In the latest newsletter from The Museum of Aquarium and Pet History, Gary Bagnall presents a fascinating look at a spectacular rarity from a bygone era
VIDEO: Antique Uranium Ruba Rombic Fish Bowls
read more
News & Notes Articles
Remembering Ray “Kingfish” Lucas, 1947-2023
When you meet certain people, they make an impression on you, and you remember them long after the introduction. Ray “Kingfish” Lucas was one of those people.
Proposed CITES I Listing for Zebra Plecos Avoided; Species Listed on Appendix II During Last Minute Vote at CoP19
In the very last days of the 2022 CITES CoP, Brazil proposed listing Hypancistrus zebra, the Zebra Pleco, under Appendix II. This amendment was accepted and passed, meaning the Zebra Pleco will now be subject to international trade restrictions.
Brazil Shortsightedly Proposes Zebra Pleco for CITES Appendix I Listing
The 19th CoP occurs November 14-26, 2022, in Panama City, Panama. At this CoP, the government of Brazil has submitted a proposal to uplist H. zebra from the least restrictive CITES listing on Appendix III, to Appendix I, which is the most restrictive CITES listing. Some argue that the new proposals will lead to increased demand for illegally harvested and smuggled specimens of Zebra Pleco.
OATA Joins Fellow Pet Trade Associations at CITES CoP19
On the agenda for the meeting, which looks at ways to ensure the sustainable trade in wildlife, are several items that would affect the global ornamental fish trade, including plans to move Zebra pleco (Hypancistrus zebra) from Appendix III to Appendix I – the highest level of restriction – and to put a number of freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon spp.) onto Appendix II.
Conservationists release extinct-in-the-wild fish into natural habitat in Mexican river
With the help of local children, a team of conservationists has released more than 1,000 golden skiffia (Skiffia francesae), a freshwater fish found only in Mexico, into the species’ native range in the Teuchitlán River, Jalisco.
Skiffia francesae: Back from the Dead on Day of the Dead
More than two dozen years since the golden skiffia (Skiffia francesae) disappeared from its only natural habitat in Mexico, a team of conservationists will release the species back into the wild.
Weird Waters® now streaming on Peacock
Now Streaming on Peacock – Follow BZ and I.M. Tiger, two tropical fish who accidentally land in the deep end of a magical pond. They soon meet Jam, a new friend who sweeps them away on a series of unbelievable adventures full of hidden realms, crazy monsters, and ancient mysteries. Along the way, these friends will learn that growing up is the wildest ride of all!
USARK Lacey Act Update – End of the Threat?
Aquarists, retailers, and the entire pet trade, may be able to relax for a minute with the news that proposed Lacey Act amendments may be tabled for the remainder of this current Congressional session.
Winnipeg Aquarists Avoid The Ban Hammer
Aquarists in Winnipeg, Canada were facing a near total ban on aquarium livestock under proposed revisions to the city’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaws. PIJAC Canada reports that these efforts were recently defeated.
