TFSRI show and auction

Thanks, TFSRI, for introducing me to my first show and auction. I learned a lot about showing fish in just the two days it took to drop off my specimens and attend the following day. I will definitely no longer rely on Critter Carriers (TM) as they both crack easily and slosh all over the back seats of my truck. Also, I noticed specimens seem to show better in smaller, rather than larger exhibit tanks (live and learn). Third, the auction offers some great deals- wish I had budgeted to stay for the whole thing! Fourth, EVERYONE likes Bettas- there must have been at least 20 entrees (who knew? I certainly didn't- sheesh). Lastly, I feel honored to have placed in the open invertebrates category- the competition was fierce, I tell you, but lots of hard work and effort really paid off.

Ok, really, what's up with our society and inverts? The charismatic megafauna have triumphed again. 97% of the Animal Kingdom and we still can only warrant one invertebrate category (Open Invertebrate) and only one entry in the category. I have visions of giant clams, anemones, sponges, corals, cleaner shrimp, jellyfish, hermit crabs, tubeworms, and sea stars--- and I don't even keep marine tanks. Expect lots from me from freshwater next year: crayfish, freshwater mussels, freshwater clams, snails, freshwater crabs, shrimp, branchiopods, leeches (yes, really), dragonflies, mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, dobsonflies (cool!), and perhaps even a water bear or two (go look them up, you'll be glad you did).

Thanks again to all.

Jay C.