Past Speakers

• Presentation: West African riverine cichlids (a buyer’s guide) • Speaker: Alex Scharnberg Alex Scharnberg has been keeping freshwater fish since his dad got him his first 5 gallon tank when he was 8 years old. He moved up to a 10 gallon and got his first pair of Pelvicachromis pulcher (the common Krib). After…

• Presentation: A Fishkeepers Guide into the World of Goodeids • Speaker: Mike Howe • This presentation will cover goodeid care, the history of goodeids, conservation efforts, and species overviews of some of the species that the speaker has kept. Meeting Location: Crafton Community Center 140 Bradford Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Doors open at 6:30…

• Presentation: The Evolution of DIY in the Aquarium Hobby • Speaker: Mitchell Broome • As with many people, I got back into the hobby about 15 years ago as a stress relief from work.  The angelfish spawned and I decided to attempt to raise them.  That spiraled out of control and now I am…

• Presentation: Beneath the Surface • Speaker: Paul Selvaggio • Join us for a presentation of colorful photography of aquatic species from around the world. Freshwater, saltwater, and Caribbean fish will be featured in Paul’s unique style of underwater photography. Paul will offer some “tips” on how to make high quality photos of captive and…

• 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…

• Presentation: Success with Apistogramma • Speaker: Christian Kline • Details: Success with Apistogramma Practical strategies for keeping and breeding various members of the genus Apistogramma. Summary: Apistogramma are some of the most rewarding dwarf cichlids in the hobby, but they can also be quite frustrating without the right approach. “Success with Apistogramma”  focuses on…

• Presentation: TBD • Speaker: Charlie Mueller • Join us to hear Charlie talk about whiptail catfish – stay tuned for more info! 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…

• Presentation: The Original bettas • Join me as I take a deep dive into the fascinating world of wild bettas I’ve kept and bred over the years. We’ll explore their unique care requirements, captivating videos of their natural habitats, and, most importantly, uncover why every aquarist should dedicate at least one tank in their…

• Presentation: Cherished at Home, Imperiled in the Wild: Aquarium Fish and the Role of Hobbyists in Biodiversity Conservation •This program explores the intersection between fish conservation and the aquarium hobby. Many species commonly kept in our home aquariums are facing serious conservation threats in the wild, as are many of their lesser-known relatives. Drawing…

• Presentation: Fabulous Freshwater Puffers • Speaker: Becca Goldring • This talk focuses on caring for some of the biggest personalities in the aquarium hobby: Freshwater Puffers. Learn about how to feed and care for these fascinating fish, from tankmates to dentistry and everything in between. • Rebecca Goldring is social scientist and lifelong aquarium hobbyist. Her aquatic obsession…