A. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
ZOOWERNER, 152 NYMPHENBURGER STRASSE, MUNICH
Importer of ornamental fish since 1948. The first to have imported fish from Zaire in 1955. Activity curtailed in recent years due to illness then death of founder and owner. Now expanding under the son's management, and moving to new roomy quarters (900 tanks, capacity projected 130 000/150 000 litres). Old and financially sound business. Sells in southeast Federal Republic of Germany and Austria.
TAGIS AQUARIUM, 67 ROSTSTADTERSTRASSE, DREIEICH-SPRENDLINGEN
One of the most important dealers in Federal Republic of Germany, specialist in imports of African Rift Lake cichlids, for about 10 years. Imports from all countries in Africa which export fishes. Also a very big dealer in Asian, South American and marine species. Imports more than 1 000 boxes of ornamental fishes a month. Although his capacity is already 900 tanks (180 000 litres) is adding new facilities. Sells in central and southern Federal Republic of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, the Benelux countries and exports also to Japan.
AQUARIUM RIO, WALDSTRASSE 141, KELSTERBACH
A specialist and for a time sole importer from direct sources from South America. Imports also from West Africa, but likely not to be interested in Lake Nyasa cichlids (although the firm tries to have Lake Tanganyika cichlids on a small scale). 750 tanks (capacity 140 000 1). Sells in central Republic of Germany, Japan, Italy, Switzerland and California.
M. DREIER, EISVOGELWEG 1, DORTMUND-BERGHOFEN
(Probably the largest importer in Europe today)
Imports regularly from all sources in Asia, South America, West Africa, Rift Lakes. Marine fishes from the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean. At present 950 odd-sized tanks (capacity 150 000 litres), are moving to a new facility with 2 000 tanks (capacity in excess of 300 000 litres) costing more than DM 1 million 1.
1 Exchange: US$ 1.00 = DM 1.94 (December 1979)
This firm has been in business since before the first world war; and has dealt continuously with African fishes since 1957. The only firm interviewed in Federal Republic of Germany which at one time imported from Mozambique. Has provided valuable information, including a price list, on these previous contacts and future prospects. Sells in central and western parts of the country and extensively in Benelux.
B. SWEDEN
MALAWI-TANGANYIKA IMPORTS, 5C VASTRA VAGEN, SOLNA
Has been specializing in imports from Africa, and especially the Rift Lake cichlids. Started direct imports of the Lake Nyasa cichlids in Scandinavian countries.
Very modern facilities include 400 tanks entirely devoted to African fishes (80 000 litres). Is expanding in marine reef fishes. Sells in the Scandinavian countries, including now Finland).
C. UNITED KINGDOM
THE ARC AQUATIC CENTER, HIGH STREET, BARMLEY, GUILFORD (SURREY)
Managed by the first ornamental fish exporter of Lake Nyasa cichlids (from the Republic of
Malawi)
Started importing fishes from the Rift Lakes about 4 years ago. Is also importing now from Southeast Asia. About 200 tanks (capacity 40 000 litres). Was important to interview because of his extensive knowledge of collecting and marketing Lake Nyasa cichlids. His views were also interesting as they threw some light on the collecting which was done from Mozambique.
D. BELGIUM
GOOD EXOTIC, 11 PRINSENDREEF, EEKEREN
One of the two main importers in Belgium. Is now curtailing his activities in the generalized trade and specializing in temperate marine fishes and aquatic plants. No longer interested in African fishes.
AQUARIA ANTWERP, 90 BARON DE BORREKENS LAAN, AARTSELAAR
One of the three or four major importers of ornamental fish in Europe, still expanding and building additional buildings. More than 1 000 tanks (capacity approximately 400 000 litres). 20 employees. The only importer in the western world to have a fulltime biologist on his staff.
Importing ornamental fish from every source, both freshwater and marine including all exporting countries in Africa (Zaire, Nigeria, Burundi, Malawi). Known to be exporting to the Benelux countries, France and United Kingdom, with a very systematic and aggressive marketing policy.
Note: In addition to the above-mentioned importers, chosen because of their previous experience in African ornamental fish, their size and share of national and European markets and compatibility, a number of retailers, in Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden and Belgium were also visited, to check on the stocks of ornamental fish they offered for sales and eventual comments on the African Rift Lake cichlids and especially Lake Nyasa species.
