shrimp-attack.com

This is a question I have been thinking for a while now. The contest in Osaka and Hannover have shown that we still lack an international shrimp association since only a constitutional organization can put urgent questions up for discussion.

A major task would be to develop binding guidelines and graduation systems for shrimp species. These grades could be standards for shrimp shows. A side effect is that breeding targets would be defined more clearly: Grades, patterns and values would be fixed in an international classification. F.e. it has to be discussed if a black tiger shrimp with white tail (like this one shown from Morgana) still is black tiger category and if so – if it is a higher grade than a black tiger with a black tail.Another example are Red Fire Sakura shrimp: Should these neocaridina have a visible stripes on the back or not?

Organizing one show every year would be a cool task for this international association.

Binding guidelines will bring more transparency in shrimps competitions and shows, too.

• A serious should not be able compete with shrimps he has less than 12 months in his ownership. Otherwise, he let’s judge another ones work and does not contribute this much.
• The way judges are assigned must be transparent as well as the judging criteria.
• While private shrimp keepers mostly participate for the glory, a first price in a championship is good marketing for professional breeders. Therefore it’s a basic question if one can participate anonymously, behind/with a company name or only with a full name. Perhaps it is wise to split the competitors in privates and professionals?
• It brings up the next issue: Fair auction split for shrimps being sold after the show. No breeder has real interest to give his shrimps away as a gift. The costs for the show should be (in best case) payed by participators fees and sponsorship.

International means that everybody worldwide can become a full member. Private individual membership should differ from professional membership or even sponsorship. Since laws and costs differ from country to country I am not sure where this association would be based best….

I’d be very lucky if somehow this breeding organization someday will exist across the boundaries of self-interest.

What do you think of such an association?

(Comment appeared in shrimpnow.com first on feb 09th 2010.)

Recently the number of questions I receive via email increased: How to get off hydras? How to build a moss wall? Which gravel should I use for my new set up? Will the prices for King Kong drop in Germany? Is my filter shrimp-safe? and other drop to my mailbox.

Although I like to share all of my experiences and opinions openly, I cannot consult you individually and it is better to discuss your concerns in a wider public, say forum. I therefore like ton invite you to shrimpnow.com-forum where your concerns can be talked over.