Join Fellow Catfish Lovers at the All Aquarium Catfish Convention

The Excitement of the All Aquarium Catfish Convention

The all aquarium catfish convention is an exciting annual event for catfish enthusiasts around the world. Catfish keeping is a popular hobby that has been gaining interest over the past few decades. While many aquarium hobbyists focus on colorful fish like bettas, tetras, and cichlids, there is a dedicated group who prefer to keep the often under-appreciated catfish species.

Catfish come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny corydoras catfish that scavenge along the substrate, to the massive Pangasianodon gigas, or Mekong giant catfish, that can grow over 9 feet long in the wild! Catfish exhibit unique behaviors and many have interesting adaptations that make observing them endlessly fascinating.

A Gathering of Like-Minded Hobbyists

The all aquarium catfish convention brings together catfish experts, breeders, aquarists, and retailers for a weekend of all things catfish. It provides an opportunity for people from all over to come together to learn, discuss, buy, sell, and appreciate catfish.

Attendees get to hear educational talks by renowned ichthyologists and aquarists. Topics cover new scientific discoveries about catfish, breeding techniques, proper catfish care and husbandry, rare and exotic catfish species, and more. The talks allow hobbyists to expand their knowledge so they can become better catfish keepers.

Vendor booths fill up a large exhibition hall where hobbyists can purchase catfish for their own collections. Highly sought after, rare, and newly discovered species are frequently available from breeders. Specialty equipment and supplies for maintaining catfish are also available.

Catfish Competitions and Auctions

A highlight of the all aquarium catfish convention is the catfish competition and auction. Expert judges evaluate stunning aquarium-raised catfish entered into different competition classes. The classes include categories like best Corydoras splendens, best bred Asian catfish, best North American catfish, best catfish photographed in its home aquarium, and more.

Winning fish earn their owners bragging rights and often a cash prize or trophy. The friendly competition encourages selective breeding to produce high quality, healthy, and attractive catfish.

A major auction closes out the convention with rare and exotic catfish going to the highest bidder. Breeders donate young fish as well as breeding pairs or groups. The auction funds catfish conservation efforts and allows breeders to distribute rare species to other experts who can successfully spawn them in captivity.

Fun Social Events

The all aquarium catfish convention schedules plenty of fun social events so attendees can meet fellow catfish enthusiasts from around the world. Popular events include:

• Welcome cocktail mixer - Mingle with others while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Catfish banquet dinner - Dine on catfish dishes while awards are handed out
• After party - Dance, socialize, and network in a casual environment
• River cruises - Go on guided cruises to observe wild catfish in their natural habitat
• Catfish fry - Indulge in different breaded and fried catfish delicacies

These fun activities let attendees unwind, meet new people, sample great food, and experience local culture.

Promoting the Hobby

The all aquarium catfish convention promotes awareness about catfish as pets and cultivates public interest in keeping them. Their unusual behaviors, diversity, and dependable hardiness make them excellent aquarium inhabitants. Many species thrive in community tanks while others do best in species only setups.

With education and exposure, more aquarists are gaining an appreciation for catfish. They offer endless possibilities for enthusiasts to explore with over 3,000 different catfish species identified so far. Scientists also continue discovering new species every year expanding the roster of potential aquarium candidates.

Each year the convention grows as more people become captivated by catfish. Attendees leave eager to apply what they learned to perfect their own catfish aquariums. The event fuels everyone’s passion for catfish while forging friendships with others who share the hobby. The next all aquarium catfish convention promises to be even more exciting than the last.

FAQs

What is the all aquarium catfish convention?

The all aquarium catfish convention is an annual event that brings together catfish enthusiasts, experts, breeders, aquarists, and retailers for a weekend celebration of all things catfish.

When and where is the convention held?

The convention is held in a different major city in the United States each year, usually in the spring or summer months. Check the convention website for details on dates and location.

What types of activities take place?

There are educational seminars, catfish competitions and auctions, vendor exhibits, social events, river cruises, and more. Attendees can learn about catfish, buy and sell fish, and connect with fellow hobbyists.

How much are tickets to attend?

Pricing varies depending on the specific package chosen. Day passes, whole weekend passes, and VIP packages are available. Check the convention website for current ticket pricing.

Can I buy catfish at the convention?

Yes, the exhibit hall has vendors selling catfish species, supplies, and equipment. Rare and exotic species are available from expert breeders. An auction also takes place selling unique catfish.