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General Meeting: July 11, 2026

The Synodontis Cats

Rich Bireley

There is a fish that fits in most fresh water aquariums that everybody loves and that are the small cats. They come in so many colors and patterns. At this meeting, one of our founding fathers of the PCCA will be presenting, Mr. Rich Bireley.

Rich’s Bio:

I have been an avid aquarist my whole life. When I was much younger, I had a full head of dark hair and good joints. Now I have little hair on my head and could really use new hips.

I have had fish rooms since the mid-90s, generally focused on keeping and breeding cichlids. I have been a regular member of the American Cichlid Association (ACA) since the early 1980s and am a life member of the Pacific Coast Cichlid Association (PCCA), the San Francisco Aquarium Society (SFAS), and the Sacramento Aquarium Society (SAS). I served on the ACA BOD in the early 90s and am currently the Chair of the ACA.

I helped with planning the 1995 ACA convention hosted in San Jose by the PCCA and was the SAS president and speaker chair for the 2007 ACA convention when the SAS was the host club. In conclusion, I think fish are fascinating and I have lots of favorites.

This talk will be about a family of fish that has crept up on most people; I keep some, but we think of them as tank mates for others…The Synodontis Cats!

Note: When visiting us at the meeting at Parktown Pizza, you are entitled to 15% off your pizza and Happy Hour beer prices by simply mentioning you are with our club on the day of the meeting, so make sure you jump on that deal.

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Get here early and get your pizza and drink and remember to mention that you are a PCCA member and you get 15% off the food and Happy Hour Beer pricing. See ya Saturday!