[Bill Little]

Over the past weekend I was thinking of how to expand the Paro population here in North America. I attempted to make a comparison to the introduction of the African Cichlids to the states in the late 60’s and early 70’s. For the most part they were introduced through several of the importers. You had the introduction of the ACA which provided a way for serious breeders to communicate with each other and to share fry and breeding techniques. Eventually the fish farms, particularly here in Florida, started mass breeding programs of many of the species. This effort eventually provided the opportunity for normal everyday hobbyists who minimal experience and perhaps a single aquarium to keep these beautiful in their living room . Within a few years the industry had numerous generations of these fish reproduced in the breeding facilities the issues of stringent water quality and live food requirements became much less demanding. Eventually these fish, which were very difficult to maintain in the beginning, were able to be maintained in most household aquariums.
So the question becomes why hasn’t the Paro species taken off in the eyes of the American fish keepers? They have been successful in Europe at least with experienced aquarists, but not here. I think there are a number of issues that contribute to this set of circumstances.
To begin with we have not seen the importers bring these species into the country for whatever reason. The American public became infatuated with the Betta Splendens and we had the IBC develop which mirrored the development of the ACA and the African cichlid population. There are at least two other large factors which weigh on this issue. The retail fish industry has markedly changed in the U.S. in the past several decades. We have, for the most part, moved from the local “Mom & Pop” local stores to the “big Box” operations. With these large store operations rarely do you come across an individual that knows much of anything about fish in general to say nothing about something like the Licorice Gourami. It has been said by a number of my friends that are familiar with the large store operations, if the fish doesn’t have a SKU ( a part number if you will ) you will not see it in the store tanks. Beyond that, if a particularly fish needs special care the large store operations are not equipped to handle these fish which ultimately results in excessive mortality and the refusal to bring these fish in on a reoccurring basis.
So the question becomes is there hope for these species in North America? My assessment is somewhat reserved. I believe we will see an increased but limited interest in these fish. This increased presence will be fostered by the likes of several people in this small group we have that will hopefully continue to import and distribute the wonderful shy little fish. I think this process will be driven by individual who will be more interested in conservation and preservation of the species rather than just wanted to have something different in their fish collections. I would like this group to work at developing a list of individuals that are keeping and breeding these species. Even if they choose not to participate in the Project but at least be willing to be identified as an individual how keeps “Paros” or has an interest in them. One last word – I believe there is one area which could be of immense assistance to this whole project and that is the large (or not so large) fish clubs throughout North America. If we could encourage these groups to become involved we could see significant improvement of these species in the hobby.
As I complete my thoughts I have just seen where Mark has proposed the establishment of the American Labyrinth Fish Association. All right maybe we can get this ball moving!