I won't try to cover all of your questions, since I'm sure there are
others who will have more time, knowledge and inclination to go into
the details (and they are encouraged to do so), but here's a little:
If you have the slightest interest in native fishes, you will not be
dissapointed by a NANFA convention. There is no other place on earth
where you will have a better opportunity to learn about, see and
collect native fishes and their care. Natives are glaringly
neglected by other "aquarium societies". NANFA is all natives and
has great people who will joyfully share with you their knowledge and
their fishes.
Northern Alabama holds an incredible diversity of fish species and
the vast majority of those are manageable as aquarium fishes. You
just need to learn how to care for them -- another reason to attend!
:)
There will be more opportunities to collect different species from
different areas than you will be able to take advantage of. It's
actually been planned that way for the benefit of habitats that may
be sensitive to too much human (collecting) activity.
Auctions are usually sparse on fishes and long on books, supplies,
and unique items like artwork. There will be some significant
manufacturer's donations this year, some of which will be for auction
and some for raffle. The organizers can fill in the details for you
as they are finalized. In past years, all auction procedes have gone
to the NANFA general fund. All are encouraged to donate items to the
end. Three items I know are in the till for this year are: 46
gallon bow front tank, glass top, strip light and
wooden stand donated by All Glass Aquariums via Kingfish Services, a
Polaris canister filter, and a Perfect Dipnet from jonahsaquarium.com
If nothing else, I will be there and I will personally be glad to see
that you find whatever knowledge and fishes you may be seeking.
In case you didn't catch it, I'm in favor of your attending. :)
-- Mark Ohio USA <))>< /----------------------------------------------------------------------------- /"Unless stated otherwise, comments made on this list do not necessarily / reflect the beliefs or goals of the North American Native Fishes / Association" / This is the discussion list of the North American Native Fishes Association / nanfa_at_aquaria.net. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or get help, send the word / subscribe, unsubscribe, or help in the body (not subject) of an email to / nanfa-request_at_aquaria.net. For a digest version, send the command to / nanfa-digest-request_at_aquaria.net instead. / For more information about NANFA, visit our web page, http://www.nanfa.org </x-flowed>