Re: Pittsburg Oct 25 / Africans

["Roger Hawthorne" <albanyaquarium at msn_com>]

One of my favourite customers came into my shop because
he had heard about a 6' 135 gallon tank I had. It was planted
very heavy at one end with Jungle Val. The rest was large
red and black lava. A dominant 4" male Cobalt Blue Zebra with
a dozen 3"+ females and maybe 150 2" juvies. Another dozen
Lemon Yellow Labidichromis with 50 juvies. Assorted Synodontaus
filled the tank. He, like many others kept asking if I was sure they
wern't saltwater fish. So he got introduced into the hobby because
he loved those Africans. He ventured into Peacocks, then Victorian
and eventually Dwarf Cichlids. Because he has very limited space
in his office, he has several beautiful planted Killie tanks with many
assorted species. He hasn't swung back and forth as I tend to do,
but stayed the course. He hasn't overdone anything nor gotten
bored. And at a local eating establishment, the most popular tank
is always the African. I know because I draw for free dinners for
those that have filled out a questionaire.  

I have never bred fish. They did it themselves. I kinda like them all.
But I know that here in Oregon many hobbyists are drawn to tropicals
by those colourful Africans. AKA members have done an enormous job
of enlightening other aquarist young and old of the fanciers of Killies.
Many of your members started with Africans or others, only to migrate
to Killies. Many because of the interest in this site have come back
to Killies after many decades. And the Judilachromis aren't new. They
have been here a long time. I find great challenge in mixing smaller
groups of Africans. Prying open their mouths to release fry is no less
than cleaning filters. I don't worry about their jumping. To some
aquarists, Killies in their little tanks are boring. In time, 'like a love of  
the Blues' some of them slow down and discover Killies. If more stores
had them, they'd be more popular. They may be relaxing like classical
music. But I'll have to admit, I still love Chuck Berry and Jimmy H. and
Janis J. 'Louie Louie' is the unofficial anthem for the State of Oregon.
A big huge colourful tank is like big music to me. I still like Strauss.
And as for flakefoods, all of mine (including Piranha) relish fresh flakes.
It is neat one can find what they truly love. I just seem to like' em all.

Roger Fishyman1957                                                              
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