Community
Drive
Center
East Ave.
How to Find the Tallmadge
Community Center
I-76
Southwest
Ave.
Southeast
South Ave.
Ave.
(Rt. 91) (Rt 532)
Take Route 8 to the Tallmadge Ave.
Exit. Go East on Tallmadge (turns
into West Ave. at Brittain Road) Go
halfway around Tallmadge Circle to
East Ave. Take East Ave. to
Community
Drive,
turn
left.
Community Center is on the right,
next to the library.
For More Information:
Wayne Toven (330) 256-7836/email [email protected]
Bud and Cathy White (330) 848-3856/email [email protected]
How does it all work?
Once an item is registered, it may not be withdrawn and no minimum bid items will be accepted
70/30 Split (70% proceeds to seller)
Please inspect all items as all sales are final, buyer beware. GAAS does not guarantee any item and is not responsible for any loss.
All items will be labeled with:
1. Seller’s code (three letters such as initials, followed by a number; example ABC-1, ABC-2 and so on) Check with the
registration desk to see if the letter code you want to use has not already been used by someone else. Note that although we
will try to track down sellers, illegible or non-labeled items will be sold and considered a donation to the club.
2. The seller’s name and phone number
3. Livestock should also be labeled as to Species (common and scientific names if possible), Quantity and Sex (if known).
4. Equipment should be labeled as to its condition (examples: works, noisy, leaks, new, etc.)
A color dot system will be used to assure a fair mix of different seller’s items.
GAAS reserves the right to sell multiple items from the same seller as lots or to group items and any items that do not sell for at least
$1 will be considered donations to GAAS
GAAS may refuse to sell animals that are diseased, deformed, too young to survive, regulated in the State of Ohio or equipment that is
hopelessly damaged.
Buyers may pay by cash or choose to run a tab and pay by cash or check. There will be, however, a charge for any check returned for
NSF.
7523,&$/),6+&/8%
2)%85/,1*721
Giant Auction
Fish, Plants, New and Used
Equipment, Fish Foods, etc
Sunday Nov 6, 2011
12 noon
VFW Hall
176 South Winooski Ave
Burlington
For more information
David & Janine Banks 372-8716 [email protected]
Brian Candib 864-0746 [email protected]
Fran Kinghorn 879-4147 [email protected]
David Isham 372-3399 [email protected]
www.tfcb.org
EastCoastCichlids.org
is proud to announce
Fall Auction '11!
Please come join us !
NEW DATE!
Sunday, November 13th
NEW LOCATION!
Italian American Memorial Association
195 West End Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
For more information please visit the ECC website:
http://www.EastCoastCichlids.org
Bread 'N Butter
Betta: Siamese Fighting Fish
by Joel Antkowiak
Bread 'N Butter is a series of articles on those fishes that are commonly referred to as
"beginner's fish" and often times are among the first fishes that one keeps in an aquarium.
One of the most interesting behaviors that
can be observed in the tropical fish hobby is
the flaring associated with the sparring of
two male Betta splendens, the Siamese
fighting fish. When left together, the males
of the species will continue to flare at each
other, sizing one another up for a piscine
battle royale. If left
together long enough,
one of them surely will
meet its demise.
But the betta is also well known for the
rainbow of colors in which they are available.
Red, blue, green, yellow, white, black and
just about any combination of these and
more. They also come in many color
patterns, such as solid colors, a butterfly
pattern, where the body color is different
from the fin color and
extends a short way into
the fins; marble, which
allows a smidgen of one
color mixed over the
base color, typically with
the head lighter than the
body;
and
the
'Cambodian'
betta,
which has the body one
color,
usually
lighter
colored, and the fins
another, but with the
body color limited to the
In some parts of the
world, fighting bettas is
considered
a
sport.
Some strains of B.
splendens, or betta,
such as the plakat, are
bred specifically for this
pugilistic trait. There
are
even
websites
available to help you
body of the fish. Last
train your betta to
Typical red fish store betta.
but not least is the
fight, and breeders that
multi-colored betta, which can have any
specialize in champion fighter stock. In the
combination of colors with any pattern.
United States, we stop short of fighting
these beautiful creatures.
In trying to put it simply, the color of a betta
is based on the color pigmentation in
Once bettas were bred to bring out their
different types of cells. These different color
aggression, fights could last for hours.
cells are present in different layers within the
Today's bettas have much more of the
skin of the fish. There are basically four
aggressive tendencies than their wild
types of color layers in a betta, each with its
ancestors. A contest pitting two wild
own type of color cells. In wild bettas these
specimens together would only last a few
color layers are:
minutes before one of them would retreat.
This is also true, for the most part, of
Iridescent layer (top layer)
modern day bettas while they are being
Red layer
raised together. Young males will spar in a
tank where their brothers and sisters are
Black layer
being raised with them as a group. Once the
Yellow layer (bottom layer)
males are separated to be raised singly, their
pugilistic
tendencies
become
more
In our domesticated bettas, the distribution
pronounced.
of these layers is a bit different from the
wildtype:
Iridescent layer (top layer): This layer is also
known as the blue layer and controls the
amount of blue pigments. The iridocytes, or
guanophores, which are the blue/green cells
in this layer, control the following traits:
iridescent colors, spread iridocytes, nonblue.
Black layer: The black layer contains
melanophores, or black cells, which control
the amount of black pigment. They contain
the
following
traits:
Cambodian,
blond/bright, and melano.
Red
layer:
The
red
layer
contains
erythrophores, or red cells, which control the
amount of red pigment in this layer. They
control the following traits: extended red,
reduced red, non-red, and variegated
finnage.
Yellow layer (bottom layer): The yellow layer
contains xanthophores, or yellow cells. So
far, no genes have been identified that
control the yellow layer of pigmentation. It
will be expressed only through the absence
of the red, black and iridescent/blue layers
of cells.
Each of these color layers has its own
genetic code which is determined by a series
of genes which, when combined, eventually
determine the color of the betta. The
different genes either increase or decrease
the pigment in the different layers. Suffice it
to say that betta color genetics is a
complicated subject, and there are entire
books written on the topic. It doesn't
necessarily follow that if you want to breed a
certain color of betta, that you should have a
Female blue crowntail betta.
male and female of that same color or
pattern. For instance, to breed black bettas,
you must breed a black male to a steel green
female that is carrying the melanistic trait.
So if you want to breed bettas for a
particular color trait, you will need to know
the genetic make up of your fishes, and
know what to breed together to get the
result you desire.
This is just the basics on betta coloration,
which is all this article is intended to provide.
So enough on color. But you have a similar
situation with betta finnage. Bettas have
been bred to display spectacular finnage in
the modern aquarium. The original short
Female cambodian betta with crown tail.
finned, round tail fish has been bred for
much longer fins, or perhaps a double tail.
Tails also exhibit the comb and crown
effects, where the rays of the caudal, and
even the dorsal and anal fins, extend beyond
the fin webbing. The myriad of combinations
of color, color patterns, and finnage types,
along with their simple care requirements
have made Betta splendens perhaps the
single most widely kept fish in all of the
tropical fish hobby.
I mention the simple care requirements.
Bettas are labyrinth fishes; that is to say,
they have an auxiliary breathing organ that
allows them to take in air from the
atmosphere. Thus, no aeration is required
for these little beauties to live. They are also
small, with a body size around 2 inches in
length. This allows them to be kept in small
containers. Although some folks keep them
in ivy bowls, a larger container would suit
them better. If you are willing to perform a
water change every day or two, depending
on the size of the container, no filtration is
required. And they will eat just about any
food that is offered, from flakes and granules
to live worms and mosquito larvae.
Breeding Betta splendens is not overly
difficult. A five gallon tank is sufficient,
although I like to use a 10 gallon tank. I
have had success using a lid from a plastic
butter tub as the base for the male to build
his nest. Others use a styrofoam cup cut in
half from top to bottom. The lid or cup is
then floated in the tank. On the opposite
side of the aquarium, I place a small drum
bowl into which I place the female betta. I
usually have a small clump of java moss in
the tank as well. The moss will provide some
cover for the female when she is released
into the tank.
The pair are fed heavily on frozen foods and
live black worms. The temperature is set to
80-82 degrees Fahrenheit. The male starts
blowing his bubbles and, using the lid as an
anchor, places them under the lid to
construct his nest. When the male has the
nest built, and the female is ready, she is
released into the tank with the male.
How do you know when the female is ready?
She will become very round in the abdominal
region. Also, in the area of the pelvic fins,
you will notice a small white egg spot.
Soon after releasing the female, the male
will try to seduce her under the nest. She
eventually cooperates. While under the nest,
the two fish go into an embrace where it
appears that the male is squeezing the eggs
out of the female. Upon releasing the female
from his embrace, the male then collects the
eggs and places them into the nest. This
goes on for a couple hours and several
hundred eggs are laid. After spawning, the
males takes over care of the brood. It is best
to remove the female at this time.
The eggs will hatch in 2-3 days, with the
male diligently caring for the eggs and the
fry. When the fry become free swimming,
the task of gathering the fry back into the
nest becomes too much for the male and it is
best to remove him at this time.
Many people begin feeding the tiny fry with
paramecium or other tiny foods. This is fine
if you want to raise as many fish as possible
from the brood. If just a few fish are desired,
adding a clump of java moss to provide
microorganisms for the fry to feed on, and
using newly hatched brine shrimp as a first
food will usually result in 30 - 50 fish. As
they grow, at about 6-8 weeks the males will
begin sparring and should be separated into
their own container to be raised is show fish
are desired. They usually will not do serious
damage to each other while being raised
together. But once separated, they can not
be housed together again.
One important point that should be noted:
the fry tank should be kept warm and
covered at all times for the first month. This
allows the labyrinth organ to develop
properly. This is the organ that allows
anabantoids to breath air. The fry use their
gills exclusively until this organ is developed.
The Siamese fighting fish is one of the most
popular, if not the most popular, of aquarium
fishes. The range of colors and many types
of finnage, along with its innate desire to
fend off others of the species, makes it one
of the more interesting fishes as well.
NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
Membership Chairperson
We need someone to be able to get to the
meetings at least 30 minutes ahead of the
scheduled start time to greet our members
and sign them in, distribute name tags, and
talk to prospective new members about the
club. Contact Kurt Johnston if you can help.
SWAP SHOP
FOR SALE: 100 gallon tank, 72" x 18" x 18".
Does not leak. Tank only. $75.
40 gallon breeder tanks. Drilled at rear
upper left corner for central system. 2
currently available at $20 each; more
available soon.
Tanks are not show quality.
Contact Joel Antkowiak at 717-354-2274 or
by e-mail at [email protected].
Our list of national sponsors has grown this year. These companies have donated
products to our club to help make it a success. These products are used to raise funds
for the club so that we can continue to offer top notch speakers and other programs.
Please support them. To get information about their products, click the name and you
will go directly to their website.
Hikari Sales USA Inc.
Aquarium Products
Mars Fishcare
Air, Water, & Ice
K and A Imports
Boyd Enterprises
Ginger Inc.
Kent Marine
Kordon
Sachs Systems Aquaculture
Penn Plax Pet Products
Python Products Inc.
Red Sea Max
Seachem Labs Inc.
Tropical Science Biolabs
Vitakrafft Pet Products
Marc Weiss Companies Inc.
Danner Ma
anufa
acturing. Inc.
Hawkeye International
Drs Foster and Smith
Tetra Products
Rolf C. Hagen Corp.
San Francisco Bay Brand
Bow Tie Presss/Fish Channel
Cichlid Press
Blue Zoo Radio
Zoo Med Laboratories Inc.
Spectrapure
Aquarium Guys
Aquadine Nutritional Systems
United Pet Group
Aquatic Life LLC
Kingfish Services.net
Sera N. A.
Barron's Educational
San Francisco Bay Brand
Ocean Nutrition
Omega Sea
Aquarium Life Support Systeems
Drs. Foster & Smith
E. G. Danner Mfg
Aquaculture Technologies
Aquatic Life
******************************************************************************************************************************************
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Better late than never! Please welcome the
following people who have joined us since
the beginning of the year:
January
Clayton Crawford
Scott McLaughlin
Gary Boyer
February
Will Waibel
March
Mike Vogt
Corey Simmons
Igor Dusanic
April
Stephen Novakovich
Michael Ruhl
Kendra Reeder
Gary Bartell
Kevin Carr
May
Don Guman
Jim Peck
Terrance Trasatti
Bill Martin
My apologies for the belated welcome to our
club.
And also, welcome to some new members
for this month:
September
Richard Bressler
Wendy Bressler
Chelsea Bressler
Aaron Angiorlis
I hope everyone enjoys this club as much as
I do!
6*'%+%*.+&
%140'4
A LOOK AT PEOPLE AND HAPPENINGS IN THE CICHLID WORLD
by Scott McLaughlin
New World or Old World- Which Cichlid is Best for You?
There is a notion that people buy pets that fit their look or personality. How many times have
you seen a dog and when you look up at the owner they look similar? Although science hasn’t
proven it, there are some parallels between who “we” are and the pets we select. Over the years
I have introduced many people into this wonderful hobby of ours, and most times the very first
question I’m asked is “Which cichlid is best for me?” This month we will briefly touch upon
the different cichlids available and the myths associated with new world and old world cichlids.
To begin our discussion, let's define what new and old
world cichlids are. New world cichlids come from the
North, Central and South American regions. Some of the
more popular breeds include the Jack Dempsey
('Cichlasoma' octofasciatum) green terror (Andinoacara
rivulatus) and Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus). These are
fish that can reach some great size, be very aggressive
and display lots of personality. New world also offers the
smaller American “dwarf cichlids” such as the popular blue
ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), which are a smaller,
colorful and more community oriented cichlid. Lastly, the
new world also offers unique cichlids such as discus and
angelfish.
The old world cichlids mostly hail from the Rift Lakes of Africa, specifically Lake Malawi, Lake
Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. Some of the more popular old world cichlids are the African
butterfly peacock (Aulonocara jacobreibergi), the electric blue johannii (Melanochromis johannii),
and the red zebra (Pseudotropheus estherae). These are mid-sized cichlids (4-8 inches) with lots
of color and pizzazz. They are mildly aggressive but through strategicly over populating their
aggression can be managed. Like the new
world, the old world has dwarf cichlids as
well coming out of the West African area.
Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher) are by
far the most popular dwarf cichlids from
this region. Kribensis are nicely colored
and very hardy cichlids. A perfect cichlid
for beginners.
So this gives us a brief introduction to the
diversity of cichlids. Now we will break the
new and old world cichlids into categories
(size, personality, colors) in an effort to
help you select which cichlid is best for
you.
Color: I think the general belief is that
African cichlids are the most colorful of all
the cichlids. In fact I’ve heard many people
say that they were initially interested in
saltwater fish, but when they saw how
beautiful and colorful the African cichlids
are they decided to skip the expenses of
keeping
a
saltwater
tank
and
go
freshwater. I certainly agree that African
cichlids can bring the color like a big bag of
Skittles, but don’t sleep on the new world
cichlids. There are many cichlids from this
region that can hold their own in the color
category. The red terror (Heros festae) and
many cichlids from the “Vieja” family can
certainly add a blast of color (and a little
spice) to your tank. So keep this in mind if color is a major factor in deciding what cichlid is best
for you. I would have to give the nod to the African cichlids in the color department as the spark
they add to a tank is undeniable.
Size: Like the association between African cichlids and color,
many hobbyists associate the new world with having the
largest cichlids in the industry. However, the truth is there are
quite a few African cichlids that can reach some incredible
sizes such as the emperor cichlid (Boulengerochromis
microlepis), the frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa), and venustus
(Nimbochromis venustus) to name a few. But with that said,
the new world probably offers a larger selection of big cichlids
and they are more readily available. Cichlids such as the
jaguars, peacock bass and wolf cichlids, to name a few, easily
tip the scale at 12 inches and longer. My advice to you is, if
you are looking for one or two larger cichlids, to explore the
new world cichlids. If you are looking to stock your tanks with
a generous number of medium to small cichlids then go with
African cichlids.
Personality: Looking for cichlids that are going to recognize you or welcome you when you
come home? Do you want a cichlid that is going to watch you as much as you are watching
them? Then look no further than the new world cichlids. Oscars are the perfect cichlids for those
who want a personable pet without the chores of walking, washing or grooming it. Like the many
many of the new world cichlids, oscars are highly intelligent and very interactive with their
owners. They will run to the top of their tanks when they see you coming, hoping for food but
also just happy to see you. With time they can even be taught to eat food directly from your
hand. African cichlids are very intelligent as well and can show some personality, but more of
their appeal is watching them interact with other cichlids and their own environment. A
community of African cichlids is like enjoying an “aquatic ant farm.” So in review, if you are
looking for a single cichlid to “name and call your own”, then I would go new world. But if you
are looking to recreate an environment like something out of National Geographic, then I would
lean towards the old world cichlids or dwarf cichlids of both the new and old worlds.
Summary: In the end, whether you pick old or new world, you can’t go wrong. Cichlids are
amazing fish and like that sappy love quote goes, “there is a cichlid for everyone.” Many
collectors, including myself, have multiple tanks so we can enjoy all the different aspects of both
the new and old world cichlids. My advice to you is find a cichlid that catches your eye. Do some
research and then get your hands wet. You will never regret it!
The Cichlid Corner would like to recognize:
Joel Antkowiak
For his accomplishments at the 2011 American Cichlid
Association convention. He competed in the 2011 ACA fish
shows entering his cichlids in 5 different cichlid classes.
Joel came in 2nd place with his Bolivian ram,
Mikrogeophagus altispinosa (New World Dwarf Cichlids
Class 3) and 3rd place with his black belt cichlid, Vieja
maculicauda (6"+ Central American Cichlids Class 7).
Congrats Joel – Thanks to you the ACLC had a strong
presence at the 2011 ACA convention!
Picture of “Bucket” who placed 3rd at the 2011
ACA Convention
*****************************************************************************
2-&LWUXV
by Scott McLaughlin
Breeder’s Award Program Monthly Report – September 2011
Lifetime Achievement Award Report
Active Members Point Totals
F. Wayne Calender Breeder
Wayne Calender.......................... 1553 pts
Specialist Breeder Awards Report
Being a new award program, no member has
qualified for any of the specialist awards. Several
members have completed the number of species
required for awards but need to complete one or
more of the other requirements for an award.
Class 1 – Livebearers
Grand Master Breeder
Paul Bricknell ............................. 1291 pts
David Stephon............................. 1120 pts
Pedro Sanchez............................. 1050 pts
Paul Bricknell
Bob Kulesa
Michael Schrom
Master Breeder (None)
Wayne Callender
Expert Breeder
Bob Kulesa* .................................. 812 pts
Advanced Breeder (None)
Class 3 – Barbs & Minnows
David Stephon
2 Star Breeder
Joel Antkowiak* ............................ 310 pts
Michael Schrom* .......................... 245 pts
Mike Steffen................................... 224 pts
Paul Bricknell
Pedro Sanchez
*Breeder has enough points for next higher class
award but needs to complete more classes for
award.
Bob Kulesa
Bev Newcomer
Wayne Calender
Other Participants
Terrance Trasatti ............................ 40 pts
Matt Shaffer .................................... 16 pts
Ashley Antkowiak ............................ 14 pts
Tara Miller...................................... 10 pts
Scott McLaughlin .............................. 5 pts
David Stephon
Class 2 – Catfish
3 Star Breeder (None)
1 Star Breeder
Jay Stephan* ................................. 288 pts
Pat Kelly*...................................... 165 pts
Glenn Davies*............................... 120 pts
Daniel Sanchez................................ 90 pts
Dave Frehafer................................. 90 pts
Scott Shenk ...................................... 70 pts
Danny Corman................................ 60 pts
Kurt Johnston.................................. 55 pts
Wayne Calender
Pedro Sanchez
Class 4 – Characins
David Stephon
Class 5 – Killifish
Wayne Calender
Bob Kulesa
Class 7 – New World Cichlids
Bob Kulesa
Pedro Sanchez
David Stephon
Bev Newcomer
Class 8 – Old World Cichlids
Bob Kulesa
Class 11 – Other Aquatic Animals
Mike Steffen
Bob Kulesa
Class 12 – U. S. Native Species
Wayne Calender
**************************************************
2011 Breeder of the Year Points
Joel Antkowiak............................................... 202 points
Jay Stephan...................................................... 144 points
Danny Corman ..................................................53 points
Wayne Calender ............................................... 20 points
Tara Miller ............................................................ 5 points
Scott McLaughlin ............................................... 5 points
OVERALL STANDINGS
Participant
Total Points Base
Bonus
Reprints
(Articles/Photos)
Special Awards
Wordsmith Award (500 points)
Joel Antkowiak* ...........................840 points
Michael Steffen.............................720 points
710
615
130
105
250
230
15
20
160
135
80
30
35
55
50
80
0
0
45
20
0
0
35
35
20
20
10
10
15
0
0
0
0
10
10
0
1/0
2/0
Fishy Photographer
Fishy Photographer
Author's Award (250 points)
Jay Stephan ...................................265 points
Scott McLaughlin..........................250 points
Writing Breeder
Writer's Award (50 points)
Bob Kulesa....................................240 points
Kurt Johnston ................................135 points
Debbie Rubin ..................................80 points
Stephanie Cornell............................75 points
Robin Antkowiak ............................55 points
Michael Vogt ..................................55 points
Suze Glesky ....................................50 points
0/1
Other Participants
Lonny Langione ..............................35 points
Wayne Calender..............................35 points
Matt Shaffer ....................................20 points
Geoff Graff......................................20 points
Terrence Trasatti .............................20 points
Chris Cornell...................................20 points
Ashley Antkowiak ..........................15 points
Bonus Points include points for articles reviewed, reprinted, article and/or photo of the month, and awards from FAAS and NEC.
*-Participant has enough points for the next higher award, but needs to complete one or more other requirements.
MIGHTY FIN STANDINGS 2010/11
Michael Steffen.............................710 points
Joel Antkowiak .............................660 points
Scott McLaughlin..........................250 points
Jay Stephan ...................................205 points
Bob Kulesa....................................160 points
Kurt Johnston ................................135 points
Robin Antkowiak ............................55 points
Michael Vogt ..................................55 points
Suze Glesky ....................................40 points
Debbie Rubin ..................................40 points
Chris Cornell...................................20 points
Ashley Antkowiak ..........................15 points
Terrence Trasatti .............................10 points
Standings as of September 10, 2011
All materials may not have been published yet.
WOW! We had 8 FAAS Awards (4x 1st, 1x 2nd,
1x 3rd, and 2x HM) for 2010 - double 2009. Lots
of bonus points to go around. I will publish the list
of winners in October, but I kinda wanna make a
big deal out of it at the September meeting.
We have also had 6 more articles reviewed, this
time, The Buckette (Sept 2011 issue) by the Bucks
County Aquarium Society has two: the twisted one
had his article on building a cave for photography
reviewed, and yours truly's Bread 'N Butter on
freshwater angelfish was as well. My Bread 'N
Butter on Goldfish was one of 4 articles reviewed in
The Paradise Press from the Long Island Aquarium
Society, along with my article on proper bagging,
and twisted's 2 filtration related articles from April
2011.
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi Eureka Red
BAP Report by Jay Stephan
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi Eureka Red males are
one of the more colorful peacocks from Lake
Malawi, in my opinion. Males have blue bodies
with orange shoulders, orange on the lower body
and lower fins, and orange on their tails. Their
dorsal fin is a lighter blue than most of their
body, and this lighter blue may appear on the
edges of their lower fins and tail as well. Darker
blue stripes also appear on their body. Females
are cream to brown with darker stripes on their
body. They, however, do show some orange on
their fins and tails which helps to identify them
from similar peacock females.
They are a line-bred strain from the Otter Point
variety of jacobfreibergi. Males reach 7 inches,
females about 6 to 6.5 inches. They prefer
temperatures between 78-82F, a pH of 7.8 to
8.6, and moderately hard to hard water. These
fish are mildly aggressive and can be mixed with
a wide variety of mildly aggressive and peaceful
cichlids from all three African lakes. If you keep
males of this type with other Aulonocara males
with a similar orange color, it is best to have
plenty of hiding places and a tank of 75 gallons
or larger. Sometimes Aulonocara males of a
similar color do not get along in smaller tanks.
I bought these fish a few years ago from Old
World Exotic (Laif Demaison’s Farm). They have
spawned several times and I have sold their fry
over the years. As they got bigger, I moved the
parents from a 20 gallon high to a 40 gallon
breeder tank, with several other types of African
cichlids. They tend to spawn several times a
year, primary after I do a larger water change to
their tank. After spawning, the mother holds the
eggs in her mouth until after her mouth turns
black. Once her mouth turns black, I move the
mother to a 15 gallon tank and she spits her fry
the next day. I move the mother to the rear of
the tank and begin feeding the fry powdered fry
bites and the mother New Life Spectrum Cichlid
Formula. In three days, I return the mother to
her mate in the 40 gallon breeder tank.
Haplochromis sp. Uganda Fire (Lipochromis cf. parvidens)
BAP Report by Jay Stephan
Males have a black and silver body with red on
their lower body, fins and tail. Females are more
silver with less red on the body and fins. During
spawning, part of the black on the males can turn
more silver. This species belongs to the "rock
fishes" of Lake Victoria and are considered
endangered. These fish are mildly aggressive and
can be mixed a wide variety of other African
cichlids from all three lakes. Males can reach 6.5”
and females tend not to grow beyond 5“. They
can handle a pH between 7.2 and 8.6. They have
a wide temperature range as well, running
between 74 and 78F.
I bought these fish from a Florida fish farm last
year when they were around 2” in size. I placed
them in a 29 gallon tank. Their tank is connected
to my drip system. They get regular drip water
changes and once a month a larger water
change, and stone recharge. PVC pipe cut into
smaller sections is provided for a hiding and
spawning place. These fish spawned after a large
monthly water change. They appear to be a
rather easy fish to spawn, a good thing, given
the endangered status. They are part of the
C.A.R.E.S. program.
Mothers hold their eggs in her mouth until the fry
hatch in about three to four weeks. When I see
that a mother is nearing full term, her mouth will
show black and I move her to a 15 gallon tank to
release the fry. My 15 gallon tanks have dividers
with a large section for the fry and a smaller
section for the mother during recovery. After the
mother spits all her fry and begins to accept
food, I move her to the rear smaller section of
the tank. I then feed her well for three days
before returning her to her normal tank. Most
cichlid mothers tend to guard their young and
only will eat them if they are desparate for food.
That is why it is important to feed the mothers
after all the fry are born. Mothers also are weak
from not being able to eat for three or four weeks
while holding the fry. They need a few days to
gather strength before being returned to tanks
with their mate after the fry have been born. As
the fry grow they are moved first to 12 gallon
tubs and then to my 20 gallon high tanks where
they are offered for sale.
ZOOTOPIA PETZ
LITITZ ORTHODONTICS
7420 Derry St. Harrisburg, PA 17111
PH (717) 558-PETS
FAX (413) 691-0935
Mon-Fri 12 to 7:30
Sat 10 to 5; Sun 12 to 5
Michael V. Palasz, DMD, MS
4-A Tollgate Rd. Lititz, PA 17543
717-626-0600
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am - 6pm
Fri 8am - 12noon
Specializing in Orthodontics
for Children and Adults
Scott & Nola Sommer
ROGER H. STRAUSE, D.D.S.
Centerville Family Dental
803 Estelle Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-898-9099
PETSMART
Dustin Chambers, Manager
2405 Covered Bridge Dr. Suite145
NE corner of Whitmer Rd. & R30 E.
Tel.717-393-0820,
Fax. 717-394-6384
M-S(10am –5pm;Sun. 10am-6pm
JAY A. RIZZO, D.M.D.
HIRAM PEOPLES HATCHERY
General Dentistry
Hempfield Center, Suite 100
930 Red Rose Court
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-295-5590
M-T 8AM-6PM, W-TH 8AM-5PM, FRI 8AM-12PM
Main Street
New Providence, PA 17560
717-786-7346
Hours: M-F 8-4 Sat 8-12
Wholesale: Koi, Goldfish, Pond Supplies
PAXTON AQUARIUM & PET SHOP
Paxton Square
6033 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Hours: M-F 10am –7pm
Sat. 10-6pm; Sun 12 noon-4pm
Owner – Charles Lambiasi
MARYLAND AQUATIC NURSERIES
3427 N. Furnace
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
410-557-7615
Please support our local sponsors by visiting their businesses and purchasing their products and services.
They support your club! Underlined sponsors have a website, just click on the sponsor's name above and
you will be whisked away to their site.
Want to sponsor the ACLC? Contact Dave Frehafer at 717-626-9456 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Your support is greatly appreciated!