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About Us

History Since 1968

American Cichlid Association

The American Cichlid Association (ACA) is dedicated to advancing knowledge, study, and conservation of cichlid fishes—both in the wild and within the aquarium hobby—by organizing information, funding research and habitat protection, and facilitating acquisition and exchange of specimens among members. Comprising aquarists, scientists, educators, and conservationists, the ACA supports both sustainable wild collection and aquaculture to maintain genetic diversity, introduce new species, and provide economic incentives for habitat preservation, aligning with IUCN principles.

American Livebearers Association

The exclusive objectives of the Association are to advance the science of ichthyology by stimulating interest in and encouraging study of freshwater livebearing fishes, including the families Poeciliidae, Anablepidae, Goodeidae and Hemirhamphidae; to gather information concerning livebearers; to publish a journal on a regular basis containing original and other educational articles covering livebearers and their maintenance and breeding; to provide a means for exchange of information among individuals; to further the preservation of livebearers through both conservation of their natural habitats and an ongoing program of breeding and maintenance of individual livebearer species and varieties; and to provide a means for the purchase, sale and exchange of livebearers by individuals.

International Betta Congress

The International Betta Congress (IBC) is a worldwide union of Betta-lovers and breeders. It was founded in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Gene Lucas (known as the father of the IBC) and others as a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting bettas and researching them. The first international betta show took place in 1967 with a large participation of 60 IBC members and another 150 interested breeders. At that first show, there were over 200 fish judged.

A year later, there were 120 members and a team of 12 directors. The organization’s magazine FLARE! was brought to life, and a Class Standard was developed to allow fair and equal judgment during shows.

Today, the IBC exists in all parts of the world, with the largest memberships being in the United States (Area 1), Asia (Area 6), and Europe (Area 2). We have over 50 certified judges who are represented in every continent, and every month there are several sanctioned shows taking place somewhere around the globe. Shows draw on average between 300 – 1400 bettas.

Knowledge Sharing

Gathering, organizing, and disseminating information about cichlid fishes

Conservation

Promoting and funding the study and preservation of cichlids and their habitats.

Research Support

Awarding grants for scientific and conservation projects.

Sustainable Use

Endorsing responsible wild collection and aquaculture to ensure genetic diversity and habitat protection.

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