April 17, 2026 – Josh Cunningham
• Presentation: The Sith Aquarist Rises
• Speaker: Josh Cunningham
• Details:
The Sith Aquarist Rises follows Josh Cunningham’s journey from African cichlid purist to New World enforcer. Come along as we learn the journey to the dark side and and introduction to keeping Central American Cichlids. This talk blends real fishkeeping experience, behavior comparisons, and striking visuals to explore how aquarists evolve, adapt, and sometimes embrace the dark side.
About Josh: Josh Cunningham has been keeping and breeding African Cichlids for over 20 years. He started with African Cichlids from Lake Malawi and a couple from Lake Victoria in a 400 sq ft basement. During this time he was mainly breeding four to five different kinds of cichlids and trading the fry back to the pet store for food and filter media.
At some point a decision was made to move to a different area and a bigger house. Once the move was completed he was without cichlids for a couple of years and then acquired a 55 gallon tank. Once the tank was setup and stocked, multiple tank syndrome kicked in again. He then expanded to some different species and kept a few tanks on the main floor of his house. At this point, he decided he wanted a fishroom in the basement. Designs were made and tanks and fish purchased and a "Fish Alcoholic" was born. To date he has spawned over 200+ kinds of African Cichlids and has achieved Master Breeder status in the Michigan Cichlid Association and Ohio Cichlid Association. He was also named Grand Champion Breeder of the American Cichlid Association in 2015 for most spawns in a year.
Josh has spent six years on the Board of Directors of two local fish clubs. He served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Cichlid Association for two years and on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Cichlid Association for four years, serving three of those years as President including Chairman of the 2017 American Cichlid Association Convention that took place on July 13-16 in Novi, Michigan. After his time as President of the Michigan Cichlid Association, Josh served two years on the Board of Directors for the American Cichlid Association. He spends his time in the fishroom doing more changes, working with different species and trying to find ways to better the hobby.
Josh is now serving on the Board of Directors of the American Cichlid Association and President of the Southeastern Michigan Aquarium Society and runs a company called Cunningham Tropicals, LLC which has been in business since 2012. Cunningham Tropicals specializes in African Cichlids, plecos, corydoras, shrimp, plants, community fish, and quality fish foods.
Meeting Location:
Crafton Community Center
140 Bradford Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Doors open at 6:30 PM; meeting starts at 7:30 PM
Turn in your BAP/AHAP
Breeders Award Program (BAP) and Aquatic Horticulture Awards Program (AHAP) will be accepted.
RAFFLE
Support your club and potentially win prizes donated by our sponsors. Support our sponsors by visiting their web pages listed on this web site.
50/50 to help cover cost of event venue
50% of the winnings go to a participant, 50% goes to club to help pay rent for facilities.
Mini-Auction
There will be a mini-auction. Sellers will receive 70% of sales. 30% goes to club to help pay for expenses and supplies.
Comradery
There will be plenty of time to mingle with members and guests throughout the evening.