A LOOK BACK: THE BIRTH OF THE "AQUA SECTION" AT THE LAGOS TRADE FAIR

AQUA SECTION AT THE LAGOS TRADE FAIR

Before the era of online shopping and massive pet expos, the local trade fair was a monumental event for hobbyists.
It was a scene of excitement, opportunity, and a few lessons in fish welfare that still resonate today.

A Landmark Event for Aquarium Lovers
The ninth Lagos International Trade Fair (November 3-12, 1989) made history. For the first time ever, aquarium dealers exhibited together, creating a dedicated hub for enthusiasts.

"For the first time ever, there was an exhibition by its aquatic dealers with three of them exhibiting close to one another, thus presenting the enthusiast with an opportunity to view the shops and pick his choice of material on a comparative basis."

This "Aqua Section" was a paradise, filled with "an array of pump filters, fish food and artificial ornaments of all descriptions, and, of course, tanks of every size and variety." The centerpiece was a "large demonstration waterfall together with smaller fountain units which literally turned a part of the fairgrounds into a miniature aquatic park!"


A Lesson in Fish Welfare: The "Elephant Nose" Display
Amidst the celebration, one exhibit stood out for the wrong reasons, offering a timeless lesson in species-appropriate habitats. The columnist was struck by the display of the Elephant Longnose fish (Gnathonemus elephas).

Source: Aquadiction


The setup was problematic: a "White calcareous gravel base, with very bright light, without natural plants or rocky setup." This was "quite a contrast with the normal conditions which should be a dark, rocky, and bushy river set up."

The fish's behavior said it all: they were "hiding in nooks and corners of the aquarium," an action that "appeared to be resentful of the display." This observation underscores a core principle of fishkeeping—understanding and replicating a species' natural environment is crucial for its well-being.

A Hopeful Future for the Community
The report ends on a hopeful note, praising the "magnificent" natural aquatic plants on display and wishing the traders success. But the most forward-looking statement was a call to action for the community:

"I hope all aquatic shops will gather as an assemblage to aid and increase patronage at the AQUA SECTION."

This vision of a unified aquatic community, collaborating to grow the hobby, is as relevant now as it was then. The 1989 Lagos Trade Fair didn't just sell products; it planted the seed for a collective identity among Nigerian aquarium enthusiasts.

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