Aquarium hobbyists with an interest in livebearing fishes and freshwater fish conservation are invited to participate in the 12th International Conference of Poeciliid and Goodeid Biologists, to be held July 16–18, 2026, in Padova, Italy.
The first day of the conference (Thursday, July 16) will feature a Hobbyist–Scientist Forum, which is free and open to all. This forum is dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between aquarium hobbyists, zoos and aquariums. and researchers, recognizing the critical role hobbyists play in advancing our understanding of livebearer biology and supporting their long-term conservation.
The forum is intended not only for those currently working with poeciliids and goodeids, but for aquarium hobbyists interested in freshwater fish conservation more broadly, creating space to learn from one another across taxa and traditions. Individuals and organizations will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share the work they do, helping to build connections and identify pathways for collaboration.
A central theme of the forum will be open, candid discussion about both the opportunities and challenges of conservation collaborations, especially in light of the recent IUCN resolution “Scaling collaborative action for threatened freshwater fishes through ex situ conservation.” This resolution explicitly calls for more systematic approaches to ex-situ conservation and for stronger integration of aquarium hobbyists into conservation science and action.
We hope that the forum will reflect the interests and priorities of the broader livebearer community. Hobbyists are invited to provide feedback on discussion topics, as well as to propose presentations. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: maintaining genetically and phenotypically diverse stocks, sharing best practices in husbandry, breeding, and record-keeping, and aligning ex-situ conservation efforts with in-situ conservation goals. Participants will also receive updates on current field conservation, recovery, and reintroduction projects involving endangered poeciliids and goodeids.
Hobbyists who wish to provide feedback or propose a presentation can do so through a short survey, separate from the conference registration: https://forms.gle/2zGcU4W5mhFy2J7M8. There are two presentation options:
- “What We Do” session: short (approximately 3-minute) informal presentations introducing relevant activities of individuals, aquarium clubs, or other organizations.
- Formal presentations: longer talks requiring a proposed title and brief summary. Proposals will be reviewed based on relevance, available time slots, and the goal of assembling a balanced and diverse program.
If you’d like to attend, please register through the conference website: https://pogobio2026.weebly.com/. All attendees, including those joining only the Hobbyist–Scientist Forum on July 16, must register. Participation in the scientific sessions on July 17–18 additionally requires payment of the conference registration fee.
We hope this meeting will serve as a platform for meaningful exchange, mutual learning, and the start of sustained collaborations that strengthen conservation outcomes for livebearing fishes and freshwater biodiversity worldwide.
With best wishes,
Markéta Rejlková, Gil Rosenthal, and Michi Tobler
