These include the cultivation of aquatic animals or plants in aquariums and ponds, husbandry of aquarium animals or plants, and the use of aquariums for the study or display of aquatic animals and plants.

To undertake systematic habitat surveys to develop a body of knowledge relating to the distribution of native fishes and to maintain the integrity of species and local forms.

To inform the community and appropriate agencies of knowledge gained through such investigations.

Provide access to expertise on aquarium keeping and native fishes.

Promote a friendly, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for members and those interested in the native freshwater fishes of Australia and New Guinea, and encourage participation by all members.

ANGFA (Qld) considers the preservation and integrity of the freshwater fishes of Australia and New Guinea as one of the association's important principals.

History
ANGFA (Qld) began in late 1982 with the first 'official' meeting held in early 1983. Meetings were organised for the last Friday of each month to be held at different members' homes on a rotating schedule. However, at a later meeting it was decided that if this young organisation was to grow it would have to have a permanent meeting place, so the group moved into its first public location at the Sherwood State School, with meetings held bi-monthly.

Membership was offered to any person with an interest in the fishes of Australia and New Guinea. Habitat surveying was to be a major part of the groups' activities as it was believed that much more information was needed on our native fishes. Attempts were made to attract regular speakers to the meetings on subjects as diverse as biology, ecology, conservation and the practical aspects of aquariculture.

In the latter part of 1984 we became a founding member of the newly formed Queensland Federation of Aquarium Societies (QFAS) and in April 1985, we had our first public display at the "Hobby and Trade Show" held at the Chandler Sports Complex. Membership increased slowly and by the end of 1985 there were only around 20 members. ANGFA (Qld) continued to grow, never missing the opportunity to promote itself and the native fish hobby and today we number well over 100.

In June 1985 the first official newsletter was produced and was welcomed by the general membership. The newsletter has regular articles on club news, breeding, feeding, keeping, habitat surveys and book reviews. The publication of a regular newsletter in the intervening months with bi-monthly meetings has been a major factor contributing to the success story of ANGFA (Qld).

The Sherwood State School continued to be our official meeting place, but because of increasing membership, it became obvious that we would have to move to larger quarters. In February 1989 a new location was found and meetings moved to the Nundah Municipal Library. However, this location was quickly outgrown and in June 1989, another move was made to our present location at the Bar-Jai clubrooms in Clayfield.

In February 1990, ANGFA (Qld) became incorporated, thus another chapter was written into ANGFA (Qld) history. Also in that same year we were sponsors of the third national ANGFA Conference in Brisbane. 1992-1993 were also historic years - attendances at the bi-monthly meetings continued to increase and field trips which have become a regular feature of ANGFA (Qld) were well attended. Highlights were the "Pet and Hobby Expo", where members' efforts were rewarded by winning the coveted "Best Club Display" for two consecutives years. The passage of time has seen ANGFA (Qld) consolidate its position as a significant native fish group in Queensland and all elements are in place for its continuing success.

Today, there is a growing group of people with one common interest - collecting, documenting, studying, displaying, breeding and maintaining the native freshwater species of Australia and New Guinea.

You too can discover the pleasures of collecting, keeping, breeding and studying the native freshwater fishes of Australia and New Guinea by becoming a member of ANGFA (Qld).