May 2022 Meeting

Topic: Shell Dwellers of Lake Tanganyika

Speaker: Chris Carpenter

Chris Carpenter is the vice president of the Grand Valley Aquarium Club in Grand Rapids Michigan. Chris has won awards, such as Breeder of the year, Aquarist of the year, Master Breeder, Old World Cichlid Specialist, and Master. Chris became serious about the world of fish when he gave up drinking alcohol almost 16 years ago. He has learned a lot in those years and focused a great deal of his time in the hobby on the cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, particularly the Shell Dwellers. Chris has kept, and bred many of these species, and is honored to have the chance to share what he has learned with you.

"My fascination with Lake Tanganyika, and its cichlids started early on in my journey into the aquarium hobby. Many of the cichlids have one-of-a-kind behaviors and appearances. The lake itself holds many wonders. One of its distinct features is the unusual water chemistry. For a freshwater lake, it has an extremely high pH, and high mineral content, leading to a unique phenomenon: "The shell beds of Lake Tanganyika". Snail shells wash into the shallows, where they've collected for thousands of years, creating piles of shells, miles long, and anywhere from 10-30 ft. deep. In any other lake, these shells would slowly dissolve, but in Lake Tanganyika they become harder, and encrusted with calcium."

Stay for the Raffle, Door Prize, Auction, and Refreshments

For more information, contact Joel Antkowiak: mrkillie@comcast.net