April Meeting: Michael Liu

Join us for an in-person meeting! 

Michael Liu speaks on “Uncommon Cichlids From Africa”

About the Speaker

I’ve been keeping tropical fish since 1983. I quickly developed an interest in Cichlids and one tank turned into 2, then 3, then 4, then 5 . . . you know the story.

It turns out there are a lot of cichlids and I wanted to keep them all! My interest narrowed to New World cichlids and the first cichlid I successfully spawned was the Discus, King of the Aquarium as they were known back then. The second cichlid I spawned was the Convict. I took a big step back to the bottom of the cichlid ladder. It turned out I really liked the Convict and for many years I primarily kept Central American cichlids with the aim of spawning every species I acquired. I’ve also kept African Rift Lake Cichlids, some West African species, and a few Madagascar species.

Since 2013 my interest has shifted to the cichlids of the Lake Victoria basin. Virtually all of the cichlids from this region are threatened by conditions in their waters. I started with one tank dedicated to a Victorian species, but keeping Victorians resulted in me trying to find other rare and endangered fish from little-collected locations in Africa.

I am on the Board of Trustees of the New England Cichlid Association. It is through our cichlid club that myself and fellow members have been able to acquire some Uncommon Cichlids From Africa, the topic of my presentation. Now most of my fish tanks are home to many species of these cichlids.

What started as one tank for rare species has turned into 2, then 3, then 4, then 5 . . . you know the story.

Covid Note

Covid restrictions are lifted, but we ask that the unvaccinated and those that are at high risk / immune-compromised still wear a mask , and everyone else respect others personal boundaries.

GCCA Meeting Agenda

1. President Jason Libasci offers his opening remarks and business meeting (20 minutes)
2. Speaker (1 hour)
3. Raffle winners announced
4. Fish Auction

Guests are welcome!

All guests are welcome, but if you attend more than twice we ask that you Join or Renew Membership in our club.

Meeting Location

Chicago Hilton Northbrook
2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062
Map and Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/jhan4BvCgttD64ms8