The Mysterious Electric Blue Jack Dempsey

3rd Floor Classroom, California Academy of Sciences

Twenty years ago, a new variety of Jack Dempsey showed up on the market. It
combined all the attributes most hobbyists looked for - gorgeous color, a
very pleasant disposition suitable for a community tank, and is relatively
easy to keep. However, most attempts to reproduce this fish continued to be
unsuccessful and today, it is still commanding the highest prices of any
South American cichlids.

Please join us to hear Dick Au's presentation on the Mysterious Electirc Blue Jack Dempsey.

We will be having a board of directors election before the general meeting. Members, please join us at 7pm to elect candidates for open positions.

1:00 PM December 14th 2008 (Sunday)

It's the holiday season again. While some are recovering from too much turkey and others looking forward to gift exchanges, San Francisco Aquarium Society members know that this is the time of year for the annual members only holiday party. Our meeting will again be at our long time home, The California Academy of Sciences-- this time in the fabulously renovated Steinhart in the Golden Gate park.

Please remember that while our regular meetings and auctions are open to the public, the holiday party is for members only.

The Care And Feeding Of Freshwater Shrimp

3rd Floor Classroom, California Academy of Sciences

This talk is an introduction to the different kinds of shrimp that are becoming available in the aquarium hobby - from tiny bee shrimp to giant prawns, and everything in between. The care requirements for the various types of shrimp will be outlined, as well as a bit of discussion on the gorgeous crayfish of the world, and there will even be a brief honorable mention of some other spectacular invertebrates.

Sabrina Fullhart is a fish geek. She has been keeping fish for most of her life, and has worked with fish both for pleasure and as a profession. She has devoted a great deal of time to WetWebMedia as a volunteer Crewmember, helping other aquarists learn and grow while she learns and grows as well. She has been on the Board of Directors of both the Silicon Valley Aquarium Society and the Pacific Coast Cichlid Association, and is a past president of both clubs. She currently continue to sit on the board of the PCCA.

20 Gallon Tanganyikans

3rd Floor Classroom, California Academy of Sciences

Rich Bireley has been actively keeping fish for more than 35 years. He
began keeping Tanganyikan Cichlids in the early 1980's and visited the
Lake in 2002. Rich has been the President of the PCCA and the
Sacramento Aquarium Society, served in many other positions, and is a
life member of both clubs. He has also been on the board of the
American Cichlid Association. Rich is an administrator for
Duboisi.com, a Tanganyikan fish website. Rich lives on a ranch outside
of Sacramento and has a 2000 sq. ft. fish and lizard room. He is
currently fascinated by Tanganyikan Cichlids and eels, large Lake
Malawi Haplachromines, Malagasy Cichlids, catfish and Goodeids.

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

While many may be looking forward to the Fall semester of school and others are absorbed in the 2008 Olympics, rest assured that this September's Mega Auction will be the event of the season. Luckily, you won't have to wait around four years to attend and there won't be any exams afterward. Make sure to bring your pocket book because the opportunity for great aquatic deals is at hand. Remember, unless you are donating to the society, only members can sell items at our auctions. If you need to renew, please seek our online form or pay in person the evening of the event.

West African Killies of the "Roloffia" group

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

Thuan Nguyen is a long-time member of the Bay Area Killifish Association and has been keeping killies for about 18 years. His interest is in planted tanks and West African killies.

Members of the "Roloffia" group are some of the earliest killies brought into the aquarium hobby but their evolutionary status was misunderstood until about 10 years ago. The "Roloffia" group includes some of the most colorful killies, such as the Golden Pheasant, "Callopanchax occidentalis". This talk will outline the major species in this group, where they're found, and how they're related to other killies.

The Wild Side of Livebearers - Keeping and breeding wild type livebearers

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

John's talk will cover the differences in keeping wild type livebearers as opposed to farm raised or fancy livebearers, also their maintenance and breeding. John will provide several species available for the auction, including Brachyrhaphis roswithae, Characodon lateralis, Xenophallus umbratilius, Limia perugia and Poecilia Species Affinis Caucana

Planted Aquaria

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

Beginner's Guide to Nano Reef Aquaria

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

We've all have been awed by the breathtaking scene of a vibrant reef aquarium, mesmerized by the overwhelming colors of the tropical fish that swim in and out among the various corals. Many hope to duplicate this beauty but are intimidated by the seemingly difficult aspects of a marine aquarium. Today that statement holds little water. Technology has enabled many to bring the beauty of a reef aquarium to their home or office like never before. Reef aquariums still require some expertise and research, but if you've kept any fish for some time, a reef is not much more difficult. Nano-reefs are within the reach of anyone.

Dexter will provide a crash course in marine fish keeping and provide step-by-step instructions on how to successfully set up and maintain a beginner's reef aquarium. From selecting the perfect tank, compatible coral and fish, and ways to keep your tank healthy you'll learn the basics of a reef aquarium. So if you want to be the envy of your office and impress all your co-workers or liven up your home with a breathtaking reef aquarium, then look no further.

Mega Auction

Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University

This year is moving quickly and our April meeting is our MEGA AUCTION. This is your chance to unload all that unused equipment that your significant other has been nagging you about all year. Don't worry though-- all that new found space in your garage will easily be filled with the equipment and livestock that you'll get for a great price at our Mega Auction. The society has been saving up aquariums big and small-- and are guaranteed to go for a great price. Of course we will have fish and plants for sale too! Please join us on April 4th for a good time and great deals.

Remember, we meet at 8pm every first Friday of the month at the Seven Hills Conference Center at San Francisco State University! See you there!