SOLWAY AQUARIST SOCIETY TRI-SPECIALIST OPEN SHOW 2007

Text-fish photographs by David Marshall

On Sunday 22nd July, 2007 the Solway Aquarist Society held their annual tri-specialist Open Show at the Barony College, Dumfries, featuring catfish, characins and livebearers.

For a third year I eagerly accepted John and Stella Cowan's invitation to judge alongside Y.A.A.S. 'A' Judge Mr. Steve Grant. On arrival it was good to see, and get the chance to speak with, a number of familiar faces. As always the pond proved a focus of interest.

So into the showing hall we went with greetings to John and Stella. As the day progressed a total of 109 exhibits, spread over 23 classes, would be benched. What a fantastic array of quality fish we would see which included Brochis multiradiatus, L128, Sturisoma aereum, Characodon lateralis, Formosa pygmy livebearer, Poecilia wingei and Laeta splashing characin.

The Best in Show Corydoras geryi	A 'Hoplosternum' specie

Arthur 6 The Best in Show Corydoras geryi Arthur 10 A 'Hoplosternum' specie

With the show run to F.N.A.S. showing rules and standards F.N.A.S. Judges Brian, Barry Bill and Paul arrived and away we went with the hard task of placing fish. At the end of the day the Best in Show award was very close and won by a beautiful Corydoras geryi, owned by Mr. Bede Kerrigan (STAMP), while a Xiphophorus xiphidium, owned by Y.A.A.S. Secretary Mr. Jim Haworth (Select A.S.) took the runner-up spot.

Mr. Bede Kerrigan receiving the Best in Show trophy from Mr. Brian Chrich.
Mr. Jim Haworth with grandson Ryan.	Mr. Roy Blackburn (Castleford A.S.) with 1st place prizes from the catfish classes.

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At the same time as judging took place Steve from Preston A.S. auctioned a wide variety of aquatic items. I am told that this was an excellent afternoon for people with an interest in catfish and the Endlers livebearer varieties.

Well done to John and Stella and their small band of helpers for another excellent Solway