The Federation of British Aquarist Societies has announced details of this year's Festival of Fishkeeping event.
This year's Festival of Fishkeeping is due to take place in early October and will see the return of reptiles, as well as displays of biotopes and breeding set-ups.
FBAS president, Dick Mills, told Practical Fishkeeping: "Every year, the organisers of the Festival of Fishkeeping do their best to provide something different whilst, at the same time, maintaining all that is best and most popular at this annual aquatic event.
"Depending on your own personal point of view, the wonderful or the horrendous are back – reptiles, that is. The opportunity to get up close (again, personal preferences may dictate just how close) and possibly handle such creatures was a very popular attraction a few years back."
Mills said that last year's Festival introduced competive Shanghai classes, in which adult fishes were exhibited with groups of their offspring, and these will be returning in 2010.
Two FBAS members, Malcolm Goss and Peter Anderson, are also setting up a display based around fish conservation.
Mills added: "Typical biotopically-correct furnished aquariums will show the natural inhabits of popular fish together with associated practical breeding set-ups and information of how you can ensure your fish have the best environment in which to breed whilst in your care."
The event is due to be held over the weekend of 8-11 October at Mill Rythe Holiday Resort, Hayling Island, Hampshire.
Entrance is free to day visitors, but accommodation and entertainment - including country and western and big band music - is also available.
For more information on attending the event contact Grace Nethersell on 020 8847 3586 or email [email protected]. For trade enquiries contact Joe Nethersell on 020 8847 3586 or email [email protected].