Exhibition for aquarium enthusiasts

How many times have I told myself that it would be interesting to visit specialized aquarists and have them show and describe at least one selected aquarium that they would have prepared for this occasion. But perhaps they wouldn't want to and would just let me silently admire the beautiful specimens they have bred.

The dream became reality. Although it was already the 45th edition of the AKVAEXPO aquaristic exhibition, it was quite an incredible event for me. The Akva-Tera Association managed to bring together the best of the Czech aquaristic scene and include everything in a very pleasant, friendly environment. I'm not just saying this because I liked it there and it was hard to tear myself away from watching the beautifully colored animals and tastefully decorated aquariums, but mainly because I agreed on this with everyone I met.

The aquariums were numbered, thus providing space for every visitor to test whether they could recognize the species or at least the classification. Those who did not want to participate in this contest, whether due to lack of time or because they were not that type, could photograph a printed table of exhibits on their mobile phone. Reading the names of the animals, it was noticeable that the names of the exhibitors were definitely not unknown. On the contrary, those who exhibited there confirmed that exhibiting at AKVAEXPO is a matter of prestige.

In the end, I spent more than two days there, and it was not enough. I could have observed the behavior, coloring, and design of the aquariums for a long time. Their number could probably not even be verified. Occasionally, I even managed to exchange a few words with the author of the aquarium and/or the breeder of the exhibited species. It is hard to express in words how experienced aquarists with impressive knowledge and years of proven breeding methods gathered here. It would be unfair to highlight some names at the expense of others, but if you have been involved in aquaristics for a longer time, you surely know yourself.

However, I will mention one name. The founder of the aquaristic association, Mr. Josef Ešpandr, a legend of Rychnov aquaristics, an aquarist in body and soul, to whom a corner with aquariums with the species he bred was dedicated. Although it was a retro look aquarium, it was one of the most popular undertakings. Colorful shoals of fish happily swam from one side to the other, and to properly enjoy it, the visitor could comfortably sit in a prepared chair and reflect.

Behind the halls with aquariums, there was also a shop, so that every visitor who needed to replenish their stock of aquarium fish, as well as parents who were persuaded of the necessity of purchasing a new scaly pet or shrimp, could find something for themselves. Akva-Tera also contacted a local plant grower who had very nicely grown species, of which I would not doubt that they would survive without major problems, unlike plants from large nurseries. There was also a larger number of aquarium supplies sellers, so everything was secured for potential interested parties.

Not only school-age visitors but also adults, except for those who asked about the presence of a snake at the entrance, gladly stopped in the room with terrariums. The exhibitors had them nicely arranged, and I was glad that I could finally observe the species in a nice environment, which are otherwise often crammed into plastic boxes at exchanges.

So that the visitor, in my case, during the many hours of walking among the aquariums, would not go hungry, the chairman of the association and his wife prepared excellent catering at very reasonable prices in the tent, including hot meals, draft beer, excellent coffee, and the possibility to warm up. In rainy weather, this option also met with a very positive response.

If you are one of those who have been enchanted by freshwater shrimp, a room on the ground floor was reserved for you, and there was really a lot to look at. Both fully equipped aquariums and animals with colors of all possible combinations were displayed. Next to them were experienced breeders who willingly advised and supervised to ensure that buyers knew how to care for new or existing shrimp.

The fact that the exhibition was liked not only by the visitors but also by those behind the glass, some fish demonstrated with freshly hatched fry, and in the marine aquarium, the corals by beautifully opening.

That the exhibition was ending was a bit sad because even the exhibitors sometimes did not want to clear out the nicely settled aquariums (even for several months), but it just could not be done otherwise.

Look forward with us to the next edition of the AKVAEXPO aquaristic exhibition, currently scheduled for September 13-17, 2025. We will definitely not be missing! Long live Akva-Tera!