AAGB

Anabantoid Association of Great Britain

Auction Guidelines for AAGB events.

UPDATED MAY 2025

The importance of AAGB Fish auctions

In addition to providing a platform for anabantoid-keepers to exchange fish, a major function of the auctions is to disseminate rare and endangered species among the AAGB membership, thereby helping to ensure that captive populations remain robust. This is particularly crucial for those anabantoid species that face an uncertain future in their wild habitats (in this respect the AAGB makes a positive contribution to fish conservation, and involves regular liaison with ichthyologists and other fish scientists working on in-situ and ex-situ fish conservation projects)

A proportion of the proceeds from the fish sales (and from other fund-raising activities) are used to support fish conservation projects (for example the AAGB has recently made a donation to Professor Paul Skelton, South African ichthyologist, for his work on Sandelia species.).

Auctions also allow for the sale of surplus offspring or excess stock of fish kept and bred as a hobby or for pleasure.

Fish sales

The AAGB is committed to providing a safe environment for the fish both on show and in the auction however the decision to bring fish to the event remains the responsibility of the owner.

The welfare of the fish is at the forefront of these guidelines and AAGB members are expected to follow them. Failure to do so will result in the member being asked to remove their fish from sale.

An experienced AAGB member will be identified at each meeting to oversee fish welfare at both shows and auctions

Duty of Care- Vendors

1. Health of fish

• The fish must be in good health and free from disease and exhibiting normal behaviours.

1. B) Transportation containers

• The fish must be transported in suitable containers (e.g. insulated boxes to protect them from thermal fluctuations) in order to minimize transportation stress.
• Fish should be bagged individually where there is a risk of aggression. The volume of water in each container should be adequate for the number and size of fish housed within. For sealed containers (e.g. fish bags) there must be sufficient air to sustain the fish during its temporary housing. Breathable bags can be used.
• A small amount of plant in the bags is acceptable and may reduce stress.
• Bags should have sufficient strength to remain inflated. Where possible please use round bottomed fish bags otherwise consideration must be given to taping corners or double bagging which ‘rounds off’ corners reducing the risk of fish becoming trapped.
• It is acceptable to use food grade plastic containers and buckets or glass jars suitable for the fish for temporary housing only.

1. Identification and labelling of fish

• The scientific or common name of the fish should be given, including details about water conditions and temperature requirements. For wild caught fish or their progeny, details regarding the collection location and other information (e.g. water parameters at the collection site) can be useful in order to maintain distinct geographical populations/ strains of a species.
• Gender of fish should be identified where possible.

1. Auction sheets

Vendors are to complete an auction sheet given to them by the show secretary. The corresponding letter and number should be written clearly on the auction lot and where necessary include a reserved price.

Duty of care – Auction Organisers

• Fish entered into the sale must be inspected to ensure they are free from signs of disease or physical damage, and the temporary containers (e.g. fish bags) must offer adequate space for the fish to move freely and exhibit normal behaviours (see section 3B) Bags and containers must be suitable for the fish and no damaged or deflated bags will be accepted.
• Any fish that is showing signs of stress, illness or disease will not be auctioned and returned to the owner.
• The AAGB will have a ‘Fish First Aid’ box available (which includes basic water testing kits and medications) should this be necessary.
• Check the purchasers have insulated container / box in which to transport the fish home safely.
• Any failure to follow the above guidance may result in the fish being removed from sale.
• Fish can only be viewed immediately prior to the auction – this is in order to minimize disturbance and possible stress to the fish.
• Any fish knowingly included in the DEFRA list as a banned species will NOT be sold.

Auction event

• Auctions are for fully paid members of the AAGB only
• An identified AAGB donated auction will take place and all funds raised will be retained to support the AAGB.
• Two further auctions will be held. A Labyrinth fish auction and a second general fish, plants and equipment auction. All items must be fish related.
• A commission of 15% on all sales will be paid to the AAGB.
• Lots will be viewed immediately before the sale commences.
• To take part in the auction please raise your hand when placing bids only lowering when you have either decided not to continue or a sale has been agreed.
• Payment for goods will be taken immediately.
• Vendors will receive payment as soon as practicable possible at the end of the auction
• The AAGB does not allow members under the age of 16 to bid for fish or goods unless under the supervision of an adult.