Please see the following link to enter the AKA show.
AKA Convention Guidelines 2025
AKA show Classes
New Show Classes
KILLIFISH PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RULES
Class 16—Digital submissions: Images submitted as digital files, even if they weren’t originally shot with a digital camera, i.e., even if they were scanned from film negatives, slides, or prints. Entries are limited to images of killifishes, as defined in the KMI (Killifish Master Index), i.e., oviparous Cyprinodontiform fishes. Fishes pictured must belong to a killifish family contained in the KMI, even if the particular species in question is too new (or undescribed) for inclusion.
Parameters for digital files submitted for competition:
File format: JPEG
Resolution/Image size: Images should be sized at 1425 pixels wide, allowing the vertical dimension to fall where it will, as per the aspect ratio of the particular image. If entrant’s software doesn’t allow sizing to specific pixel dimensions, images should be sized to 4.75 inches in the horizontal dimension at 300ppi, again allowing the vertical dimension to fall.
Each digital file submitted for competition should be devoted entirely to the actual photographic image (“live art”) only; no borders or other decorative effects should surround the photographic image.
There are no limitations on post-exposure editing/manipulations. It’s understood that photographers may take creative liberties with digital files. It’s up to the judges to detect and determine when such interventions are unnatural or otherwise obtrusive, and evaluate images accordingly.
File name: File name should include entrant’s last name, first name, and the full binomial/trinomial, as per the following example:
doe john_cyprinodonvariegatus_ovinus
Images will be archived, renamed, and cross-referenced before being submitted for judging, so that judges will not see entrants’ names as part of the file name.
Method of delivery: Entries should be e-mailed as file attachments to convention organizers at daves@davesfish.com by May 01, 2025.
A checklist of submissions must occupy the body of the e-mail(s) accompanying the attached files, and may contain additional information about the fishes pictured, such as, but not limited to, sex, locality, and any other pertinent information, at the entrant’s discretion.
There is a limit of five (5) images per entrant.
KILLIFISH ARTWORK CONTEST RULES
Class 17—Artwork:
This class is reserved for original, killifish-themed artwork created by the exhibitor within the last five (5) years. Media can include drawings, paintings, woodwork, stained glass, pottery and any other non-photography artwork. The piece must be killifish-themed and must be in good taste and of appropriate size for physical display at the Convention.
Artwork entries must be accompanied by the name of the entrant/exhibitor, media type, approximate size of the piece(s) and name of the artwork (if applicable). Each entry must be pre-registered (see website for details). The Artwork will be evaluated by qualified judges based on creativity, theme consistency, originality, and overall appearance. First, second and third places will be awarded.
Method of delivery: Exhibitors may bring their artwork entries to the Convention (preferred) or may mail/ship to the Convention venue (see below details). Shipping costs will be the responsibility of the exhibitor and the exhibitor may either donate the artwork or arrange and pay for return shipment. Questions can be directed to Dave Shumacher at daves@davesfish.com
There is a limit of three (3) entries per exhibitor.
Guidelines for Shipping to Hotel:
All packages sent to hotel need to be addressed in care of the person that will ask for them on site (Brian Skidmore). Due to the limited amount of storage space, we ask that packages be sent no more than 3 days prior to arrival (must arrive at hotel between Monday, June 09 and Thursday, June 12, 2025). Please have the conference name ( ACA/AKA/ALA/IBC/FOTAS 2025 National Convention) and dates also noted, as this will make it easier to locate among all shipments received. Items may be shipped to:
Marriott San Antonio Airport
C/O Lone Star CARES Convention
77 NE Interstate 410 Loop
San Antonio, TX 78216
By entering fish into the Lone Star CARES Convention Fish Shows or bringing fish to the Convention for Sale, you are certifying that these fish have been obtained, imported, or bred within the parameters of the United States and Florida laws. Members are encouraged to review the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other relevant legislation before displaying or distributing wildlife. The Convention host organizations, including the American Killifish Association, The American Livebearer Association, and First Coast Bettas will not accept any fish prohibited by the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) or in violation of applicable laws in our shows.
Appendix III: Prohibited killifish species
With regard to endangered species, as an organization dedicated to the conservation of killifish, the AKA will follow the intent of CITES regulations and the
U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). No killifish species are presently listed by CITES. There are, however, numerous species listed at the national level by the ESA as
endangered or threatened and which constitute prohibited species in the context of AKA programs. These species are as follows:
Prohibited species as listed by the ESA
ESA Status | Species
Endangered | Crenichthys baileyi baileyi
Endangered | Crenichthys baileyi grandis
Threatened | Crenichthys nevadae
Endangered | Cyprinodon bovinus
Endangered | Cyprinodon diabolis
Endangered | Cyprinodon elegans
Endangered | Cyprinodon macularius
Endangered | Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes
Endangered | Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis
Endangered | Cyprinodon radiosus
Endangered | Empetrichthys latos