The Charleus’ First IBC Convention

IBC Convention 2017

Choosing the Right Diet for your Betta Fish

Breeding Bettas in Brazil

FLARE! 1
 IBC Board Members & Committee Chairs
Executive Board
President Gerald Griffin president@ibcbettas.org
Vice President Peter Bärwald vp@ibcbettas.org
Secretary Jamie Stine secretary@ibcbettas.org
Treasurer Stacy Fenhaus treasurer@ibcbettas.org
Judging Board Sarawut Korsoongsak jbchair@ibcbettas.org
Member-at-Large Liz Hahn ebmember1@ibcbettas.org
Member-at-Large Luis Navarro ebmember2@ibcbettas.org
Member-at-Large Mike Cuaresma ebmember3@ibcbettas.org
Area 1 Member-at-Large Phil Dorr area1member@ibcbettas.org
Area 2 Member-at-Large Sabrina Dichne area2member@ibcbettas.org
Area 3 Member-at-large Wang Zuo Wei area3member@ibcbettas.org
Area 6 Member-at-Large Francis Dy Chua area6member@ibcbettas.org
Area 7 Member-at-Large Jarrod Nielsen area7member@ibcbettas.org
All Executive Board Members ebmembers@ibcbettas.org
Judging Board
Judging Board Chairs Sarawut Korsoongsak, David Spector Vice-Chair jbchair@ibcbettas.org
Certification Kevin Sim, Lee Yen Leong for overall Certification certification@ibcbettas.org
Sarawut Korsoongsak, Dominikus Ferdinand, Willy Choong Pei
Standards standards@ibcbettas.org
Tong
Training Kevin Sim, Hermanus Haryanto training@ibcbettas.org
David Spector for overall Registrar, Dominikus Ferdinand as Back
Registrar registrar@ibcbettas.org
up
Area 1 JB Representative Sam Tse representatives@ibcbettas.org
Area 2 JB Representative Yvan Perre, backup Sabrina Dichne representatives@ibcbettas.org
Area 3 JB Representative Hiroki Ishizu representatives@ibcbettas.org
Area 6 JB Representative Hermanus Haryanto representatives@ibcbettas.org
Area 7 JB Representative Michael Chang representatives@ibcbettas.org
Executive Board JB executiveboardrep@ibcbettas.
Sabrine Dichne
Representative org
All Judging Board Members judgingboard@ibcbettas.org
Committee Chairs
Archives Sally Van Camp archives@ibcbettas.org
Awards Gerald Griffin president@ibcbettas.org
Betta Pals - Area 1 Karen Mac Auley bettapals@ibcbettas.org
Betta Pals - Area 2 Peter Bärwald pb@nicebetta.de
Betta Pals - Area 7 Jarrod Nielsen bettapalsarea7@ibcbettas.org
Chapters Sally Van Camp chapters@ibcbettas.org
Constitution constitution@ibcbettas.org
Events JB Chair, see JB list for Area Specific events@ibcbettas.org
Finance Stacy Fenhaus finance@ibcbettas.org
FLARE! Editor Jarrod Nielsen flareeditor@ibcbettas.org
Marketing Peter Bärwald marketing@ibcbettas.org
Membership Stacy Fenhaus membership@ibcbettas.org
Nomenclature Gene A. Lucas nomenclature@ibcbettas.org
Nominations Holly Rutan nominations@ibcbettas.org
Publications Kathy Tobin publications@ibcbettas.org
Research and Grants Leo Buss research@ibcbettas.org
Sales Kayla Griffin sales@ibcbettas.org
Species Maintenance Gerald Griffin smp@ibcbettas.org
Technical Assistance Jamie Stine ta@ibcbettas.org
Web Team Michael Chang, Stacy Fenhaus, Christine Tanner, Larissa Williams webmaster@ibcbettas.org

FLARE! 2
 On the cover
Super Red Halfmoon Plakat
photographed by Steven Tran
Cover Design: Gerald Griffin
About Steven Tran:
This picture was taken with a canon
T5i, canon 100mm L macro and a
flash on top of the tank. Steven is a
Betta breeder (Bettafx) from Canada,
Toronto. “I love taking pictures of my
fish. I have always loved solid colors
and wanted to start my new line with
this male. Happy Betta keeping!”

Columns Show Info IBC

4 Editor’s Message 34 Show Info 2 Board Members and
Committee Chairs
5 President’s Message MISC 28 General Membership Meeting
Gerald Griffin 32 Betta Word Search Minutes
29 International Betta Congress
Articles Financial Report 2016-2017
6 IBC Convention 2017 39 IBC Code of Ethics
Missina Burcaw

Coming up in the next FLARE!

12 What is Affecting Meeting At-
tendance
Gerald Griffin
16 Breeding Bettas in Brazil
Wilson Vianna Marble Musings by Leo Buss
20 The Charleus’ First IBC Conven-
tion
Andrew and Jessaira Charleus Live Foods by Denny Rogers
22 Brisbane Betta Breeders First
International Show
Attempting to Artificially
Hatch Betta macrostoma by Missina Burcaw
Jarrod Neilsen
24 Choosing the Right Diet for
Your Betta Fish
Demetris Andreou
26 FLARE! Flashback:
Do Some Writing by Greg Steeves
Showing Your Prized Bettas
Parris Jones FLARE! Flashback

FLARE! 3

Hello IBC Members!
At this point you might have noticed that the IBC is in need of a FLARE!
Editor. The FLARE! Editor has historically been a volunteer position.
This much needed role requires a huge amount of time that a lot of
people do not have. This position also requires technical skillsets that
are hard to come by. In addition the editor of FLARE! is at the mercy
of member submissions and takes considerable time to organize. I
was fortunate that when I requested items, a number of IBC members
submitted articles and pictures. However we still need more! I have
enough for the next issue but will need material for the followimg
issues So please send your submissions!
Thanks for reading!
Gerald Griffin
Interim FLARE! Editor
FLARE! Editorial Team
Peter Bärwald, Stacy Fenhaus, Kayla Griffin, Luis Navarro, Jarrod Nielsen,
Claire Pavia, Larissa Williams, Valaree Baker.
IBC Membership Dues
$20 Individual
$22 Family
$14 Junior (16 yrs. & Under)
$50 Corresponding (fish hobby organizations and commercial
entities)
$500 Lifetime Membership (for individuals and families only)
FLARE! 4
Volume 51 Issue 1
FLARE! Is the official quarterly publication of
the International Betta Congress (IBC), a non-
profit organization. The views and opinions
contained within are not necessarily those of
the editors and/or the officers and members
of the IBC.
FLARE! Submission Guidelines
Articles:
Please submit all articles in electronic
form. We can accept most popular software
formats and fonts. Photos and graphics
are encouraged with your articles! Please
remember to include the photo/graphic cred-
its. Graphics and photo files may be submit-
ted in any format, however uncompressed
TIFF, JPEG or vector format is preferred, at
the highest resolution/file size possible. If
you need help with graphics files or your file
is too large to email, please contact me for
alternative submission methods.
Chapter Reports:
All chapters are encouraged to submit news
and chapter items. It is a great opportunity
to attract new club members in your area.
Photos and graphics are encouraged with
your articles! Please remember to include
the photo/graphic credits. See the previous
information on submissions.
Show Information:
Show Chairs are responsible for submitting
Show Information and Show Results. Please
submit results in the electronic format ap-
proved by the Judging Board Registrar. Show
Ads cannot exceed a ½ page in length. The
IBC Convention Ad cannot exceed two pages
in length. If you need help in creating an ad
please contact the editor.
Art Submission:
Graphics and photo files may be submitted
in any format. However, uncompressed TIFF,
JPEG or vector formats are preferred. Please
submit the highest resolution possible.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All Rights Reserved.No part of this publica-
tion may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, transmitted, distributed, sold or pub-
licly displayed in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, record-
ing, or otherwise, except for fair use, without
the explicit permission of the International
Betta Congress (IBC), Hereford, AZ USA.
president’s message
Gerald Griffin
IBC President
If you are reading this you already know this is the first of
the missing four FLARE! magazines. My goal is to have the
remaining three done before the 30th of November, and
then we will be back on track with the current cycle.
At Convention 2018 we made three major decisions about
FLARE! One is that the paper version would be discon-
tinued. This has been done with almost every fish hobby
organization across the globe as printing costs continue
rise along with postage rates. Next, we decided that I
would take my personal time to finish the missing issues
of FLARE! before the end of November 2018. Finally, we
decided that the IBC would hire a professional editor, and
contract out the job so that we can maintain our goals and
timelines. These funds would be allocated from the no
longer existant costs from printing and mailing out FLARE!
issues. I would like to mention that what we are offering is
not an enormous amount of money, yet, if it does return
the magazine to the standards and quality that Jarrod and
Michael gave it, then it is worth the expense.
So how important is FLARE!? It has been said that FLARE!
is the lifeline of the IBC. Although I believe that lifeline
is IBC Membership it is still vitally important. FLARE! is
the face of the IBC and it is what members expect, a maga-
zine showcasing the IBC, its members, and the IBC Shows.
FLARE! also serves as a storehouse of Betta information
from the beginnings of the IBC up to the current times. For
some IBC members it was the reason they joined the IBC,
for others it is a good source of relaxation to be able to sit
down and read about all things Betta.
We still need you however! FLARE! is an incredible
amount of work. When I decided to take this on I under-
estimated how much work it would be. Our biggest issue
is content! We need it! Send in those pictures! Send in
those Articles! We need content. Remember that the IBC
is entirely volunteer driven and we need IBC members to
volunteer with their time to write, and do other things for
the IBC like volunteering at shows, volunteering to work on
committees and other things that your organization might
need.
Now moving on. You have probably seen some of the
changes in the Administration of the IBC. Peter Barwald
had to step down as Vice President and was replaced with
Luis Navarro. Both have been and will continue to be assets
to the IBC. There has also been some commotion about the
Area 4 show in which the IBC allowed for the fast tracking
of four judges. I know there have been some complaints
however I assure you it was done with best intentions. The
Aquarismo Show allowed us to train these Judges in an
intensive three days worth of training that started at 9 am
and went until 9 pm each day. That is a lot of work! These
four Judges were also used to IBC like standards that they
were using in their own show system so it is not like this
was something totally new to them. We were impressed
with their abilities and their knowledge of showing and
Judging. We are now at the point where every IBC Area
has shows which is the first time in the History of the IBC!
Here I have to give a big shout out to Larissa Williams and
Michael Chang for their tireless work and dedication to the
IBC! There will be a series of Articles about our Brazilian
Experience.
So from here I see a bright future for the IBC. We now
have an established show system in all IBC areas and Area
5 is going to be picking up soon. Area 4 will be expanding
with more shows. Speaking of shows, Kayla and I will be
hosting Convention in Dallas this next year and it is look-
ing like maybe the biggest one in years. We are working
with Lone Star Bettas and North Texas Betta Society along
with our Oklahoma Betta Breeders Association. More in-
formation on this will be posted in the next issue of FLARE!
Until Next Time!
Same Betta Time! Same Betta Channel!
FLARE! 5
 Bettacon
IBC Conventio

By Missina Burcaw
FLARE! 6
 17 W
hen Paul and Aurelia Ogles told me that
they were putting in a bid to host the IBC
convention in Orlando, I tried not to get to
excited because anything could happen and it could
fall through. When it was confirmed that the conven-
tion would be held in Orlando for 2017, I still tried
not to get excited, because anything could happen. But

on 2017
when I booked my hotel room and my request for time
off was approved from work, I got excited! I have been
to shows in Florida and even one show out in Oregon,
but I had never gone to a convention, and for those of
you who missed it, you missed out big time!

While many of us in the IBC have friends or family

members that keep and breed fish, many of us do not.
One of the major things that stood out about conven-
tion for me was that everyone there shared a passion
for keeping and breeding bettas. It was a great time to
geek out about fish! Because of this shared passion, it
was like everyone was your longtime friend, regardless
of age, language, or background. It also presented a
chance for people who had only met on line to meet in
person. I will not bore you with a list of everyone who
I met, but let’s just say it was a very nice list!

There were also some amazing guest speakers and pre-

sentations given at convention. The first day, Friday, I
was able to go to the judging seminar 1 and 2, these are
required if you want to become an apprentice judge.
The seminars were presented by Larissa Williams and
Sabrina Dichne. Even if you had no desire to become a
judge, if you are a breeder than these seminars would
help you in your quest for the perfect show fish. After
the seminars, those of us who were new to judging
were paired up with senior judges and we learned from
the masters and helped to judge the fish from the show.
But that is not all we did on Friday. Jennifer Hugus and
Valerie Nichols gave a presentation on live and DIY
foods for bettas, including a very nice recipe for mak-
ing gel foods, and Bill Little and myself gave a presen-
tation on wild bettas.

Saturday was the main day of the convention. On this

day all the ballots for election were due, the stock shop
was open (and yes I did buy some stuff), the show was
open for viewing, and there were more great presenta-
tions. Sieg Illig and Sabrina Dichne gave a presention
on plakats and short fin bettas, Andres Bendesky pre-
sented on betta genetics and a project that he is work-
ing on in which he also asked the club for help in
FLARE! 7
 Kayla Griffin awarding Paul and Aurelia
Ogles the Betta People of the Year award

Dr. Lucas and the

missing certificate.

Seig Illig awarded

the Dr. Gene Lucas
Award

Bill Little and Missina Bur- Bob Plenge winning

caw showing off the Show the Peacock Award
Awards for Convention

FLARE! 8
 obtaining specimens for analysis, Gene Lucas gave a
talk on the “nuts and bolts of genetics”, Leo Buss talked
about marbles, and last but not least, Gerald Griffin
gave a presentation on fish diseases and pathogens. I
will be honest and tell you now that I did miss some
of the presentations, but it was for a very good cause.
I was talking photos of all the fish that placed in the
show which took a few hours.

While I was taking fish photos, I missed the general

IBC membership meeting (I don’t really get along
with politics anyways). After the meeting, people kept
walking up to me and congratulating me, it was then
that I found out that I had been elected co-chair of the
SMP. So keep an eye out in the next several months for
changes to the SMP website and information!
After all the presentations were done, the fish were
judged, the meetings were over, and it was time for the
awards banquet. The high light of the awards banquet,
in my opinion, was getting to spend it with the won-
derful members of the IBC. It was a lot of fun to win
Connie Emery and Dr. Gene medals, plaques, and certificates, but I cannot stress
Lucas looking at an award enough that spending time with other hobbyist was
he recieved that had been surreal. The awards, by the way, were all well made.
misplaced for many years. The main trophies were incredible, the plaques all
had wooden carved and painted bettas on them, and
Missina showing her winnings the medals were all carved with the First Coast Betta
logo. With over 400 entries in the convention, a lot of
awards were handed out! There were also awards for
top breeders for the year, and honestly so many that
I could not keep track! Some of note though: Gene
Lucas was presented with a very old award that he had
never been given but was recently found tucked away
somewhere, Dick Houston was given an award for his
work with wild bettas, and I think that Mike Cuaresma
may have left with more awards than would fit on the
air plane.

Sunday was the last day and there were many people
who showed up for 1 thing and 1 thing only: the auc-
tion. If you are new to breeding or have been breeding
for years, the last day of any show or convention is the
day to get great show fish at super low prices. I know
I had a few hundred dollars saved up just for this day,
although I personally did not spend much because I
was holding out for wild betta species and Bill Little
and myself were the only ones who brought any to the
show! I did leave with a nice collection of new breed-
ing stock though, including 2 white opaque males bred

FLARE! 9
by Sabrina. Some of you may have seen the short video
I posted on youtube showing the auction, if not, the Sabrina Dichne being awarded
the Fellow of the Congress.
link is here: https://youtu.be/QsO5SI-knKw

The saddest part about convention was that it was over

too soon. Before we knew it, the auction was over,
the fish were bagged and everyone was leaving. Some
stayed on another day in Orlando, but I had to go
home and take care of fish and save my boyfriend from
taking care of the critters. Next year’s convention will
be held in Mexico and I know that I will not be able
to make it, but the one after that I should be at. If you
have never gone, you really should go because you will
love it!

(Editor’s note: The Convention that was supposed to

be in Mexico had to be moved to Long Beach Califor-
nia because of import regulations.) The Next Conven-
tion will be in 2019 in Irving Texas.

Sabrina posing with

show awards won by her
mother at Convention

FLARE! 10
FLARE! 11
 Aquarium Association Management:
What is affecting Meeting Attendance
Article and Survey by
Gerald Griffin
A
few months ago I sent out a survey to try to
get some perspective on the Aquarium Hobby
and where it was in terms of sustainability.
Although it was an informal survey it was interesting
to see how many people shared the link and how many
responses I received. The originally intended audience
was the clubs of the Federation of Texas Aquarium
Societies and the purpose was to see how the various
clubs were performing based on membership attend-
ing meetings. The survey format was short answers
and open ended. The responses were placed into
categories and then tallied to those categories. Because
of this there is no way to perform any sort of statistical
analysis. This survey will be used as a starting point for
further investigation as to some problems that many
in leadership positions across North America have ex-
pressed to me in discussions which is declining mem-
bership attending physical club meetings. As it turned
out this survey was not only spread in the FOTAS
Clubs but went around to various parts of the United
States and into Canada through CAOAC (Canadian
Association Of Aquarium Clubs). One trend that was
noticed is that a number of the clubs of FOTAS quit
charging yearly memberships. This as it turned out is a
standard practice of FOTAS Clubs. The idea being that
if it is free to join then people cannot use the excuse of
money being the issue to not attend the club functions.
It was also used as a recruitment tool. In the end 174
FLARE! 12
people started the survey. Here is the breakdown of
the questions and answers.
Question One: Do you attend local “Fish Club
Meetings”?
Of 174 people answering 40.8% stated No, and 59.2%
answered yes. The second part was for the people that
answered no to explain why not. Of which 75 an-
swered with reasons they do not attend.
One of the first things that stand out is Scheduling.
This is one I personally get as I have tried many times
to accommodate times for club members and that is
nearly impossible to get everyone. For our members
Saturdays works out best. The other two things that
stood out was distance from meeting location and top-
ics not interesting. With just under one quarter stating
topics not interesting I wonder what would be interest-
ing to them. My biggest surprise in this survey was
that only 3% of respondents stated that they get their
fix online and don’t need to attend meetings. If this
data is correct it would imply that the internet is not a
big pull away from meetings which I find almost ironic
as the number of people I talk to about running their
clubs state that the internet has pulled people away
from attending meetings.
Question 1: What is the primary reason you do not attend Local
Fish Club Meetings?
Lack of Club Activities 3% Attitude of Club Members 1%

Time or Scheduling
Topics not of Problems 34%
my interest 23%

r
nt i - s ocial o
I am a 4%
y
anxiet 3%
l ine %
c t o n
ne6
nne an
yo
I co w
k no
’t Distance from
on
Id Club 23%

Thinking of Going,
Just haven’t yet 3%
Question 2: Why do former attendees no
longer attend Local Fish Club Meetings

To
Question Two: Have you ever attended a local In pic
te s n
re
“Fish Club Meeting” but no longer attend? sti ot
ng
Club Politics 11% 16 Scheduling
%
37%
This yielded 167 responses of which 80.2% were no
and 19.8% were yes. Of those no longer attending
there were 32 respondents. C
16 lub
Meeting Distance 10% % Di
sb
an
Again we have an interesting set of reasons why not to de
d
attend with scheduling being the number one reasons
are followed by club disbanding and topics not of
Personal Health Issues 10%
interest.
FLARE! 13
Question Three: Those that attend local “Fish Question 3: What do you like best about
Club Meetings”, what do you like best about Meetings?
those meetings?

Me ple 9%
Peo
This question had 114 respondents. Question Three

etin
Au
was not a surprise for me as the main reason is always

gN
c tio
being able to connect with other hobbyists and learn- ns

ew
ing from them or just talking fish. What I found some- 11%
what surprising is that only 11% of the respondents
were focused on the speakers. I know big names can
be good draws but in many clubs does not seem to be a Speakers 11% Fun, Informative
major pull. Camaraderie 69%

Question 4: What would interest you in

Question Four: Those that do not attend local Attending Meetings? (Non Attendees)
“Fish Club Meetings” what would interest you in
attending?

There were 65 respondents and here is the breakdown

Sc
of their answers. he
du
Di
Me stanc
li
ng
Question Four was a bit of a surprise because in my
eti e fr
1
area there are just as many marine clubs as there are ng o Saltwater
2%
10 m Topics 46%
fresh water clubs or general clubs. It is possible that %
that is not the case in the rest of area surveyed. As a
general club our Oklahoma Aquarium Association Auctions 15%
actually does from time to time have saltwater topics as
ie

some of us do keep salt water aquariums. However the

0% ies

vast majority of our members are fresh water.

s 1 ivit
ffle ct
Ra ub A
Cl

Finding Others of Similar Interests 7%

FLARE! 14
Question Five: Do you belong to any “Profession- Question 5: Those that belong to Profes-
al Aquarium Associations?” sional Aquarium Organizations, which
ones do you belong to?
If so list them. There were 90 respondents to this
question and the breakdown was about 50/50. For AAGB 5%
this question I did not add the local aquarium clubs as NANFA 5%
there were many with only one or two. So the data was
broken into two tables, did you belong and then into IBC 25%
which ones. Some belonged to more than one.

Of this data it would appear that the Betta and Cich- IFGA 10%
lid people were well represented. Here are a list of
the local clubs that were mentioned as well as some
of the Large Associations that are made of various AKA 10%
member clubs. Of the large associations mentioned ALA 10%
were CAOAC (Canadian Association of Aquarium
Clubs), NEC (Northeast Council), FOTAS (Federation
ACA 35%
of Texas Aquarium Societies) and BBC (Betta Breed-
ers Canada). The local clubs listed (in no particular
order) Greater Houston Aquarium Club, Houston
Cichlid Club, Oklahoma Aquarium Association, Texas
Cichlid Association, Southeast Louisiana Aquarium
Society, Connecticut Betta Club, Northwest Arkan-
sas Aquarium Society, Minnesota Aquarium Society, In conclusion this data shows that the Internet is not
Peel Regional Aquarium Club, Hamilton and District having a great impact on pulling people away from
Aquarium Society, Atlanta Area Aquarium Society and meetings however the major problems appear to be
there were some that were listed by their letters only lack of time to attend, scheduling conflicts and pos-
that I had no clue what they were. In looking at the sible attendees not having a vested interest in actually
clubs they would appear to be from the center of North attending a meeting. This is the first of a few more
America heading to the east with no west coast partici- surveys looking into potential problems local clubs are
pation. having with members attending meetings.

Fish Events are not always just talks and shows!

Here our intrepid explorers are getting ready to
explore the Comal River.

FLARE! 15
 Breeding Bettas in Brazil
I
n Brazil, more than three million bettas are pro-
duced per year. The breeding began in the year
1937 by the hands of a Japanese immigrant named
Sugeiti Takase and from then on the production has
been intensified and at present more than two thou-
sand breeders are spread in the twenty-six Brazilian
states.
The breeding system they use most often occurs with
breeding in greenhouses, in small plastic basins. After
about twenty days, the fingerlings are taken to tanks
excavated in the ground or built of masonry, which
already have infusoria, originated from organic fertil-
ization.
At two months the male bettas are taken to small
containers and are usually ready for commercialization
in three or four months depending on the time of the
year.
Bettas are sold in stores, at marketplaces or at exhibi-
tions. The value range from US $2.00 (the simplest
variety such as the veiltail) to US $5.00 (the so-called
crowntail, halfmoon, big ear, koi, etc… lineages).
FLARE! 16
By Wilson Vianna
The place where the largest production of bettas occurs
is in the state of Minas Gerais, located in the south-
eastern region of Brazil, in which more than ten cities
have the production of bettas as their main source of
income, counting more than a thousand producers.
One city in particular stands out in the production of
bettas. It is the city of Patrocinio de Muriaé, located in
the state of Minas Gerais, known as ¨THE CITY OF
BETTA¨. At the entrance to the city there is a bill-
board which indicates the activity of breeding bettas.
In this city there are more than a hundred breeders.
They are low income people who have left the fields
where they used to produce vegetables, legumes, etc…
to produce bettas. The greenhouses and the breeding
tanks are rustic and of their own manufacture. They
are made up mostly of clay and lined with waterproof
canvas. The breeders use recycled plastic bottles to
store bettas from the juvenile phase to the adult stage.
The favorable climate, the topography and the abun-
dance of water provide a high productivity with ap-
proximately two-hundred and fifty thousand bettas per
 In the month of November,
Tanks excavated lined with plastic
a national exhibition ¨Na-
tional Encounter of Bettas
– Enabettas¨ is held. It brings
together breeders from all
states. More than fifty breed-
ers participate in this ex-
hibition with a total of five
hundred bettas.

month. The city hall and the university of the city assist
and guide the producers in the management and com-
mercialization of fish, providing training and coopera-
tive for the sale of bettas.
Recycled plastic bottles
The Ornamental Aquaculture Association of the State
of Rio de Janeiro, in partner-
ship with universities, created
a project to breed bettas in
schools of needy communi-
ties. The students earn their
first bettas, materials and
equipment and from then
on, with the guidance of the
Association biologists, they
begin to produce them aim-
ing at generating income and
social inclusion.

Exhibitions take place

throughout the year in sev-
eral states, rewarding the best
bettas in more than thirty
previously defined categories.
There is a judgement manual
that is unique for the whole Inside view of the greenhouse
country.

FLARE! 17
 Enabettas 2016 exhibitors

FLARE! 18
 Greenhouse by Rômulo Junior

The breeder José Roberto has worked in marketplaces

selling bettas for more than forty years.
Sale of bettas in marketplaces

FLARE! 19
 The Charleus’ First IBC Convention
By Andrew and Jessaira Charleus

W
e are Andrew and Jessaira Charleus, also
known as MrMrsBettaFish and are here to
give you our input on our first experience
in an IBC convention. We had a positive and motiva-
tional experience in this show. The seminars ranged
from the betta fish genetics to enhancing the well being
of these amazing creatures. The judges also shared
their knowledge on what they look for in the shows.

Overall, we felt the environment was very welcom-

ing to newcomers. The 2017 IBC Show in Orlando,
Florida had lots of stunning betta fish, artwork of betta
fish and entertainment at the awards banquet. The First Place in Crafts Win!
entire event gave us helpful information, and positive

N
feedback that will enhance our future projects. We
osotros somos Andrew y Jessaira Charleus,
look forward in participating more with IBC and any
también conocidos como MrMrsBettaFish y
related shows.
estamos aquí para compartir nuestra primera
experiencia de la Convención de IBC. Tuvimos una
We were fortunate to have a couple of first places:
experiencia positiva e inspiradora. Los seminarios se
Crafts, Long Fin HM Male (New Breeder), Pattern
trataban de la genetica de los peces betas, hasta mejo-
Female. As a breeder, Andrew has years of experience,
rando la salud de estas grandiosas creaturas. Los jueces
and is self taught like many other in the betta fish com-
tambien compartieron sus sabidurias y hablaron de
munity. Jessaira has a background that includes fine
que ellos buscaban en los concursos de los peces.
arts. As an artist or breeder the first exhibit or show
always become challenging but we learned that we just
Si eres principiante, no te preocupes porque el ambi-
needed to get out there and experience it all.
ente hace sentir bienvenido. En el IBC Convencional
2017 en Orlando, Florida habían hermosos betas,
As a couple, we challenge each other and inspire each
arte de betas y entretenimiento en el banquete de los
other to perform better. The two betta fish we pre-
premios. El evento nos llenó de información, con-
sented that won were carefully selected by our own
sejos positivos que nos ayudarán en nuestros próxi-
standards and the artwork was a full almost 2 days /24
mos proyectos desde demostración de betas hasta las
hours work from designing the artwork to selecting
manualidades de los fabulosos peces betas. Estamos
the glass. It shows that hard work pays off, if you are
preparándonos para los próximos eventos.
a breeder or a betta fish owner you want to come and
experience one of the shows and don’t forget to partici-
Somos afortunados de que tuvimos par los primeros
pate! It was an honor meeting everyone and we can’t
salgares en nuestra primera competencia: artesanía,
wait to do it again.
pez de aletas largas media luna (masculino) (criador
nuevo), (femenino) patrón. Como criador, Andrew-
tiene años de experiencia y se ha auto enseñado el arte
de criar betas como muchos otros en la comunidad
beta y como artistas, Jessaira tiene experiencia en artes
plásticas. Como criador o artista, nuestra primera
FLARE! 20
competencia siempre es un poco difícil pero aprendi-
mos que es necesario enfrentar los miedos y participar
todo lo que se pueda.

Estamos casados y nos retamos uno al otra e inspira-

mos hacer lo mejor posible. Los dos peces beta que
presentamos y ganaron fueron seleccionados muy
cuidadosamente basado en nuestros propios medidas y
el arte que presentamos tomó cerca de 2 días / 24horas
de trabajo desde el diseño del arte, hasta seleccionarlos
cristales. Esto muestra si trabajas fuerte verás resulta-
dos. Si eres un criador o adquiriste un pez beta debes
ir y experimentar uno de los eventos y note olvides de
participar. Fue un honor conocer a todos y estamos
esperando ansiosamente nuestro próximo evento.

The Authors with Sabrina Dichne

FLARE! 21
 Brisbane Betta Breeders First
International Show
Brisbane Betta Breeders held our first IBC International Show on June 12th 2017. We are start-
ing to build a strong local following with our shows and are starting to see more people entering
as well as attending the show. Our auction is also attracting breeders and hobbyists both locally
and interstate eager to bid on locally bred bettas. This show, we had quite a few different species
of wild bettas on show. It is good to see people get interested in keeping, breeding and showing
some thing a little more different.

A big thanks goes out to our club helpers who tirelessly dedicate their time and energy in putting
our shows together and making sure everything runs smoothly as possible. Thanks to our show
chair, head judge and our apprentices. Look forward to working with you all again.

The next Area 7 show is an International Show hosted by Victoria Betta, due to be held on the
8th October 2017, followed by BBB’s International Show, held on March 13th 2018.

FLARE! 22
FLARE! 23
 Choosing the right diet
for your Betta fish
by Demetris Andreou
Similarly to humans the diet of our fish can highly ef-
fect their health. Fish that are well fed with the proper
food have better immune system making them resil-
ient to infections, faster growth rate, and have better
reproduction abilities. In this article, I will review
several research articles where the effect of different
foods on Betta Splendens was investigated to conclude
the right diet for our fish.
The wild Betta Splendens is native to Mekong, Thai-
land and several other Asian countries [1]. Its habitat
consists mainly of standing water of floodplains, rice
paddies and canals. In its natural environment it feeds
on a variety of insects and other small aquatic crea-
tures including bloodworms, mosquito larvae, tubifex,
rotifera and daphnia [1,2]. Considering these facts, we
can hypothesise that the ideal diet for our domesticat-
ed Betta Splendens – since they were developed from
the wild type after all – should consist of high animal
protein; ideally from insects.
James R. and Sampath K. investigated the effects of
plant and animal proteins in different levels on the
growth and fecundity of Betta Splendens [3]. 750 Betta
Splendens (30 days old) were used in this experiment.
The fish were separated into 10 groups and were fed
pellets comprising either from plant or animal protein
at different levels (10%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45%); trip-
licates were maintained for each treatment. The ani-
mal protein based pellets consisted of fish meal, squid
meal, maida, egg yolk, sunflower oil and a mixture of
vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, the plant protein
based pellets consisted of soybean meal, groundnut oil
cake, bajra, ragi, maida, sunflower oil and a mixture of
vitamins/minerals. The fish were fed once a day for 154
days. The growth of each fish was measured every 28
days; while 2 females from each replicate group were
FLARE! 24
sacrificed to measure the gonad growth. After reach-
ing sexual maturity two males and two females were
randomly chosen from each replicate group and
spawned. The number of the eggs was recorded to
investigate the fecundity of each female, the number
of fry was also recorded to estimate the hatching rate.
At the end of the experiment the remaining animals
were sacrificed for gonad and growth estimations.
All the results of this study were statistically signifi-
cant; it was shown that the fish that were fed 35% of
either animal or protein based food had the highest
growth rate; interestingly the growth rate of these fish
was even higher from the fish that were fed the 45%
protein-based pellets. Females that were fed either 35%
animal or plant protein had the heaviest gonads com-
pared to the other groups, however after the 112th day
the gonads of the females that fed 35% animal-based
protein weighted 79% more than the gonads of the
35% plant-based protein group. Furthermore, in all the
groups that were fed plant-based protein the females
hadn’t develop gonads on day 56. However, fish that
were fed 25-45% animal-based protein had gonads on
day 56. Fish that were fed 35% animal or plant protein
diets produced more eggs and had a higher hatching
rate compared to other groups of the same protein
type. However, fish that were fed 35% animal pro-
tein laid significantly more eggs than the females that
were fed 35% plant protein. All in all, considering the
results of this study it is suggested that animal protein
based foods are better than plant based foods for Betta
Splendens. The study also suggests that 35% of protein
content is better than 45%, however more studies are
needed to be able to make such suggestions since dif-
ferent animal protein sources may have different effects
at the same protein level.
Biokani and colleagues investigated the effects of five
different foods; blood worms (65% protein), artemia
cysts (62% protein), artemia mass powder (46.36%
protein), Gammarus mass powder (42.43% protein)
and ordinary commercial food (38% protein) in 20
Betta Splendens pairs [4]. Each diet was assigned into
4 pairs. The fish were fed for a month twice a day. After
the feeding period the pairs were allowed to spawn and
the spawning time, number of eggs, number of fry and
the percent of survival rate were recorded. The results
showed that the pairs that were fed with bloodworms
had the shortest spawning time, the highest number of
eggs and the highest number of fry. While the com-
mercial food had the longest spawning time, lowest
amount of eggs and fry. Interestingly the group that
was fed artemia cyst had the highest survival rate even
though the egg and fry numbers were lower than the
bloodworms group. However, the results of this study
were statistically not significant, probably due to the
low number of the fish. Nevertheless, there are pre-
liminary evidence to suggest that the bloodworm diet
was superior to the rest of them. This come in contrast
to the results of James R. and Sampath K. where they
suggest that 35% protein content is the ideal one for
betta Splendens considering that the bloodworms had
65% protein content [3,4].
Sipauba-Tavares and colleagues investigated the ef-
fects of live and formulated diets on Betta Splendens
[2]. This experiment was carried out on 75 Betta
Splendens (60 days old); 1/3 of the fish were fed live
food (plankton) from the water of a local pond (their
containers had holes and the water was in contact with
the pond water), 1/3 of the fish were fed a formulated
diet consisting of fish meal, soybean meal, wheat meal,
soybean oil, Mineral-vitamin mix, dicalcium phos-
phate and sugar cane bahasse; the crude protein of this
food was 32.3%, and the rest 1/3 of the fish were fed a
mixture of live food and formulated food (75% formu-
lated 25% live food). The fish were fed for 49 days. The
results showed that the growth rate, weigh gain and
final weight were statistically significantly higher in the
group that combined both foods, interestingly the low-
est measurements were observed in the group that was
exposed to the pond water (live food). The highest sur-
vival rate 92% occurred in the group the received only
the formulated diet compared to the 44% of survival
rate of the live food group and 80% survival rate of the
mixed diet. The authors hypothesise that the results of
the live food group was due to the fact the pond water
had a high density of Copepoda; these species have a
a rapid jumping movement which may had caused
the Betta Splendens to waste more energy to prey and
ingest them. However, this could also be due to the
added vitamins and mineral in the formulated diet
where they may have not been present in the live food
in sufficient quantities. This study shows that a com-
bined diet is superior to either only formulated or live
food.
In conclusion; the above studies show that the ideal
diet for Betta Splendens should consist of animal pro-
tein instead of plant protein with the minimum protein
level being 35%. A combined diet of formulated and
live/frozen food such as bloodworms is better than
either just one of them. Hence; the next time you go
out for some food shopping for your Betta fish read
the label that shows the nutritional value of the food. If
the protein content is above 35% proceed reading the
ingredients; the ingredients are listed in a descending
order; the first ingredients are the ones that were used
in the greatest amount followed by the those used in
smaller amounts. Ideally, we want to see first ingre-
dients like insects (daphnia, bloodworms, fly larvae
etc) and/or fish (salmon, herring, halibut etc). The last
ingredients should be the fillers of the food such as
wheat, cereals etc. Fillers are not well digested by the
fish and they end up being excreted and polluting the
water; hence the less fillers in the food the better.
References:
1. Rainboth, W.J. (1996) Fishes of the Cambodian
Mekong. FAO Species Identification Field Guide for
Fishery Purposes. FAO, Rome.
2. Sipauba-Tavares L.H., Appoloni A.M., Fernandes
J.B.K., Millan R.N. (2016). Feed of Siamese fighting
fish, Betta Splendens, (Regan, 1910) in open pond: live
and formulated diets. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 76,
292-299.
3. James, R. & Sampath, K. (2003). Effect of animal
and plant protein diets on growth and fecundity in or-
namental fish Betta Splendens (Regan). Israeli Journal
of Aquaculture, 55, 39-52.
4. Biokani, S., Jamili S., & Amini, S. & Sarkhosh, J.
(2014). The Study of different rations of spawning
efficiency of siamese fighting fish (Betta Splendens).
Marine Science, 4, 33-37.
FLARE! 25
 FLARE! FLASHBACK:
Showing Your
Prized Betta
Originally Printed in FLARE Volume 15 Issue 6
I view showing your bettas as the climax of many
months of hard work. Now that you have obtained
your Betta choice, conditioned your Bettas, spawned
your Bettas, culled your Bettas – at last – you have
your first generation prized Bettas. After all the work
you have put into these few Bettas not to show them
would be a shame.
Of course, you also want to spawn these Bettas and you
should save your most prized male and female for the
next generation. But if you have saved 12 Bettas from
a spawn, you should consider showing them.
Preparing a Betta for a show does not begin a day
before a show. Instead, the preparation begins from
the time they are fry. To have a good exhibit, proper
feeding and care must be exercised continuously. Once Bettas, you can use a sturdy card board box and line
their Finnage is damaged or their growth stunted, it
is very hard if not impossible to recondition them for
showing.
A week prior to the show, however, I do treat my Bettas for return postage. If you are in doubt in regards to
extra special. During this time I change their water
daily. I also feed them 3 to 4 times a day varying their host club will help you in their classification.
diet between brine shrimp, beef heart, and frozen
plankton. Through this extra care, my Bettas become
very robust. They will more easily withstand the pe-
riod during the show when they are not fed.
Depending on the locale of the show you should stop
feeding them at least 12 hours before bagging them.
This step will reduce the ammonia build up in their
bags while en route. (A high ammonia content can
cause death to your Bettas.)
FLARE! 26
By Parris Jones
In bagging my fish I use 6 ounces of water to a 4 x 12
bag. The water contains non-iodized salt and a water
conditioner such as NOVAQUA. I use a ratio of one
tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Once the Bettas
are put in their bags, I tie the bag securely making sure
there is equal volume of air. (You don’t need to use
pure oxygen.) I prefer tying the bag in a knot rather
than using a rubber band or tie. Depending on how
strong the bags are, I may also double bag them. These
bags should be regular fish bags used in pet shops not
food bags.
After bagging them, I put these Bettas in a Styrofoam
box and mark the box – LIVE FISH – PLEASE KEEP
AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. You can obtain these
boxes from any local pet store. If you have only a few
the inside with insulation.
In shipping Bettas to a show make sure you send the
completed entry forms, extra bags, and extra money
classifying them, indicate this on the entry form. The
I mail my fish, Air Mail Special Delivery. I normally
try to mail them on Mondays to ensure delivery before
the weekend. I have found delivery is normally one or
two days. But, you can never trust the US Mail.
If you’re like me, the first shipping of fish will be a dra-
matic experience. But after several shows I can testify I
have never lost a fish.
The other method of showing fish is actually attending
the show. There are several advantages to attending
the show. Besides a show being very enjoyable and
you meet many fellow hobbyists, you also can use your
own water and give your Bettas extra care for a few
days longer.
In attending the show, a day prior to the show I stop
feeding them. By fasting them at this time, the water
used during the show will not become contaminated.
Also at this time, I place cards between them so they
will also not see another Betta. By isolating them,
during the judging they will continuously flare at their
neighbors.
When transporting them, I prefer to bag them rather
than placing them in their show container (2 quart
drum bowl). This procedure will help them adjust
faster at the show site. (Can you imagine how you
would feel after being banged against a hard wall in the
dark for several hours. Well, your fish feel the same
way.) Of course, using bags is more important the
further the drive is to the show site.
When transporting your Bettas carry them in a styro-
foam box. These boxes can be obtained from your
local pet store. Also try to carry enough water to fill
your two quart drum bowl. With their own water they
will adjust faster at the show site.
Actual Show using half gallon drum bowls!
Once at the show site, make sure your Bettas remain
isolated. In addition, cover the top of your contain-
ers. I use plastic wrap and secure the lid with a rubber
band. This protection will make sure no by-stander
will contaminate your exhibit.
Well now your Bettas have finally made it to the show
site. I hope you have success. Remember even though
it’s nice to receive a trophy or ribbon, it’s more impor-
tant just getting involved with IBC. IBC is your orga-
nization why not be active.
You may only have a few Bettas to show, but I person-
ally feel, you have as much right to show what you have
developed as any large breeder. You can only benefit
yourself by comparing your fish with others.
The annual Convention is coming up in June. Could
you imagine the size of this year’s Convention if each
of us mailed Bettas or better yet, attended. This is
OUR ultimate show for the year let us ALL support it.
Editor’s Notes: This was written back in 1982. Parris
was a well loved and major Betta Breeder back in the
70s and 80s and a former IBC President. The IBC now
mandates that all fish sent to shows must be at mini-
mum double bagged. The IBC also recommends that
shippers used 2/3rds air to water. As to mailing there
are a lot more options now and the majority of ship-
pers use Priority Mail.
FLARE! 27
 General Membership
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held at the 2017 IBC Convention in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando Clarion Inn and Suites.

The meeting was called to order by Gerald Griffin, President.

Discussion/Old Business:
• German Convention Discussion/Area 2
o Convention 2018 in Croatia
• Question about world convention
o Need bylaws changes and financial backing, EB tabled to research for the moment
o Suggestion for IBC to front transshipping
o Move to open for world convention bids, assuming that we will HAVE to work out the details
 Would not replace General Convention, etc.
 Gen Con =World Con
 Nothing says GC HAS to be in A1
 Tasks can be split out to online, don’t have to be done in person
 Constitution needs to be updated
 Need more funds from IBC, Area Sanction Fees should be applied, benefit from Inter
national Sponsors
 Can we propose and vote on constitutional changes before 2018 to take bids for world
for 2020?
o This is when Jamie got volunteered to be CC chair
 Moved to close discussion for the moment
• Committee Reports
o Financials (see Financial Reports)
o Constitution changes
 Task forces, term limits, etc.
o Discussion about moving to a whole world thing, rather than “just area 1” and mentioned that
WE ARE, but people don’t really see it.
o Flare – suggestions, people want to see more actual content, etc.
 Embedding videos in the digital copy but then having a way to view them even if you
only get a hard copy
o Social Media discussion
• Election Results
• SMP
• Convention 2018 Announcement: Mexico
o Discussion about getting fish in, etc

Motion to Adjourn by Aurelia, and seconded by Larissa.

FLARE! 28
 International Betta Congress
Financial Report 2016-2017

International Betta Congress July 2016 Aug 2016 Sept 2016 Oct 2016 Nov 2016 Dec 2016 Jan 2017 Feb 2017 Mar 2017 Apr 2017 May 2017 Jun 2017 YEAR
STARTING CASH BALANCE 39,148.62
INCOME

Membership $ 992.50 $ 1,626.98 $ 1,083.02 $ 931.50 $ 730.92 $ 1,056.00 $ 1,505.98 $ 1,340.88 $ 1,942.84 $ 1,832.19 $ 1,151.64 $ 1,264.00 $ 15,458.45
IBC Sales $ 34.75 $ 77.90 $ 102.30 $ 19.76 $ 143.80 $ 182.93 $ 408.90 $ 2,454.02 $ 114.65 $ 337.10 $ 289.26 $ 130.66 $ 4,296.03
ZooMed (Flare ads) $ 285.00 $ 285.00
Donation/Misc $ 28.61 $ 28.61
Show Sanction $ 70.00 $ 140.00 $ 98.72 $ 65.00 $ 39.11 $ 62.53 $ 195.00 $ 117.96 $ 138.72 $ 50.00 $ 25.00 $ 140.00 $ 1,142.04
$ -
Total $ 1,097.25 $ 1,844.88 $ 1,284.04 $ 1,016.26 $ 913.83 $ 1,301.46 $ 2,109.88 $ 3,941.47 $ 2,481.21 $ 2,219.29 $ 1,465.90 $ 1,534.66 $ 21,210.13

EXPENSE
Administrative Expenses
CPA $ 1,005.00 $ 125.00 $ 1,130.00
D&O Insurance $ 981.00 $ 981.00
PayPal Fees $ 35.01 $ 63.59 $ 33.78 $ 26.13 $ 17.15 $ 37.52 $ 59.89 $ 45.98 $ 55.76 $ 64.31 $ 45.20 $ 38.32 $ 522.64
Stripe Fees $ 4.98 $ 3.95 $ 16.33 $ 10.18 $ 10.68 $ 6.33 $ 23.01 $ 12.44 $ 11.07 $ 16.28 $ 115.25
Misc. Admin $ 6.45 $ 145.22 $ 151.67
Show Incentive $ 204.69 $ 204.69
$ -
Membership Committee
Membership Handbooks $ 96.38 $ 168.67 $ 84.33 $ 202.62 $ 79.51 $ 631.51
Membership Shipping/Postage $ 11.55 $ 105.11 $ 45.09 $ 57.50 $ 60.42 $ 63.08 107.45 $ 78.97 $ 75.23 $ 190.69 $ 795.09
Membership Supplies $ 66.73 $ (0.22) 87.51 $ 147.46 $ 84.66 $ 386.14
IBC Sales
Outgoing Product Shipping $ 65.79 $ 44.55 $ 87.32 $ 52.51 $ 51.24 $ 62.28 $ 99.98 $ 41.82 $ 505.49
Incoming Product Shipping $ -
Brine Shrimp Direct $ 1,274.32 $ 1,274.32
ULINE $ 152.96 $ 152.96
Ken's $ 128.97 $ 128.97
Indian Almond Leaves $ -
Your Fish Stuff $ 359.91 $ 99.85 $ 459.76
Big Al's $ -
Webstaurant Store $ 179.96 $ 179.96
Wengco Enterprises $ 192.00 $ 192.00
Aquarium Oddballs $ 785.00 $ 785.00
Office Depot $ -
IBC Sales Supplies $ 59.67 $ 59.67
$ -
4362 (on hand) $ -
Website Expenses
Cantus Firmus LLC (website) $ -
Member Mouse Membership $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 219.45
Lighting Base Hosting $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 29.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 19.95 $ 229.45
Points Website Hosting $ -
Website Plug-Ins $ 69.00 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 15.99 $ 196.92
$ -
Flare! Committee
Flare! Printing (MGX Copy) $ 485.09 $ 202.22 $ 616.81 $ 1,304.12
Flare! Shipping $ 300.00 $ 350.00 $ 650.00
Flare! Supplies $ -
Flare! Editor Stipend $ 104.75 $ 104.75
Awards Committee
Area 1 Year End Awards $ 730.10 $ 730.10
Area 1 Awards Postage $ -
Area 2 Year End Awards $ 242.54 $ 242.54
Area 2 Awards Postage $ -
Name Plates for Previous Year $ 145.70 $ 145.70
Awards Shipping to Recipients $ 323.00 $ 323.00
IBC Special Annual Awards $ -
Convention Expense
Presidents Reception $ -
Ship Recorder $ -
Gene & Jean Lucas Packages $ 350.00 $ 350.00
Ship IBC Store to Convention $ 200.00 $ 200.00
$ -
Research/Grants Awarded
$ 10.00 $ 10.00
TOTAL EXPENSE $ 651.54 $ 419.74 $ 88.66 $ 1,021.58 $ 3,768.75 $ 561.84 $ 568.49 $ 1,985.57 $ 887.33 $ 1,505.88 $ 655.37 $ 1,247.40 $ 13,362.15

Gain/Loss $ 445.71 $ 1,425.14 $ 1,195.38 $ (5.32) $ (2,854.92) $ 739.62 $ 1,541.39 $ 1,955.90 $ 1,593.88 $ 713.41 $ 810.53 $ 287.26

ENDING CASH BALANCE $ 445.71 $ 1,425.14 $ 1,195.38 $ (5.32) $ (2,854.92) $ 739.62 $ 1,541.39 $ 1,955.90 $ 1,593.88 $ 713.41 $ 810.53 $ 287.26

Kayla's advance $ 500.00

Jamie's advance $ 50.00
Kathy's advance $ 300.00 $ 350.00
Stamps.com pre-pay $ 50.00 $ 25.00 $ 100.00 $ 50.00 $ 175.00 $ 85.00 $ 100.00 $ 200.00 $ 50.00
Paypal $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00
Total Cash Balance

Inventory 4362 3744.43

Gene Lucas Fund $ 7,961.10 $ 7,961.37 $ 7,961.64 $ 7,961.90 $ 7,962.17 $ 7,962.43 $ 7,962.71 $ 7,962.98 $7,963.23 $ 7,963.50 $7,963.76

FLARE! 29
 FLARE! Cover from 1968
FLARE! 30
 Help Wanted: FLARE!
Editor Needed!
We are in need of a new full-time FLARE! Editor. If you have the following skills and would like to help the IBC,
please consider becoming our new editor.

Our new Flare! Editor would require the following skillset:

Approximately 20-40 hours per issue to spare. This is an average estimate and can often require more time
(depending on the issue content and committee participation). This time is, however spread out over many
weeks and is not required to be done in one sitting. Organizing the files throughout the two months of an
issue are included. Actual assemblage time depends on how many changes there are from the last issue and
what new submissions for articles, pictures, and shows have come in.

Organizational Skills. A great deal of the work in FLARE! is keeping track of incoming submissions.
Analytical skill. We get numerous different files from many talented people. In addition to keeping track of
everything, they all have to fit into the FLARE! framework.

A knowledge of the English Language. While our membership in the IBC is from all over the world, the bulk
of our files and information are still currently in English. (We do accept and encourage submissions in other
languages for articles and show information!)

Word Processing Skills. Flare! must be put together as a coherent whole, which involves knowing the software
you’re using and how to work with it.

What is involved in putting together a FLARE!?

Soliciting articles and photos (99% of the time, they won’t just appear in the lead up to publication).
Proof-reading the articles and submissions (they’re not always print-ready, some copy-editing will be required).
Getting the required information from the various IBC members (A list of all required elements for the FLARE!
will be provided – you just have to make sure it all gets in, which often requires emails and follow-ups).
Putting everything gathered together in print-ready format (I’ve also put together a file for this as there are
multiple items that have to be considered in a publication).

Posting a web-quality color version pdf of the FLARE on the Official IBC Website (with the assistance of the
WebTeam).

FLARE! comes out quarterly and we have to get the information to the printer usually about two weeks before
publication. This is particularly important for any Judging Board changes to show seasons and for the elections
before convention.

For Software, technically, any FLARE! Editor can use what they like to get the job done. Traditionally, we gener-
ally stay inside the larger commercially available programs so that others can quickly take over if needed, no
training required.

Adobe InDesign. The main portion of the newsletter is currently compiled in inDesign. It’s a common program
that editors have been able to use fairly easily. Current version preferred, however previous versions can also
be used without too many problems.

Microsoft Excel. We don’t use Excel directly in FLARE!, however a great many of our files come in with Excel
(show results, membership and judges lists, etc) and we need to be able to open and work with them. Open
Office and Google Sheets will probably work as well.

Adobe Acrobat Professional. This is a requirement so that we can send publication-quality pdfs to the printer.
Also required for creating the ballots each year. There are other software programs that can do publication-
quality pdfs, however make sure they really are publication quality and that you also have the ability to manip-
ulate within the pdf. (Covers are pdf’d separately from content, and they need to be combined at the end.)
Adobe Illustrator and/or Photoshop or other professional quality picture software. We need to be able to ma-
nipulate and work with the photos that members send in. Also, the cover is usually of such high quality that it
is done separately from the rest of the newsletter (file is too large otherwise).
FLARE! 31
 Word Search

Would you like to see your

picture on the cover of the
next FLARE!
If so submit your pictures to
FlareEditor@IBCBettas.org

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Alpha Betta Chapter Fall 2018 IBC International Show

Show Date: October 27 & 28th, 2018

Show Chair: Tiffany Lamb (psevents87@yahoo.com)

Location: Hampton Inn Atlanta/Newnan

50 Hampton Way, Newnan, GA 30265
Phone: (770) 253-9922

Mail Entries To: Andrew Burkle (andrewburkle@

gmail.com)
238 Legacy Lane Newnan, GA 30265
678-590-7031

Judges: Paul and Aurelia Ogles

Show Fish: **IMPORTANT** IBC members: pre-register your fish!!! This includes
auction fish! We will NOT accept fish from IBC members that have not been
preregistered. Member fish that are not pre-registered will be returned to sender, if
postage is provided, or considered a donation to the club, if no postage is included.
Pre -registration is due by October 24th at 9:00 P. M. (Please send in earlier if pos-
sible. We have a new show chair.) No corrections will be accepted after 12:00 P.M.,
October 25th. Please send preregistration to Tiffany Lamb at psevents87@yahoo.
com .

Registration forms and current class lists (Area 1) may be found here:
https://www.ibcbettas.org/upcoming-shows/show-forms-and-files/

Mail-in entries must arrive by end of day, Friday, October 26

th, 2018. ABC will need to receive with your fish your completed entry form,
return label and postage, fees (in cash unless pre-paid), heat packs (if desired), and
bags for both return fish and auction fish.

Fees or return postage will not be taken out of auction proceeds. Any entries that
don’t include return postage will be considered a donation to the club.

Walk Ins: All walk-in Entries MUST be pre-registered and must arrive no later
than 10:00 am on Saturday, October 27th. Unless prior arrangements have been
made with the show chairs all walk in entrants must bench their fish and re-bag at
the end of the show.

Volunteers: Volunteers are welcome to assist in set up, during the judging process,
with the auctions and raffles, and with the takedown on Sunday. Please consider
joining us at the show!

Entry Fees: Entry fees are $2.00 for singles, $3.00 for pairs for IBC members, $4.00
for singles, $5 for pairs for non-IBC members. Please send fees as a gift through
PayPal to: alphabettachapterabc@yahoo.com. Fees may be sent with fish in cash
only. No checks.

Auction only: In addition to show fish, entrants may send a maximum of 10

Auction only fish. Auction only fish must be marked on your entry form. If not
otherwise specified the minimum bid on all auction fish will start at $5.00.

Breeder’s Cup: PLEASE consider donating a pair of fish for the Breeder’s Cup. The
club is fundraising to make and buy its own show stands and beanies. ABC will be
raffling off pairs donated by entrants as part of a Breeder’s Cup. The entrant whose
pair sells the most tickets will win 50% of the pot.

Money Splits: Show fish for auction 75% seller/ 25% ABC Auction
Only/Cash sales 50% seller/ 50% ABC

**Please note on your auction/cash items what you want done if items do not sell.
Each item should be clearly marked either “Return” (include return Postage) or
“Donation” (items that do not sell can be donated to ABC).**

FLARE! 37
 First Coast Bettas
Chapter of the International Betta Congress
Area 1 International Sanctioned Betta Show
Friday, October. 12, 2018
3PM-7PM Show set-up

Saturday, October 13, 2018

FCB 11AM-4PM Show open to the
public for free
Walk-ins welcome until 11AM,
Entry fee $2. Per fish
12PM Judging Begins.

If visitors want, there will be a continuous slide

presentation on Saturday describing these species of
fish and how there are maintained in the home as well
as breeding practices and techniques.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center Auction begins at 12 Noon:
Visitors will be able to acquire show quality
2750 Park Trail Ln.
Bettas at very reasonable prices.
Clearwater, FL 33759-2602
Breakdown of show follows auction

For park information and directions to the facility go to:

http://www.clearwater-fl.com/gov/depts/parksrec/facilities/mlnp.asp

Recommended hotel: Clarion Inn and Suites,

20967 Us Highway 19 N, Clearwater FL 33765 : 1-844-663-2269

Mail-ins must arrive by Thursday, October 11, 2018 To help the show committee
please send a copy of your
Send to: Bill Little (blittle1942@gmail.com) registration as an attachment
3079 Branch Dr to aureliao@aol.com.
Clearwater 33760-1741 Forms for walk-in entries will
Tel. 727-530-0928 be available at the show site.
Mark boxes: Please hold at Post Office
Make checks out to: Aurelia Ogles Awards: Plaques for
Or Paypal friends option: BOS, RBOS,
aureliaogles@gmail.com Certificates for Best
Entry fee $2. per fish for IBC Members of Variety and
$3. per fish for non-IBC Members individual classes.

FLARE! 38
 IBC Code of Ethics
The IBC welcomes everyone who is interested in bettas, whether new at owning and/or raising betta or an old pro that
has raised thousands. The IBC feels there is room for all betta enthusiasts, young or old, new or experienced, individuals,
families, team or commercial breeder.

The IBC is a club of individuals, families, teams, and commercial breeders who support the keeping, breeding, and or the
showing of betta bred by members, the research into the genetics of the betta, and support of the preservation of the wild
species through the Species Maintenance Program.

All Judges, Officials and Members are representatives of the IBC, and of the betta hobby. As such, all members of the IBC
shall agree to act honorably in their pursuit of the betta hobby. In betta related ventures, members shall strive to promote
the hobby; they shall embody the virtues of sportsmanship and esteem.

All members shall conduct themselves to reflect credit on the betta hobby in the general and the IBC in particular. This
includes respect for the IBC, affiliated chapters, and for fellow betta breeders and enthusiasts.

Conduct shall be directed toward educating the public, improving one’s own knowledge and demonstrating integrity. Ac-
tions should complement the IBC’s goal of promoting betta breeding and showing.

Members should take care to be good representatives at show sites, national/international conventions, on internet forums
and lists, and other social media that is in any way related to the betta hobby.

Should a member behave in a manner contrary to the above, bringing discredit to the IBC or affiliated IBC Chapter, or
causing strife to other members, a complaint may be lodged with the Executive Board using the IBC Complaint Process.

It is the policy of the IBC that members who sell, trade or give bettas to others must represent the description of the betta
in a proper manner so as to assure that the buyers, consumers or recipients are not misled. An intentional misrepresenta-
tion would be a violation of the IBC policy and Code of Ethics.

Moreover, it is the policy of the IBC that when bettas are entered in a show, the fish should be raised and bred by the
entrant or exhibitor unless clearly stated otherwise. Failure to comply with this policy would be contrary to the IBC Show
Standards.

The IBC does not participate in the fighting of fish for any reason and does not condone the fighting of bettas by others;
nor does it support any individual or organization that does.

The International Betta Congress expects all members to conduct transactions with all parties in a responsible, fair and
ethical manner in all business dealings concerning the purchase and sale of betta stock and supplies. While we hope that all
disputes be amicably resolved among the parties, the Congress, however, is not an enforcement agency for the transaction
of betta stock and/or supplies– nor can the IBC mediate disputes involving members or any individuals over said transac-
tions.

In the interest of fairness, the IBC does not endorse individual business enterprises and does not allow the promotion of
those enterprises in posts on the IBC weblist, whether they are personal testimonials or commercial advertisements.

The IBC believes that if all members abide by these simple guidelines we will have a happy, fun and stimulating club.

FLARE! 39
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SEE IN
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EMAIL
FLAREEDITOR@IBCBETTAS.ORG

INTERNATIONAL BETTA CONGRESS

10408 E. Cloudcroft Dr.
Hereford, AS 85615
USA

FLARE! 40