Today marks the 15th annual Southwest Area Killifish Event in Phoenix, AZ.
This is the only fish convention held locally, and it’s great fun for a fish keeper like me. It’s nothing like a SF/F convention other than enthusiasts come from all over to attend. It features killifish and livebearers, but a few plecos and cichlids get into the auction, too.
This one is relatively small. It’s only a one-day event. Admission is free because everything is paid for through a raffle and donated fishes that are auctioned.
This is the best event of the year to find new species for my tanks because people from out of state bring them in. The drawback is that bidding can get fierce, so if other people want the same thing, the price can get pushed up enough to make me drop out.
Still, sometimes I get lucky. I got a terrific pair of Pachypanchax playfairii two years ago in the silent auction because nobody else bid on them. Alas, that pair was hit by that toxic heater event fall of 2011 and didn’t survive. I’ll be looking to replace those.
Unfortunately, my fishes did not cooperate this year, so I won’t be able to bring much to share. I have plenty of fry, but they are all still too young to be sitting in a bag all day.
Considering the tank space I have available, I will also be looking for interesting guppies and, of course, various killifishes.
I may post a few pictures on Twitter during the event.
