It’s happening again!

Logo courtesy of John Alex Tylor
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
If you missed last year’s, you definitely won’t want to miss this year’s Mammoth Cave Aquarium Expo on May 7th and 8th from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. CST at the Cave City Convention Center in Cave City, Kentucky.
The event creator JP Merlo owner/operator of the Kentucky Fish and Tank Rescue (KFTR) hopes to host two shows this year. A spring and fall expo!
“We were blown away by the excitement and interest of the first expo in 2021,” said JP adding that, “it exceeded our wildest expectations!”
“Last year we invited the whole country, this year we’re inviting the whole world,” announced Merlo. “Folks came from all over and we’re watching the live streams all the way from the UK.”
The 2022 spring expo is expected to have some new elements such as a kid’s zone and live music this year.
As with last year, there will be various vendors offering freshwater and saltwater fish, tanks, various types of aquarium equipment, coral frags and coral-related accessories, and of course some of the best advice from the people who know the hobby well.
Last year the reptile area was a big hit and this year it’s on schedule to be even bigger and better, “Paul’s Cool Scales is a big help when it comes to the reptile stuff and really educates the crowd,” stated Merlo.
“Big Rich from the Ohio Fish Rescue is our special guest YouTuber again this year,” said Merlo. “A big thank you goes out to the platinum sponsors who make this event possible: Elite Hardscapes, the Cave City Tourism & Convention Commission, Mammoth Cave Remodeling, Merlo Enterprises, and The Kentucky Fish and Tank Rescue to name a few.”
“Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated volunteers at the Rescue. I simply couldn’t do it without them,” noted Merlo.
The Kentucky Fish and Tank Rescue is creating a global network of like-hearted fish rescues all cooperating to make the hobby fun for everyone while keeping fish species safe.
The KFTR not only rescues fish and reptiles but also spends much of its time and resources on educating the public on responsible animal husbandry.
Vendors, breeders, and hobbyists are all welcome. Booth space is still available for anyone who has fish, reptiles, birds, or any other type of animal or associated products. We are always looking for shrimp, guppy, or discus breeders. Saltwater experts and reptile enthusiasts are always needed.
If you would like more information you can contact jpmerlo@yahoo.com or at http://www.thekentuckyfishandtankrescue.com.
Help get the word out by liking subscribing, and sharing these links:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/kentuckyfishrescue/
Twitter : #kyfishrescue #aquarium #aquariumhobby #fishfun
YouTube link: https://youtube.com/channel/UCD4XmzKam25odHMZz-vnsAA

Just one of the fish breeds at the KFTR is the Nimbochromis venustus, commonly called venustus hap or giraffe hap. Photo courtesy of aqua-latvia.com

Axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) is an amphibian that can regenerate lost limbs. Photo courtesy of Facebook