Travel, expedition and collecting fish articles

Travel and expeditions in search of fish and aquatic plants. Collecting fish.

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Travel, expeditions,
collecting fish & plants
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Toxotes chatareus

SOME PHOTOGRAPHIC IMPRESSIONS OF AQUARIUM STORES IN SOUTH INDIA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Do you visit your home town stores just a little too often?...Then for a change take a tour of these ones in South India! Lots of photos.

MY FISH SOUVENIRS. PART ONE; INDIA AND SRI LANKA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Wherever I go in the World I can't resist a pretty fish! These are some I met up with in India and Sri Lanka. See also Part Two: Rest of the World.

COLLECTING TROPICAL FISH IN INDIA by Vinny Kutty
Summary: During a holiday visiting relatives in Kerala, Southwest India, Vinny investigated some streams. He found a variety of fish which are described, but did not come across Etroplus canarensis, a Chromide cichlid which he had hoped to collect.

TUNG CHOI. THE AMAZING STREET OF AQUARIUM STORES IN HONG
KONG by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Tung Choi Street in Hong Kong is packed with over one hundred aquarium stores. A photographic essay.

THE FISH SCENE IN VIETNAM by Ron Ruth
Summary: In the space of six months spent in Vietnam, Ron saw some familiar fish being sold as food. He observed fish, shrimps, shellfish and oysters being collected and farmed, and eventually came across some ornamental aquariums at a Tet Festival display.

THE AQUARIUM HOBBY IN THAILAND by Vinny Kutty
Summary: Vinny found that arowanas are often kept because they are believed sacred. He makes other observations about fish and fishkeeping in Thailand.

COLLECTING AND OTHER STORIES FROM THE ISLAND OF BORNEO
Summary: The author, Earle Shim, grew up on this island part of Malaysia, and visits often. He discusses the wide variety of fish found there.

new WE ARE NOT ALONE! A RUMINATION ON BIODIVERSITY AND THE RAFFLES MUSEUM OF BIODIVERSITY, SINGAPORE by Marcus Ng
Summary: "Some researchers estimate that by 2050, half of all species (of the World's creatures) could be lost forever." The island of Singapore has an exceptionally rich variety of species, and the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research in Singapore is playing an important role in educating the public about nature's true infinitude but also its vulnerability. A thoughtful and well written article. See also: photographic feature below.

new PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT THE RAFFLES MUSEUM OF BIODIVERSITY
by Budak
Summary: A great collection of photographs of rare or extinct creatures that are on display at the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity in Singapore. See also: article above.

new A VISIT TO ORIENTAL AQUATICS, OF SINGAPORE by Loh Kwek Leong
Summary: "Oriental Aquatics is one of the biggest, if not the biggest aquatic plant importers/exporters in the World." A photographic tour.

A PLANT COLLECTING TRIP TO THE AMAZON by Olga Betts
Summary: Olga spent a holiday on the Rio Negro, Brazil, with a group of like-minded people interested in aquatic plants rather than fish.

COLLECTING FISH IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON by Vinny Kutty
Summary: Vinny fantasized for years about going to the Amazon, and finally made the trip. He and his group caught a large variety of fish and had some memorable experiences, which are recounted in detail here.

PERUVIAN AMAZONIA by Eugene T. Aldridge, Jr.
Summary: A very detailed day by day account of a week's collecting trip to the Iquitos area.

COLLECTING CICHLIDS IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON by Lee Newman
Summary: A collecting trip to Rio Ucayali and Rio Momon, near Iquitos. Notes on equipment used, collecting techniques, keeping and transporting the fish, and how the fish fared in their new aquarium homes.

GETTING WET FEET IN PERU by Craig Morfitt
Summary: An account of a fish collecting expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, arranged by a tour operator, Margarita Tours of Fort Lauderdale.

VENEZUELA FISH COLLECTING DIARY by R. Shane Linder
Summary: A detailed account of part of a collecting trip to Venezuela, and the fish found there.

SURVIVOR III; MEXICO by Craig Morfitt
Summary: Craig joined up with a large group of aquarists and visited a variety of rivers in Mexico. Many different species of fish were caught, and nobody was "voted off the island."

THE HONDURAN EPISODE by Patrick A. Tosie, Sr.
Summary: Pat had some difficulties and some triumphs, and considers his trip "the best time I ever had in the aquarium hobby."

THE DRIVE FOR FISH (ANOTHER CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTING TRIP) by Pat Tosie, Sr.
Summary: Pat and two friends drove all the way from St. Louis through Mexico to Honduras and Guatamala, stopping to collect fish at various places on the way. An easy-to-read and very descriptive travel memoir.

PRODUCT FIELD TESTS by John Mangan
Summary: On a collecting trip to Mexico some new equipment was tried out: a new brand of fish trap, different pole nets, "Bag Buddies," and "Clout."

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM OF CUBA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: The Acuario Nacional de Cuba displays fish and corals from the tropical Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Its dolphin and sea lion shows are popular with the local people. Lots of photos.

Armando Olaechea, a marine biologist at the National Aquarium of Cuba, liked the above article and translated it into Spanish language for Aquarticles:
UNA VISITA AL ACUARIO NACIONAL DE CUBA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: El Acuario Nacional de Cuba exhibe peces y corales del Mar Carib tropical y del Golfo de M�jico. Los delfines y lobos marinos que se exhiben, son populares para el publico local. Muchas fotos.

MY VISIT TO THE PUBLIC FRESHWATER AQUARIUM IN HAVANA CUBA
by Howard Norfolk
Summary: The "Aqvarium" in Old Havana is a welcome respite from the crowded streets and relentless sun. A photographic tour.

THE AQUARIUM STORE IN HAVANA, CUBA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: The only aquarium store that I could find in Havana is run by a keen aquarist who also breeds fish. Photos.

MY DRIVE AROUND JAMAICA by Howard Norfolk
Summary: I travelled around the tropical island of Jamaica. Here are some photos of what I came across, particularly in relation to fish and wildlife.

AN AQUARIST'S SOJOURN IN JAMAICA by Derek Lambert
Summary: Derek's love affair with Jamaica started with a package tour 20 years ago when he caught some of the livebearer Gambusis melapleura. Ten years later he returned to refresh his stock, and to catch other livebearers and killifish. In 2003 he returned again, and finally made it to the Bluefields River area.

MY AFRICAN SAFARI, Part I: Amboseli and the Maasai People, by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Have you watched all those animal shows on TV and wanted to go to Africa to see the animals in real life? I finally went "on safari" to Kenya and brought back lots and lots of photos, which make up the "slide shows" in this series of three.
Note: There aren't many fish here, but I hope that if you like fish you like other animals as well!
Part I: Camping. Elephants. A visit with the Maasai people. Lots of photos.

MY AFRICAN SAFARI, Part II: Samburu and Lake Nukuru, by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Part II: African scenery. Many animals. More Maasai. Flamingos, rhinoceros. Lots more photos.

MY AFRICAN SAFARI, Part III: Masai Mara and Nairobi, by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Part III: Many more animals. Lions, hippos. Rift Valley. Nairobi. Olorgesailie archaeology. Ostrich Park. Even more photos.

COLLECTING FISH IN THE NIGER RIVER DELTA, NIGERIA by Vinny Kutty
Summary: Vinny Kutty's parents worked in Nigeria, and he visited on an annual basis during the '80s. He recounts his adventures and comments on the species of fish he collected there. This article won the 1997 FAAS Best Collecting Article Award.

COLLECTING CICHLIDS: IN MY AFRICAN DREAM by Steve Thompson
Summary: A day by day account of a memorable holiday spent on the shores of Lake Malawi, snorkelling and observing cichlids. Meeting with Stuart Grant and Ad Konings. Includes photographs of fish in their natural habitats.

PLACES OF AQUATIC INTEREST IN BRISTOL, ENGLAND by David Marshall
Summary: David recently visited Bristol and found three interesting locations whose delights he describes

MY COLLECTING NOTES by Terry Hall
Summary: A survey of techniques for collecting British marine fishes for the aquarium. How to catch them, and how to pack and transport them.

A VISIT TO THE AQUARIUM AT CHESTER ZOO by David Marshall
Summary: Chester is the U.K.s premier zoo. Its aquarium complex is about to be re-built, but meanwhile it contains about thirty beautiful display tanks, which David describes.

THE AQUARIUM AT FLAMINGO LAND ZOO AND THEME PARK
by David Marshall
Summary: A manor house in Yorkshire, England, was turned into a zoo and theme park in the 1960s. The main attractions for David are the aquaria in the Zoo area. Illustrated.

ON THE TRAIL OF THE IDENTITY OF THE ARIUS AT FLAMINGO LAND
by David Marshall
Summary: At Flamingo Land there is a large catfish, species unknown. David researched some possibilities, and hopes he has found the answer.

THE PUBLIC AQUARIA OF THE U.K.'s LAKE DISTRICT by David Marshall
Summary: David took a 9 day holiday to the Lake District of England, and re-visited The Aquarium of the Lakes on the banks of Lake Windermere, and The Lake District Coast Aquarium at Maryport.

THE MATLOCK BATHS PUBLIC AQUARIUM by David Marshall
Summary: This aquarium in the U.K. Midlands has about twenty tropical tanks of various sizes and a thermal pool containing very large koi and carp which can be fed by visitors.

new THE SCARBOROUGH SEA-LIFE CENTRE AND MARINE SANCTUARY
by David Marshall
Summary: The Scarborough Sea-Life Centre is part of a chain of commercial public aquaria in the U.K. It has recently been re-vamped.

TAKE THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURE AT TYNEMOUTH by David Marshall
Summary: David and his sister were very impressed by the recent changes made to the "Blue Reef" public aquarium at Tynemouth, England. The various exhibits are described, including a walkthrough underwater tunnel.

THE EXOTARIUM AT ZURICH ZOO by David Marshall
Summary: A report of a visit to the aquarium at Zurich Zoo, in Switzerland. David enjoyed the biotope and beautifully aquascaped aquariums, which contained fish of excellent quality that were well fed and cared for.

A VISIT TO THE VANCOUVER AQUARIUM, PART I; THE EXHIBITS
by Howard Norfolk
Summary: A pictorial tour of the largest public aquarium in Canada, and which is considered by many leading aquarium professionals to be one of the top five in the World. Lots of photos.

A VISIT TO THE VANCOUVER AQUARIUM, PART II; BEHIND THE SCENES
by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Much goes on behind the scenes that most visitors don't see. Lots of photos of water and filtration systems, the tanks from the aquarists' point of view, research and breeding projects, maintenance facilities, offices, libraries, meeting rooms.

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM IN BALTIMORE by Don Zilliox
Summary: Don describes the five levels of this aquarium, and also the 3000 gallon tank in the Barnes & Noble bookstore nearby.

A VISIT TO DENVER AQUARIUM by Mike Shadrack
Summary: Writing back to his aquarium club in England, Mike reports that the Denver Aquarium has two main themes: a journey down the Colorado River from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Cortez, and a similar journey down the Kampar River through a tropical rainforest to a coral lagoon. Fish, mammals, reptiles and birds are delightfully shown in their natural habitats.

COLLECTING WILD BOG PLANTS by Charles Drew
Summary: Collecting wild bog plants makes for an enjoyable outing and gives first hand knowledge of how and where they grow, not to mention a free supply of plants. An account of a collecting trip to the shores of Lake Erie.

TROPICAL FISH IN THE SNOW by Grant Gussie
Summary: Tropical fish live year round in a natural hot springs near Calgary Canada, despite the long sub-zero winters.

SUN, SAND AND TROPICAL FISH by Craig Morfitt
Summary: Fishkeepers in Bermuda face obstacles ranging from a shortage of fresh water to government restrictions on importing or catching fish. But the hobby is flourishing.

new MY FISH COLLECTING TRIP IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA
by Christian B. Homrich Jr.
Summary: Christian lists the equipment he took for his collecting trip. He fished in three different places and caught a variety of fish.

new MINNER TRAPPIN' by Jim Graham
Summary: Jim has caught a variety of fish with his minnow trap, and explains how he does it.

The following series of articles is not meant just for the benefit of local aquarists and visitors to the City of Vancouver, Canada, although hopefully they will find them useful. Rather, they are written as part of the "Travel" section of Aquarticles, to show people from other cities and countries what the retail aquarium scene is like in Canada, and Vancouver in particular. How do our shops compare to those in your home town?
Lots of photos.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part I: Introduction and the Pet Boutique by Howard Norfolk
Summary: The Pet Boutique is a general pet shop, but owner Winston Wing is particularly interested in fish, and his fish and reptile departments are better than most.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part II: Rain Forest Pet Spectrum by Howard Norfolk
Summary: James Chao imports special and unusual fish and reptiles from all over the World, which he wholesales as well as retails. Discus and aquatic plants are his current interests.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part III: King Ed Pet Centre by Howard Norfolk
Summary: King Ed's is a general pet store crammed to overflowing with everything to do with pets. The fish rooms contain lots of fish for both beginning and advanced aquarists, and there is a separate saltwater section.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part IV: Fraser Aquarium by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Fraser Aquarium is an aquarium only store which has large stocks of healthy fish. It is especially known for koi, discus and colourful community fish.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part V: Noah's Pet Ark by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Noah's is a general pet shop. The fish section is particularly good for aquatic plants and, uniquely, killifish. Owner Graham White is always ready to give knowledgeable advice about the creatures he sells.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part VI: Big Al's Aquarium Services by Howard Norfolk
Summary: "Big Al's" lives up to its name - it is the largest all-aquaria store in Vancouver, and is part of a cross-Canada chain. Saltwater, plants, arowanas, African cichlids.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part VII: Aquariums West by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Aquariums West has long been the main aquarium store in downtown Vancouver. It is particularly aimed at people wishing to set up display aquariums, and also carries a full line of Sera products from Germany.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part VIII: Petcetera by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Petcetera is an all-Canadian chain of "pet superstores." They sell everything you can imagine to spoil your dog or cat, and have lots of community fish for the family aquarium.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part IX: Fishworld by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Owner Nick Thorvald is a hobbyist himself, and his shop reflects this. He sells fish that he and others breed locally, and always has a few unusual trade-ins.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part X: Fin-omenal Fish by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Kathy and Dawn opened their store in October 2002. They cater to all aquarists, but their particular specialty is bettas.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part XI: Kevin's Aquatic Visions by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Located in Langley, young Kevin Schalli� deals in all kinds of fish, with an emphasis on ponds and koi in Spring and Summer.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part XII: North America Pet Store by Howard Norfolk
Summary: A new store, opened April 2003. Lots of goldfish, koi and other colourful fish imported directly from China. Feng-Shui fish.

THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Part XIII: OSCAR'S AQUATICS by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Located in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, Oscar's is a general pet shop selling fish, birds, reptiles and small mammals. George, the owner, is a keen aquarist, and his shop window is dominated by a 12' display aquarium of 500 gallons, containing large specimen fish.

MAP OF THE AQUARIUM STORES OF VANCOUVER CANADA
Summary: A map showing the locations of the numbered stores in the above articles.

FISH WATCHING DOWN UNDER: PART I by Wlad Franco-Vilias
Summary: Wlad went to snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns and Darwin. Inland, in the Atherton Tablelands and the Kakudu and Lichfield National Parks, he observed in their natural habitats a variety of freshwater fish including various rainbowfish, archer fish, grunters, arowanas, and others.

FISH WATCHING DOWN UNDER: PART II by Wlad Franco-Vilias
Summary: Wlad gives some general advice about reef diving, and then describes in detail the fish he observed when he explored Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

new HOW TO PUT A TANDANUS IN YOUR TANK by David Wilson
Summary: David describes how he caught three catfish (dewfish) Tandanus tandanus with rod and line. They are easy to keep in captivity, but grow large.

MY FISH SOUVENIRS. PART TWO; REST OF THE WORLD by Howard Norfolk
Summary: Every winter I spend about six weeks travelling around the World. Here are some of the fish souvenirs I have brought back.

CONTINENTAL DRIFT AND AQUARIUM FISH by Grant Gussie
Summary: The theory of continental drift goes a long way towards explaining the distribution of fish species throughout the World.

COLLECTING AND HANDLING AQUARIUM SPECIMENS
by Dr. Adrian Lawler
Summary: List of collecting methods. Care and transportation of specimens. Acclimation.

SHIPPING KILLIFISH AND EGGS by Wright Huntley
Summary: A detailed article. Conditioning the fish. The water, bagging, containers. Carriers. The receiving end. Eggs.

GETTING THEM THERE! FISH & EGG SHIPPING PROCEDURES by Curt Smith
Summary: Another summary of how to ship fish and eggs. Discussion of the new "breathable" bags from Kordon.

RECEIVING A SHIPMENT OF FISH by Sean Furney
Summary: For every shipper there is a receiver! Preparing the tank, receiving, the settling in process. Sean sells Cichlids via the Internet, and is well qualified to write about this.

FLYING (WITH) FISH by Preston Becker
Summary: The story of how Preston carried two angelfish on a ten hour overseas flight. They were simply double-bagged, with oxygen and Stress Coat. They survived the flight and passed through Customs.

Asia	S&C America Amazon/Caribbean	Africa	Europe
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Asia	S&C America Amazon	Africa	Europe
North America	Australia New Zealand	World	Shipping Receiving	SEARCH